18

Camille

"Sit here." He points to the chair next to him.

Pulling in a deep breath, I make my way over and lower myself into the cushioned seat.

Ehlga leaves us, but the door is still open, and I can hear people milling about.

I keep my breathing measured so I can think about all the things I need to ask. This is an opportunity for me to talk, too. And surely, there's no way he can think it's acceptable for me to blindly follow along with this charade without more information than he's given me.

"Sleep well?" He sets his elbows on the table.

My eyes flick down to the tattoo of the rune on his wrist. "As good as can be."

He sits back and stares at me. "Eat. You'll need your strength."

That makes me want to eat even less than I did before. "What will I need my strength for? You do realize you haven't actually told me what you plan to do to me, except for this ridiculous notion of marrying me."

"Why is it so ridiculous? Your marriage to my brother was arranged."

"Yes, but I've known him al