Marcus appeared bored as images of Morava flashed across his mind. "She is beautiful, just as the rumors had said. And well behaved like a princess." He steepled his fingers under his chin and rested his elbows on the table. "She is fit to be a queen."

A shocked sensation flitted down his chest, Rigel shook his head. "You are doing this under pressure. Don't."

Marcus resumed eating the ham. "You were the one who wanted me to go with it. Why are you changing your stand?"

Marcus didn't reply and continued to slice more meat.

Seeing his reluctance to speak on the topic he dropped it, Rigel said, "The...