THIRTY
Rosamond looked like she wanted to leap over the fire and plant her fist in his face, Siward decided. But her court manners were too ingrained for her to do anything so uncouth.
"So that I can be your bed toy instead?" she demanded.
In his dreams. "If you wish, or I could be yours." Hastily, he continued, "At least consider it. Not a single man on the Council would question your right to be queen if you are my wife. Save your strength for what is truly important, instead of arguing with stubborn old men. If you care about your people and freeing the kingdom from the Wall so we can rejoin the outside world again, help me. Stand at my side so we can both lead our people into the future."
She looked thoughtful. "Why?"
Because he'd never met a woman he desired more, for both her
