Second wife, Second chance
she demanded.
Rowan’s hands remained at his sides, careful not to touch. That restraint - almost reverent - made the air between them feel charged, like the charm in her palm was humming.
“You accept second wife,” he said, and the words landed like stones dropped into a pond. “You stand beside me in public. You do not try to take first place.”
Elowen’s throat tightened. “And you let her be first.”
“I let the child be legitimate,” Rowan corrected, and there was something raw beneath the control. He didn’t sound triumphant. He sounded… strained, as if the bargain was chewing through him too. “I give first wife status to Serephine.”