The sound of his chair pushing back reached her even before she could turn her head to see him getting to his feet. He rounded the table and was at her elbow in seconds. Sarea watched as the king leveled an angry glare on Jesso. Then he held out his hand to her. “You will come with me,” he commanded her. “But…we have not eaten,” she said in confusion. “I see you would prefer Jesso’s company to mine, but I must insist.” She looked to Jesso who was looking at the king with amusement. He was unfazed by the king’s temper. Yet it was clear what was wrong. The king had seen Jesso touch her, had seen them talking with their heads together and now he was…was… Jealous? Could he actually be jealous? Over her? And just what did he think she would do? Give to Jesso that which she had denied him all along? What did that make her in his eyes? Her temper sparked as she stuck her hand into his and let him pull her to her feet.
