No?

What does she mean no?

I discretely turn my head to glance up at her, catching her expression. There is amusement there, but not her usual amusement of someone watching an interesting show. There is darkness to it that reminds me of a predator stalking helpless prey. I know her so well, that little glance is enough for me to understand her meaning.

She disapproves.

Since I have known her, my wife has made it her mission to unleash my desires. She believes that strong desires are the key to strength. Those who want more fight harder.

The easiest of those desires to stoke is my lust. I am easily entranced by a beautiful woman and my wife has been pushing me toward anyone who catches my eye. Daring me to do what the monogamous teachings of the kingdom would call unthinkable. Beastly, as my lovely future saint constantly categorizes me as.

I have not been so accommodating to the men who eye her. Months ago, she told me that it is the right of either of us to approve or disapprove of other partners. Should we disapprove, it is our right and our duty to drive off the unworthy. And for the first time, she is exercising that right.

I don’t understand why she is deciding to do so but that doesn’t matter. I need to act decisively, as what I do next will determine Marcella’s future. Unlike me, Kierra will have no problem putting her ideologies into practice. I don’t want to imagine what will happen to this brazen but innocent woman if she continues making eyes at me.

“Afraid I don’t have time, Lady Guiness. My schedule is too full to spare even a moment. Once I load these boxes, we’ll be on our way.”

Marcella blinks, no doubt stunned at my abrupt rejection. Ah, I apologize. I hate to be so ruthless. Usually, I would never be so brusque to such a charming woman. It’s for her own good. Even if it wasn’t, my wife has spoken. My first concern will always go to my partners. If she says no, then it is no.

“A shame. Though I understand. These materials, they are needed for a summoning. I have done some research into the art and know you will be incredibly busy in the coming days. Summoning requires considerable dedication.”

“Dedication and time, of which I am lacking. Pardon me.”

I ignore Marcella’s disappointed pout as I grab the first box and hurry from the room, settling it carefully on the wagon waiting by the exit.

“Not going to ask me why?”

Kierra is waiting at the door with another box.

“Does it matter?” I take the box from her hands and settle it on the wagon. “Though perhaps you should take her up on her offer of a conversation.”

Kierra raises a brow. “Why would you want me to do that, dedia? You wouldn’t be hoping that after a talk I will rescind my rejection? Are you that eager for this one?”

“Eager for another woman before my beautiful wife?” I grin as I brush a hand across her cheek, smile widening as she grabs my wrist and nuzzles against my palm. “Will you tell me why you don’t like her?”

“Our star, our flower. One for each of us to dote on, hm? One each to soften us. Another is unnecessary. If it were just lust, perhaps, but her eyes speak of ambition. She wants a piece of you, I think, but what can a soft girl who has spent her life perfecting the art of taking from others offer you? Our house? Our clan? No, I don’t think I will take to her.”

I nod, sighing in understanding. “Then you really should speak with her. The Guiness ambition lies with you. If she thinks you are willing to give her the slightest amount of consideration, she will forget me in a moment.”

“Are you not afraid I will fall for her charms?”

I take a moment to admire such a scene. No doubt Marcella would try to wrap my wife around her fingers, thoroughly underestimating her. She’d give an invitation and Kierra would take it with enthusiasm. Bet she’d rip her dress right off her and dive in. Mm. Mmm~

“Have at it.”

Kierra laughs. “I am surprised! My greedy Lou is ready to share me? When she has pledged the death of the last human attempting to steal my affections?”

I scowl. “That is a very different thing. He is an arrogant, bald bastard who floats to make it easier to look down on others. She is a beautiful and charming woman who is practically throwing herself at our feet. I have no problem with you playing with the ‘pets’, do I?”

“Is that it?” She leans forward, lowering her voice to a coy whisper. “Do you want to watch me break her, Lou? Have you gained an interest in watching? Picked up a habit from our star?”

“I wouldn’t object but I doubt I’d have the time. Or for whatever game she is trying to play.”

I know how nobles work, how they think. Marquis Guiness wants my wife’s cooperation. He has tried the soft touch, sponsoring me to the Grand Hall and sending Maxine along to make nice. Subtly is always the preferred option but when it doesn’t work, they can’t be blamed for employing more forceful methods.

That is Marcella. She is the more forceful sister. I am sure after a year of nothing, the marquis is desperate for progress of any kind. If Marcella has promised results, there is no telling what she will do to get them.

I have dealt with far too many problems involving the nobles of this kingdom this year. With the campaign, the mess in the capital, and my own goals, the last thing I need to be concerned about is what that vixen could be getting up to.

“Do this for me, my love. Let her serve you a cup of tea and those pastries she thinks are so impressive. Let her believe she is gaining traction. If you wish to take it further, enjoy yourself, but keep her away from me!”

Kierra stares at me for a long moment. Then she chuckles. “I will sacrifice myself for your comfort and make nice with the silly girl, little conqueror.” She kisses me, a brief peck on the lips. “In return, you will give me a good show, hm? The last summoning was quite entertaining and our pets are so amusing. I’m looking forward to the next one.”

“Oh, you don’t have to worry about being left out.” I grab her hand and pull her along as we re-enter the store. “In fact, your presence is a necessity.”