Renouncing the Emperor's Heart

One thing you'll always have (Part II)

Fear rippled through her.

Richard was cold and callous and ruthless, but she never thought he was capable of real harm. So, why was her pulse racing at the menace in his tone?

As he pulled her along with a firm hold, the unbearable instinct to escape him twisted her arm until she was shaking off his touch. When he let go, Jovine cradled her hand, her body swaying from a terrible disquiet that rooted her on the spot.

Swiveling around with a look of frustration, Richard moved to surge into her again when he froze. A look of morbid realization flooded his eyes before he stumbled back away from her.

"Damn it, Jovine. Don't look at me like that," he faltered. "I'd never hurt you."

Through the fog of abating distress, Jovine couldn't help but meet his stung gaze with disbelief. "You'd never hurt me?"

Was he truly heartless enough to ignore their affliction?

Hurt was embedded in their marriage like a poisoned thorn that shredded and maimed. Perhaps he'd never inflict bodily harm, but there were pains that never stemmed from blood but misery instead.

By the way he avoided her eyes, he understood her implication but refused to address it. Instead, he redirected his focus to the covered glass table.

Stalking over with a new uncertainty waning the anger that had permeated him before, he lifted the silver cloche to unveil what looked to be an extensively prepared dinner.

He sighed in exasperation, looking more wary than angered. "I'm asking for a meal. Can you handle that much?"

An immediate frown dented her brows. He was acting with unprecedented notions and that unnerved her the most. "I'm not hungry."

"Sit down, Jovine," Richard muttered. "You look as if you've barely taken care of yourself, much less taken a proper meal. You look terrible."

"You look worse than I do."

His lips twitched. "I can't argue with that. Now, stop arguing with me and sit down. It's the least you could do when you've kept me waiting this long. "

He waited by a chair, gesturing for her to seat herself. When she remained still, staring back at him with distrust, a muscle feathered at his jaw.

"I know you only showed because you need something from me. Would you rather I call for you again tomorrow?"

No, she wouldn't.

Shaking herself out of the dread that had overcome her, Jovine reluctantly seated herself on the cushioned chaise. She wanted nothing more than to leave him to his temper, but there were matters more important than his volatile dramatics. She would get him to agree to her proposition, retreat to her chambers, take a hot bath, and settle in bed for an early night.

She could use a good night's sleep for once.

Richard perched a warm blanket over her bare shoulders before settling across the table. With the growing nip to the evening air, Jovine couldn't refuse the warmth and huddled into the soft fabric. She ignored the pleased hum that sounded across from her.

As he started piling small cream sandwiches and a handful of plump, ruby strawberries onto a large porcelain plate, Jovine began. "Our host for Visea —"

He stopped her with a click of his tongue, placing the crammed plate in front of her. "Eat first. Then, we'll talk."

"I told you, I'm not hungry."

"Eat, Jovine."

"I am not here for a social call."

"Just eat," he sighed. "Please."