"What do you mean by that, exactly?" she asks, suspicion lacing her voice. But even as she speaks, I can see I'm winning—she's nibbling at the bait. She's like some slippery, agile fish that darts and twists, doing everything to snatch the worm without ever swallowing the hook. But I'm no simple fisherman. I'll reel her in, one way or another. Her eyes already betray her; she's entertained.
Now all that's left is to pull. I almost let a smile creep across my lips, but I force it back down.
"I mean this—if you join my party and keep your mouth shut, I'll show you how I can make Glorius suffer. Or anyone else, for that matter. But you know my price. So… will you take it?" My hand stays outstretched, waiting for her to accept.
Her eyes sparkle as her palm meets mine, soft and warm. "Fine. But I'm not giving up on being your wife. That's half the fun for me." She leans in close, her lips hovering so near mine I can feel the heat of her breath. But I know she's only toying with me.
