He moved his gaze over my hair, which was still piled atop my head, and then to the cosmetics undisturbed upon my eyes and cheeks. He sniffed at me like a dog, and a smirk spread across his face. “I see the king does not want another foolish girl,” he said quietly. “Not even for a night.” “You would do well to keep your words sweet, Parsha, or you will soon be eating them.” “My father sent Halannah to sate the king’s hunger yesterday,” he said quietly. “She has never left these chambers without some sign of the king’s touch.” I did not like the thought of the king lying with Halannah, but if she had satisfied him enough that he was able to go all night without touching me as deeply as he wanted to, then she had helped make me queen. I heard someone rushing up behind me. “I am to take you to the queen’s chambers, Your Majesty, and to serve as one of your personal escort.” Parsha’s beautiful eyes were not so beautiful as they bulged from their sockets. His mouth twitched but no words came out.
