ETAN
Etan did not flinch, he did not react. He held himself as still as the mouse under the eyes of the eagle—but she would be naïve to believe this mouse did not have fangs.
"With all due respect," he said carefully, "I was not being clever. I was ensuring that I did not disrespect my wife—and that no one would be able to take her from me."
The Queen gave a tiny, unladylike snort. "You claim love," she said dryly, dismissing his words. "And yet you hide your relationship, meet her in dark stables and gardens at night for… assignations, and then whisk her away to marry without the knowledge or permission of her father and King.
"Do not mistake me, Etan, your strategy cannot be faulted. Her father is just traditional enough to believe that if the marriage is legal, and has been consummated, that it is real. You have certainly taken what you intended to take. And if I don't step in, you will likely win her—by default, if nothing else."
