Prince's Fire by Amy Raby Read Free Book Online Page B

not be as enticing as some women. But I’m sensible, and I know what to expect from this type of marriage, and what not to expect. I have a mathematical treatise I’m working on, and will probably write another when it’s finished. I don’t ask for much. Only a quiet space where I can continue my work.”
    Rayn’s forehead wrinkled. “You just want to work on your treatise?”
    â€œI’ll give you heirs, of course. I realize that will involve some . . . physical activities.” Nervous, she licked her lips. In truth, she was looking forward to the physical activities, even if he didn’t like her much.
    â€œThat’s all you want? Sex and time to work on your treatise?”
    Her cheeks warmed. “Yes.”
    â€œAre you suggesting that I take lovers on the side? Because that doesn’t sound like much of a marriage to me.”
    â€œWell . . . that would not be my preference,” she admitted.
    â€œNo wife of mine will take lovers on the side,” said Rayn.
    â€œI cannot see myself being so tempted,” said Celeste. “Think it over. And stop avoiding me; I don’t have the pox.”
    â€œI apologize,” said Rayn.
    Celeste’s hands shook. She rose to her feet. “Perhaps we can talk more later, once you’ve had a chance to mull this over.”
    â€œWe’ll talk more later, yes,” said Rayn.
    Celeste turned and headed for the door.
    â€œPrincess,” called Rayn.
    She turned.
    â€œPardon me for saying so, but I believe you do yourself a disservice,” said Rayn. “You should expect more from your marriage partner.”
    â€œWhat I want and what I can reasonably expect are two different things.” She left his cabin, standing as straight and proud as she could manage, hoping he wouldn’t notice her trembling.

6
    R ayn stood on the quarterdeck, enjoying a beautiful, star-studded evening. He couldn’t stop thinking about the Kjallan princess and the conversation they’d had in his cabin. Given whose daughter she was and how she’d been raised, he’d expected arrogance. Demands. His country was no match for Kjall militarily; if the Kjallans chose to make an issue of it, they could force this “alliance” on him.
    But Celeste was not what he’d expected. He sensed that she didn’t think much of herself or her merits as a marriage partner. This was the daughter of mass murderer Florian?
    For now, she was leaving him alone, no doubt giving him the space she’d promised so that he could think about what she’d proposed. He had promised they would talk again. He wasn’t ready to make a decision on the marriage—he couldn’t imagine allying himself to Florian’s family—but he was curious about her and eager to learn more.
    Zoe, sadly, had not given up. She’d finagled her way onto the ship—she always managed to do that; for a woman who was inept at many things, she was shockingly competent at sticking close to him. He kept telling her off, sending her away. And she kept coming back.
    Lornis slipped to his side, wearing his customary disapproving glare.
    â€œWhat have I done this time?” said Rayn.
    â€œYou said you’d talk to the princess,” said Lornis.
    â€œI intend to.”
    Lornis’s brows rose. “Have you made a decision?”
    â€œAbout marriage?” Rayn laughed.
    â€œThere’s nothing funny about this,” said Lornis. “This marriage would help you politically. And you heard what she said—she’s not asking much of you.”
    â€œShe should ask for more.” He’d heard the pain in her voice as she’d proposed a politically expedient marriage of birthing heirs and writing treatises. Who had hurt her before, to make her say such things? Why was she so eager to throw herself into a loveless marriage?
    He’d kept a surreptitious eye on her since the moment