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“Would you like to tell me about another of your adventures?”
“What? No.”
He put a hand on his knee, and his gold ring drew my attention. “May I ask, sir, about your ring? What is that spiral marking?”
An expression of amazement crossed his face. “Surely you know the spiral symbol of the great Sea God?”
I shook my head. “I have heard his name, but I know nothing more. We were raised in the tradition of the Goddess.”
“Old-fashioned nonsense,” he said. “It’s only a matter of time before the Imperator brings all the corners of the Empire into the modern era, even this decadent city.”
He lapsed into silence again.
His quiet tension made me nervous. I strained to keep the conversion going. “Speaking of the Empire, my lord, I’ve been thinking about the idea that we might travel together. Perhaps we could go as far as the southern sea? I would love to see the ocean.”
He ran his hands through his curly hair and looked up at the ceiling. He let out a deep sigh. “You know, I find this process exhausting.”
“Sir?”
“These endless dinners, quiet talks. The entertainment. The cajoling and persuading. The promises. As though there was any doubt about how it’s all going to end.” He leaned forward. “It’s all a game, isn’t it? Your false modesty, my offers of travel—all just part of the pageant.”
My heart sank as understanding dawned. How had I allowed myself to imagine the possibility?
He pinched the bridge of his nose. “Anna, I’m tired of this ritual. I can’t stay here in the mountains forever. I have an estate to manage back at home. This has been charming, but it’s time for me to reap the reward for my week of patience. I’ve done all that is required of me.”
His chair was only a foot from my own. He reached out suddenly and gripped my chin between his thumb and forefinger. “Don’t look at me with that vacant expression. There’s only one adventure we’re going to have together, and I’d like to go ahead and have it.”
His grip on my jaw made it difficult to speak. “I don’t think this is how we’re supposed to—”
He stood, drawing me up with him. “What a lot of fuss and ceremony over a simple transaction. It must be clear to you what I want.” He dropped his hand and touched my bare shoulder.
My heart beat in a sudden panic. His hungry expression frightened me. I reached for a distraction.
“I wonder, sir, at you and the Archidux Sebastianus both being here in Corlivo for the tirae bidding. What an odd coincidence, given your history.”
He stilled, hand outstretched. His eyes narrowed to slits. “What on earth causes you to mention his name at this moment? Are you telling me you favor him? That he is going to claim the prize I have been patiently waiting for?”
I groped for the arm of the chair as though it could offer some protection from his fierce glare. “I didn’t mean to suggest a preference. I have no say at all in the bidding process.”
He pointed a slim finger at me. “I don’t believe you.”
“You will need to speak with the matron. I don’t decide anything for myself.”
He pinched my arm. “I don’t want to talk to the matron. I want to hear from you, and then I’d like you to go and tell her which of us you choose. I’m tired of waiting.”
“I don’t get to choose,” I whispered.
“I don’t intend to be outbid by him.” His cheeks were flushed. He let go of my shoulder and rubbed his hands together. “In fact, I should have a look right now. Undo your tunic in the front. I should get to see what I’m bidding for.”
My throat felt tight. “I’m not allowed to.”
“I’m paying good money to be here. Don’t look at me that way. Open your tunic.”
He stepped closer and pulled down the fabric of my tunic until my breasts were exposed. I tried to cover myself with my arms, but he knocked them back roughly. “Stop that. Let me look at you.”
“No, please.”
He whirled me around and pushed me over the back of the chair. I felt him sliding my garment up over my legs, his hands caressing the back of my thighs. I could hear his rapid breathing.
