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“Peace,” he answered. “It is the same plan we shall share with every kingdom we visit. These are peace accords, and my goal is a benevolent coexistence.” He sat up in his chair, his long hair tied back. He’d donned a white silk shirt tucked into black leather pants, yet was still wearing teeth and bones around his neck. Polonius looked every bit a warlord, despite his grooming.

“And what price are you demanding for this peace?” I tried to breathe through my anger. “How am I a part of it?”

“As long as you learn to love me, Aria, I will allow their kingdoms to thrive as they have without threat of Crypt Claw invasion or discontinuation of their crimson pitaya trade. We know that with Onyx Rah, my access to the fruit will increase and topple power in my favor. As long as you remain a loyal and dutiful wife, I shall not wage war against any territory in Tobran.” He sat back in his chair calmly, as if he hadn’t just detonated me.

“Why do you need me to be a wife to you when all you want ar