THIRTY-ONE
"Once again, I must remind you, Princess. Your husband is dead, and I am the only man you will ever see again. Will you finally accept me as your new husband?" Gwandoya asked.
Maram shook her head. "I cannot marry as long as I am in mourning. It is not seemly for me to take a new husband so soon."
"Who is there to know, or care? We are alone here!" Gwandoya snapped.
"As long as my late husband's shade haunts me, unable to find peace in the place where he was murdered, I cannot think to replace him."
Gwandoya jumped to his feet. "A pox on your husband's shade. Would that he were still alive, so that I might kill him more slowly, for he is such a thorn in my side that he deserves pain in equal measure!" He gestured for Amani. "I have had enough. Send me back to the city."
