King and Kingdom Read Online Free Page A

is the way of it, Chey. I'm sorry if it sounds cold, but this is minor compared to some of the things that go on. Get used to it.” With an indifferent arch of his brows, he finished off his drink.
    Chey leaned sideways in her seat, peering at his eyes.
    He frowned. “What are you doing?”
    “Looking for the Sander that tackled me off a horse. Because you must be an impostor. The Sander I got to know canoeing and in the old ruin of a castle wouldn't put up with tactics like that.”
    “I never said I stayed. Why do you think they keep setting up meetings? Once I know what's going on, I usually take my leave.”
    “Usually?”
    “Every once in a while, I'm not in a position to depart.”
    “What kind of position would that be?”
    “Did you take classes on interrogation?” he asked with a laugh.
    Relenting in the face of his humor—it was difficult to stay annoyed with him for long—Chey took a drink from her bottle. Then she said, “I'm waiting.”
    “I can see that.”
    Silence.
    “The kind of position where other, important people were present and to simply walk away would have painted me in a bad light. Things I do in public will be remembered.”
    “So really, she's a perfect match for you. Politically speaking.” Chey reclined into her seat once more. It bothered her on many levels to know that others in the Royal family wanted this match badly enough to resort to clandestine machinations.
    “Politically speaking.”
    Chey considered his tone. The implication was that although Valentina might be a good match politically, he wasn't interested on a personal level. She supposed she could take heart that Sander wasn't intent on seeing the charade through. He wasn't like Mattias, who would follow his orders regardless of his own personal feelings.
    Or would he?
    “And if they remove your right to ascend the throne?” She fiddled with the cap on the bottle then set it in the holder to the side of the chair.
    “That's where it gets tricky. Right now, it's all just threats. The people of Latvala want me as their eventual King, and their voice is strong. Never mind it has been centuries since one heir was skipped to put another in his place.”
    “But it has been done.”
    “Yes.” He lidded his eyes and accepted a refreshed glass from the stewardess.
    Chey watched him take a drink. The muscles of his throat contracted as he swallowed, bringing to mind several times when she'd had her mouth there.
    “What?” he asked, before meeting her gaze. Like he'd felt her staring.
    “Nothing. It's all very complicated and confusing for someone like me who isn't used to how this all works.” After giving him a small smile, she looked out the oval window at her shoulder. There wasn't anything to see, not even a glimmer of lights far below. Maybe they were still over water.
    “I know it is. But you're handling it well so far.”
    The warm praise turned Chey's attention back to Sander. “Really? Because I feel completely out of my depth here.”
    “Of course you do. But back to a moment ago—you weren't thinking about complications. You were looking at my throat.”
    “Yes. Yes, I was.” Why deny it? Sander knew her well.
    “I bet I know what you were thinking, too.” His tone took a devilish turn.
    Chey contained a smile with effort, but she knew her eyes were gleaming with intrigue and interest. “I bet you don't.”
    He tilted his shoulders closer and mock whispered. “Come with me, and I'll tell you in private.”
    “In private?” She couldn't see over the high back of the seat, but Chey had seen a short hall at the back of the plane and several doors.
    “Yes.” He set his glass down and stood. Holding a hand out for her to take, he watched her eyes.
    There was just no way she would pass this up. Removing her buckle, she took his hand and let him lead her through the plane. It was situated more like a luxury living room than not, with sofas facing each other, leather chairs at angles to one another,