“We don’t believe in marriage, Princess.” “But I do.” “Whether we are or aren’t bound, our union is not a marriage as you see it. You will not become my queen with your sacred words. You will be my bedmate until I fill your belly with my child. That is all.” His words sank heavily like a cold stone in my stomach. Whatever small respect I felt minutes before for him was completely gone now. I would be a vessel, his brood mare. “I understand,” I replied with equal coldness, “but if I leave Valla Lokkyr into your keeping and bear a child, I will be considered a pariah to my people—ruined,
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