Chapter 46 — Husband
Alexander’s first morning as a married man began peacefully.
That should have made him suspicious.
Sunlight entered through the windows.
The palace was unusually quiet after the previous night’s celebration.
Amara was standing near the balcony doors, still in her robe, looking at the gardens below.
Alexander watched her.
“My wife.”
She turned.
“My husband.”
He smiled.
“I like that.”
“So do I.”
For several minutes, everything remained perfect.
Then Alexander made a mistake.
“Come back to bed.”
Amara raised an eyebrow.
Alexander immediately understood.
“That sounded like an order.”
“Yes.”
“I did not intend it as one.”
“No?”
“No.”
Amara folded her arms.
Alexander corrected himself.
“Would my beautiful wife perhaps consider returning to bed?”
“Better.”
“Please?”
“Much better.”
She walked toward him.
Alexander looked relieved.
“You are learning.”
“I have had extensive training.”
Amara stopped beside the bed.
“Alexander?”
“Yes?”
“Do you know what the first rule of our marriage is?”
He considered.
“Never give Princess Amara orders?”
“No.”
“What, then?”
“Never forget that I can say no.”
Alexander smiled.
“I would never want you to.”
She kissed him.
Then pulled away.
“Breakfast.”
“What?”
“I am hungry.”
“We have servants.”
“I want breakfast in the garden.”
Alexander sighed.
“Of course you do.”
Amara headed for the door.
He followed.
Marriage, Alexander realized, had changed absolutely nothing.
And he was delighted.