Amory waited until she fell asleep again to open his eyes. He hoped nightmares weren't going to be a regular occurrence with her. He would have to sleep with her to keep up appearances, but he would not touch her. He had sworn to Mirella he would be her husband, and they had both made a pact together that from that point on, they would not seek the pleasure of another's company.
Yes, he knew of his betrothed actions. She was reckless and he loved it. He loved her taunting smiles and her tantalizing scent that made everything else dull in comparison. Her thin waist and long legs. He'd never been overly fond of fuller women. He understood the draw, but with the memory of running his hands over Mirella's thin, delicate legs. He only wanted to touch her like he had then.
They'd stuck to the rules, but after her daring request to go swimming in a lake one night. He hadn't been able to resist her fine body. He had nearly been tempted to reveal his true nature to her. It would've been so easy; her shift was translucent from the water and his breeches hid nothing of his growing desires. From the instant his lips had brushed hers he'd wanted to tell her everything. But she had shoved him away and told him he was being too eager.
He did not sleep that night and only reflected on all of the wonderful adventures he'd gone on with his Mirella. He had sent his spies to discern why his wedding had been botched, but had left too soon to learn the information.
When morning came he ordered his men to stop at the nearest inn. They needed food, he was especially hungry. He'd been hoping to taste his betrothed that night so he'd been preparing for it. But the opportunity to feed had never arisen.
As soon as the carriage lurched to a stop his wife awoke across from him. She gasped and reached up to rub her eyes.
She looked across to him, "We're here?"
Her lack of manners was impressive, and ignorant. He scoffed, "We've stopped at an inn. For food."
Awareness dawned on her face and she nodded.
What did he even call her? He would not call her Mirella, as the priest and guests had.
He stepped from the carriage and held his hand out for her. She took it gingerly and stepped from the carriage with grace.
His men escorted them into the inn. As soon as he crossed under the doorframe his senses came alive to the selection inside. His eyes immediately began roaming for the most delectable looking human.
His eyes were derailed from their task when he saw his wife step forward and walk towards the bar. He gestured for one of his men to guard her. He watched curiously as she ordered food for him and the men, along with for herself.
He narrowed his eyes before his body reminded him once again of his hunger.
He returned to his task and smiled when he found what he was looking for. He looked to his captain, "I'll be right back."
The man nodded. He had known Amory for years and knew of his true nature.
Amory walked towards the buxom woman who was standing at the door to a set of stairs. Waiting to catch someone's attention.
He smiled and she smiled seductively back. He leaned down and whispered some words in her ear. She laughed and took his hand, leading him up the stairs.
Arriving at a small bedroom she shut the door behind them and walked towards him, purposely swaying her hips.
He rolled his eyes and opened his mouth to speak when he scented someone at the door.
Without warning it was thrown open and he saw his wife standing there.
"The men are fed and we are ready to embark again, your majesty."
He clenched his jaw shut and stared at her eyes hidden behind the veil. He could see a controlled malice behind them before she turned and walked away. Her shoes hitting the wooden planks with a restrained anger.
He wasn't sure what to think of her outburst. He knew that his actions appeared to be adulterous, when they were simply a means to an end. But he would just have to eat at another time.
He bid the slightly flustered woman goodbye and walked down the stairs and out of the inn. He looked around and saw that his men were indeed prepared to travel and that they all looked fed.
He searched a second for his own food and determined that it must be in the carriage. He nodded to his captain and stepped into the confines of the carriage. He frowned when he saw that there was no plate or bowl in there either.
He sat down in his place and stared at his wife who was looking out of the windows coolly.
"Where's my food?" He asked angrily.
She looked at him with her chin raised. "What food?" She asked innocently.
His lips parted in angered shock, "I saw you order food for me."
"Oh, that." She responded once again in that innocent tone. "The pigs looked hungry." She finally answered and returned to staring out of the window.