His jaw tightened. “That’s not happening.”
I let out a dry, humorless laugh. “Of course not,” I whispered. “You never let anything happen unless it’s on your terms.”
“Emilia—”
“You’re selfish, you know that, Maximus?” I cut him off, my voice shaking. “Or should I say… Your Majesty?”
The title tasted bitter on my tongue.
His eyes darkened, his jaw clenching hard enough to make a muscle twitch in his cheek.
“Damien wasn’t wrong,” I said quietly. “You really are selfish. You want to eat your cake and have it. You want your mate… and the woman who can give you a quick heir.”
His chest rose sharply. “It’s not like that.”
“Then what is it, Maximus?” I snapped. “Because from where I’m standing, it looks exactly like that.”
He took another step toward me, his voice softening. “Emilia, ple
