Page 53 of The Desert King's Spy (Magic and Kings 2)

“And what reputation do you have?”

“What makes you think I have one?”

“Because you’re too clever to be a nobody.”

A compliment that also burned. I’d never be somebody because of who I’d chosen to be.

I turned from him and tried to shift the conversation. “Your potential wives were gravely disappointed by your lack of appearance at dinner tonight.”

“I really don’t care.”

“You should. I noticed two new ones have arrived. One bursts into tears too easily, but the other seemed nice enough.”

“I am not marrying any of them,” he growled. “And stop changing the subject.”

“Actually, I’m a little confused. You know there’s a menace facing your kingdom, one that requires your attention, and yet all of a sudden, you decided to interview potential brides.”

“Not me, my councilors. They wouldn’t stop nagging until I agreed.”

“Wait, you mean you actually have no intention of marrying?”

“Like I said before, I will when I’m ready.” He grimaced. “How is it I always end up telling you too much?”

I held up my hands. “Don’t blame me for being easy to speak to. And it’s not a potion either.”

“So you claim, and yet your very presence is like a drug.” Words he muttered aloud, and I had to wonder if he’d meant to or not.

“Then I’ll leave so as to not bother you.”

“I never said you could depart.” His mood shifted.

“Making me your prisoner?” My heart thumped. My disguise would start to fade soon. I had to go before that happened and he realized his spy was from his own city. I didn’t think he’d look kindly on what he’d consider treason.

“A prisoner would be in a cell. You get to stay in this room.”

“You can’t do this.”

“Oh yes I can.” He tipped my chin. “You can try and convince me otherwise if you’d like.”

That expression in his eyes did things to me that tingled and shivered. I licked my lips. “I’m not a whore.”

“Pity.” He turned to leave.

“Where are you going?”

“Sorry, spy. That’s not something you need to know.”

I clasped my hands as the whole plan skewed sideways. “What will happen to me?”

“I haven’t decided yet. Now if you’ll excuse me, your uncle is in the hall waiting to share a few drinks.”

“What happened to torturing him?”

“Arrest an allied queen’s father and start a war? That wouldn’t be too smart, now would it?”

“You think you’re so clever.”

“Because I am,” said just as he closed the door, leaving me simmering.