37

~Kiva

I stare at Ark’s imposing boots as they pace back and forth in front of me.

"You're not concentrating,” he points out.

My quivering arms give out from under me, my stomach falling flat against the polished wood floor.

"How can I?" I grumble.

"Is this about Caspian?"

"No, although I'm pretty sure I married a horrible man,” I mutter tiredly, forcing myself up into a sitting position.

It's a miracle I’m still able to train. I’ve made a point not to mention it to Caspian. If he knew, he would tell me to stop, although I’ve been at my father’s for a couple days while my recent husband has been away on a trip.

If Ark hasn’t received such a highly regarded recommendation to remain as my personal guard from my father, I don’t think he would still be employed.

Eventually Caspian will tire of appeasing my father, though.

Without Ark, I’ll drown here.

"Has he said anything about the consummation?" Ark asks tightly, adjusting his gloves. I can hear the bite of anger in his voice, although h