115

Princess Yeri.

“This is not a marriage.”

“This is not a marriage.” Magnus repeats to me and I exhale, loud enough for him to hear.

“We are mates.” I whisper, raising my eyes to look at him.

“Yes, I read that in your letter.” Magnus notes.

“Good. So, it is a bond.” I claim.

“A bond? I stand to be corrected but that man hates you. I felt it in his voice, I saw it in his eyes…tell me, has he forced himself on you?—”

“If he did, he would be dead.” I hiss, rising on my feet while he stays seated.

“So, what did he do?” Magnus asks and I stare back at him in shock.

“Are you mad? What sort of a question are you asking me? He made me submit under him! He took me away from our kingdom.” I spit.

“I know but neither you nor him discussed any of that in my presence. The only thing I heard was him being a dog and you being a—”

“I can’t even utter it, mercy!” Magnus cautions. “It was a lovers quarrel in there—”

“Ozar and I are not lovers.” I say, raising a finger in the air.

“Then, what are you?” Ma