I don't mind the audience

Zeno

I don't think I did the right thing by leaving my father behind with Nero, given how hot-tempered my husband is, but my father didn't think of me when he slapped me, right?

If he isn't thinking about my well-being, why should I think about him? I didn't do anything to deserve being treated so poorly; if anything, I did all I could to ensure his deal would work out as he planned.

So why now, all of a sudden, is he so triggered about the fact that I let Nero mark me? I knew the possibility was there when I agreed to sleep with him without protection, so the decision was as much mine as it was Neros, even if my husband doesn't think so.

I bring my hand to my neck and trace my fingers over the mark. The weird tingling sensation makes me smile. I'm pretty sure I'm in love with the man who marked me; it must be love.

Speaking of which, regardless of what Nero's doing, I need to follow through with his request.

I enter the kitchen and greet the cooks. I missed those ladies; they alw