Page 106 of King

“I did.” He says, acknowledging my remark.

My heart is beating so loud I’m convinced he can hear it.

“What will it take to make you stop?”

He laughs again, like dark chocolate, overflowing -

“Stop laughing. Answer me.” I demand.

“Little bird, haven’t I made myself clear? Haven’t I asked you time and time again to be mine?” I can’t describe the sensations he sets alight inside me. Fear and anger, confusion–hatred.

I squeeze my eyes shut. I wasn’t entirely honest with Giovanni. I didn’t tell him everything, but at the same time - there was nothing to tell other than a story of a man, a king’s enemy, who was determined to win my heart - no matter how many times I turned him down. A man who sent me flowers that I returned. A man who sent me gifts that I threw away. A man who wrote letters and cards of the sweetest words - that I burned. Because I didn’t want that man. I wanted Giovanni.

“That’s not what this conversation is about, Emiliano. I want to know what it will take to keep the Rivas brothers safe from you. This isn’t a conversation about your undying love.” I’m angry, because every after years of trying, he refuses to accept my rejection.

Emiliano laughs warmly. “Little bird, every conversation about how much I love you. Every conversation is about how you belong to me and you just haven’t realized it yet. Why do you think I killed the king? Do you really think I would let have what belongs to me?”

“You - you killed him because of me?” I stammer.

“Yes, sweet thing. I killed him because he dared to touch you.” He snarls, his darkness showing.

“What do you want?” I demand, shouting into the phone.

“You.” He says simply. “If you give yourself to me, all of you, your heart, your love - your body - I will leave those boys alone. As long as you are at my side, the Rivas brothers will be safe.”

I sit in stunned silence trying to process his words.

It was about me, all this time, it was me he was after -

How did I not see it? How was I so blind?

“A queen must make sacrifices for the ones she loves, don’t you agree?” he asks.

I nod. “I agree.” I say, my voice is not my own. The words are not my own. I’m saying what I have to say to save the brothers.

“So, it’s settled then. You will be mine.”

I can barely speak I’m crying so much.

“I will be yours.” I stammer.

“I’ll make the arrangements, little bird. And don’t worry. I’ll be gentle.”