Natalia’s POV
The poisoned water burned going down my throat. I took the smallest sip I could manage without looking suspicious, then lowered the cup and forced myself to smile.
“To our future,” I whispered.
The King drained his cup in one long swallow, then set it down on the table. He reached for me, his cold fingers brushing against my cheek. I didn’t pull away. I couldn’t.
Any second now, I would start to feel it. The burning. The pain. My body shutting down from the inside out. I was certain of it.
But… nothing happened.
The King’s hand slid down to my shoulder, then to my waist. He pulled me closer, and I could smell that rot on his breath. “You’re trembling,” he said.
“I’m just nervous.”
“Don’t be, my love.” He leaned in, his lips brushing against my neck. “I’ll be gentle. I
