THE KING'S SLAVE BRIDE

EXPECTATIONS

NA’IMAH

I’ll inform the royal court of our decision here today. But first I want to be clear on the most important factors," The Queen Dowager said, her eyes darting between me and her son.

We had gotten over our initial spat. Despite how badly I wanted to throttle her with my words, I knew I still needed to play nice if I didn’t want my smart mouth to come back and bite me in the rear. I also knew she wanted something else from me. This wasn’t just about giving Kaedyr an heir. She was after something.

“Your Majesty, do you understand the importance of taking Na’imah into your palace?” she asked.

“I am not a child, Mother.”

“I know that, and I am not saying you are. I just need you to understand that this is beyond providing an heir. One of the keys to keeping a kingdom together is the stability of family. Ever since we lost your father, this family has been unstable.” Something crossed Kaedyr’s expression at the mention of his father’s name and I wondered what it was.

“The parliament are worried; the royal officials are worried because of your behavior.” He cut a sharp glare at his mother. "It is not my fault that you have fathered several bastards, illegitimate children that have added to the rumors of how unstable the throne is. This union between you and the princess—" Her gaze cut to me briefly before she continued. “Is supposed to be a way to show that the throne is stable once again and that the King knows what he is doing.”

“And is the parliament aware of this new development?” Kaedyr asked.

The Queen Dowager waved off his question. “They won’t question the fact that she is a slave when I explain the bigger picture to them. I know you might think you don’t have to keep her after she gives birth, but that can’t help. We need to keep up appearances, and we need to let our allies and foes know that the throne is stronger now more than ever. That our family is stronger now more than ever.”

“All this feels performative and unnecessary, but I have no reason to oppose the idea. I get a tight cvnt to fvck and an heir. I am a simple king,” Kaedyr muttered, rising to his feet.

“Is that all? I have places to be.”

“And the things I want? You both don’t think I'd agree to this without seeing some things set in motion for my people, right?”

“What else do you want?” The Queen Dowager asked.

I looked away from her, fixing my gaze on Kaedyr. “Eseh,” I called when he refused to look my way and his gaze snapped at me, eyes sharp.

The brows of the Queen Dowager furrowed as she observed us.

“I want my people to move out of that camp before I agree to take the next step.”

“You are aiming high,” he scoffed.

“No, I am asking for what my people deserve. I want them out of the camp. I want them placed in a home or dormitories with access to good food, water, clothing, and the freedom to eat whatever they want. I know you will still rationalize their meals, but they deserve better than sleeping in those tents come rain, come shine.”

“I am not taking off their chains,” he said.

“You are a monster; I didn’t expect you to.”

“Anything else? Because you have your lips puckered like you’ve got more to say,” he asked after a beat of silence.

“I want to choose my own handmaidens, or court ladies, whatever it is you call them.”

“And I am guessing you’ll make that selection from among your people.”

I shrugged at his statement. He wasn’t wrong because that is what I intend to do.

“I don’t mind that, but you are only allowed to have four of your people; the remainder of the ladies making up your court will come from the palace. That is only because they know the ins and outs of the palace, and it will be easier to help you integrate into the palace.” I knew the Queen Dowager was spewing bullsh1t, but I nodded nonetheless.

“Lastly, I am not moving into the King’s Palace,” I declared, causing both of them to pause.

“You have to.” The Queen Dowager demanded.

“No.”

“It’s fine,” Kaedyr waved. “I am not making her my queen either. She can take the western palace.”

“What is this nonsense? How else do you intend to have any legitimate heir if you don’t take her as your queen?” The Queen Dowager retorted.

“There is the title of the royal consort; it hasn’t been used in years. She is not worthy of being crowned my queen; maybe I’ll rethink my decision when she gives me a worthy heir.”

A royal consort? Did I even care?

“That’s fine by me. I don’t want to be roped into your filthy reign either.”

“Great,” Kaedyr clapped. “We have a deal; I’ll look into housing for your people.”

“Cool. You know where to find me when you make that happen. I won’t be stepping another foot into this palace until you give my people a better place to lay their heads.” I turned and made my way out of the room.