Why do I have to keep proving myself over and over?
Buoyed by the rapport they’d seemed to achieve after the wedding, he’d awakened with optimism for the future. But then he discovered what she really thought of him.
She wasn’t sniping at him like she used to, but her attitude toward him apparently hadn’t changed.
He shed his robe and stepped into the cleansing unit, emerging fresh and dry, and then donned a pair of leggings in a rough fabric, a tunic pullover with pockets, and favorite well-worn boots he refused to part with. After finger-combing his hair, he went to tell Karma she could use the bath.
She sat on the sofa, nursing an empty cup, her expression pensive, almost sad. She looked forlorn and lonely.
None of this is her fault.His powerful parents had forced her into marriage. He’d grown up snapping to their commands, but she hadn’t. He had been rude at the start. Could he blame her for reacting? Of course, she would experience doubts and reservations. How could he expect her to understand him after a single pleasant afternoon? She could only observe what he’dshown her. He’d spent a lifetime masking his feelings, his hopes, his dreams.
I need to be more patient.“Karma?”
A mask of indifference slipped over her pensive expression.
“The bathing chamber is free, if you wish to use it.”
“Okay, thanks.”
He cleared his throat. “I’m sorry. For everything. For the way I acted when we met. For getting you into this mess. I’d undo it if I could.”
“I’m sorry you regret marrying me,” she said.
“I…don’t,” he said truthfully. “I’m sorry it happened the way it did, but I don’t regret it.”
“Really?” Her smile quivered.
“Really.”
“Thank you for that. I’ll go get dressed.” She scrambled to her feet.
“I’ll order us some breakfast.”
Chapter Eight
“You must be Karma Kennedy! It’s so nice to meet you.” Soton exuberantly shook his wife’s hand, holding it longer than Falkor was comfortable with.
“It’s nice to meet you, too. My husband has told me a lot about you.”
“Not too much, I hope.” He winked.
“Just how much he appreciates your friendship and partnership.”
On the ride over, he’d given her more details about the business arrangement and lifelong friendship.
“Youpuknik,you never said a word you were getting married. You didn’t invite me,” Soton admonished and then flashed a teasing, scintillating smile. “I, however, have impeccable manners.”
“The wedding occurred rather suddenly.”
“Immediate family only,” Karma added.
Soton laughed. “Royal edict, I take it? Kaldor Celebrity News has been running your tryst at the hotel on a continuous loop.”
Falkor grimaced.
“Bynti still has it in for you. She’s never forgiven you.”
“I’d rather not talk about Bynti—if you don’t mind.” His gaze slid pointedly to Karma, and he gave a slight jut of his chin. He had nothing to hide, but it was inconsiderate to flaunt a past relationship in front of his wife. They’d married under duress, but she still deserved respect.
