“But there's something I want to make clear. You didn't do anything wrong to cause me not to fulfil the deal.'

I opened my eyes. 'Because you changed your mind and simply had no need of a Consort?'

'Especially not one who stabs me,' he remarked.

I frowned at the hint of teasing in his voice. 'Are you going to bring that up continuously?'

'Every chance I get.'

'Great,' I muttered, rolling my eyes despite the rising curiosity. 'Now I wish I'd stabbed you harder.'

'That's rude.'

'Some would consider leaving your Consort to be abandoned on a throne for three years rude,' I retorted. 'But what do I know?”