Consummation Night.

After the game ended, Karl retired to his quarters.

There was no celebration.

The match had ended in a way no one expected. The gladiator and Prince Elvin had pushed Karl too far. I saw the anger in his eyes, the disappointment etched into his face.

Prince Elvin had always been this way—holding grudges against the king for things beyond his control. Even now, he still blamed Karl for what happened to his father and sister, Arabella.

But was it really Karl's fault that Arabella lost her mind? No.

She had obsessed over him, turning into something dangerous, something uncontrollable. The family had no choice but to send her away for treatment. She would never set foot in the palace again—not until she was cured.

It had been a difficult decision for the family. But for Karl and me?

It was a relief.

With her gone, she could no longer stand in our way.

Maybe Elvin's real grudge was over Karl canceling his engagement to Princess Katrina. I had wanted that marriage to happen, but Karl had figured out the truth—she was a healer.

And now, she was a threat.

I had to find a way to make Karl forget her. He needed to taste her once and move on—just like he had with every other woman before her.

"The king has retired to bed. The guards wouldn't let me in," Angelina informed me.

I frowned. Already?

The game had ended just minutes ago. There was no way Karl could have fallen asleep so fast.

I knew what this meant.

He didn't want anyone disturbing him tonight.

After what happened in the arena, the people would fear him even more. They would see him as a monster.

But what did it matter?

If he didn't rule with fear, someone would try to overthrow him. Someday, someone would come for his throne.

And as for the gladiator?

He deserved everything he got.

He should have known better than to provoke the king.

As for Prince Elvin…

I would deal with him later.

I reached the king's door.

The guards blocked my way, but I didn't hesitate. "Let me in, or you'll lose your heads."

They stepped aside immediately.

They knew better than to test me. The king rarely forgave, but I? I never did.

When I entered, Karl was still dressed, his clothes stained with the blood of battle. He hadn't even bathed. His gaze met mine, surprise flickering in his eyes. He hadn't expected me to come—not after giving strict orders to be left alone.

"I want to be alone," he said, unbuttoning his shirt.

I stepped forward and helped him, my fingers brushing against his chest as I worked the buttons loose. It had been a long time since I last saw his body up close. Karl was not a man who craved a woman's touch every night, even though I was his wife.

Even as his queen, months would pass before he so much as looked at me with desire.

But with her? With Princess Katrina?

He looked at her differently. And that thought alone burned me inside.

"You were incredible today," I said, sliding his shirt off his shoulders. I let my eyes linger on his chest—his strong, chiseled body. Smooth skin. Hard muscle. A man any woman would hunger for.

Karl chuckled, loosening the ties on his trousers. But I saw it.

His mind wasn't here.

Tonight, he wasn't thinking of me. He was thinking of her.

I swallowed my pride and forced a smile. "She doesn't like blood like we do."

His jaw tensed. "Why do you keep bringing her up?"

Because I saw the way she looked at you.

"I want to talk to you," I said instead. "But it seems impossible. You want to be alone, and I won't let that happen. Not tonight."

His eyes darkened as he studied me. Then, after a moment, he spoke again—this time, in the Xylonian accent.

"Fortunaa."

My name on his lips sent a shiver down my spine.

I loved it.

"Why do you want to be alone tonight?" I asked, turning to face him.

Karl took off his trousers, leaving only his shorts. I tried not to stare.

"Because I don't feel like company," he said, picking up a thick white cloth and tying it around his waist. He looked at me then, his eyes searching mine. "Are you comfortable now? I don't understand why you're acting this way tonight. Am I not your husband, Fortuna?"

"Yes, you are," I said softly.

"Then why are you acting like we just met?"

I hesitated, then lied. "I'm just tired tonight."

Stepping closer, I rested my head against his chest, feeling the steady rise and fall of his breathing. I glanced at his metal mask, wondering how he could bear its weight. "I won't stay with you tonight, but I don't want you to sleep alone."

Karl sighed. "I'm tired too. Let's just sleep."

"No," I said gently. "I'll send one of the concubines to you. You'll feel better by morning."

He pulled away. "No, I have a terrible headache."

I watched as he moved to the edge of the bed and sat down, rubbing his temples.

I knew why his headaches never went away. It was the curse.

And only Katrina could ease his pain.

"I'm sorry," I said, sitting beside him. "But you seem to forget you have a healer in this palace."

His gaze flickered to me, as if he had only just remembered.

"That's why she's here, Karl," I reminded him. "She will spend the night with you and help you recover by morning."

I wasn't asking.

And Karl knew how much I cared about his health.

"If you say so, my queen," he said with a small smile.

My heart twisted. What if I was making a mistake? What if sending Katrina to his bed would only push him further away from me?

"I'll get her ready," I said, bowing slightly. "Goodnight."

I turned to leave but hesitated at the door. "What about the drawing? The one you started weeks ago?"

Karl looked at me, understanding immediately. He shrugged. "I don't know which one you mean."

"The one… I told you I couldn't wait to see."

"Oh, Fortuna," he sighed, standing up and walking toward the door leading to his bathroom. "It's done. Already delivered to the owner."

A smile spread across my face, and I bit my lower lip to keep from squealing. That meant it was in my room.

"Thank you," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

"For what exactly?" He frowned, puzzled.

"For everything, Karl."

Without another word, I closed the door behind me and hurried down the stairs. I needed to inform Katrina of the arrangements.

Then, I would go to my room and finally see my gift—a drawing of me.