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the other poor sentinel being jealous of the great size of his cock, but decided against it. The girl really was frightened, and perverse nature aside, he did not consider himself a spiteful man. “Besides, we should get to know one another first. It’s not necessary that we get acquainted before making this marriage real, mind you. Many a couple has started their marital life together as total strangers. But as a gift to you, my bride, I will be patient.”
    Morgana narrowed her eyes. “We are not truly married until this godforsaken union is consummated, so please refrain from calling me your bride.”
    “Are you trying to change my mind about waiting?”
    “No, just pointing out that you’re going to have to stop calling me wife.” She wrinkled her nose. “I am not your wife, I did not choose to be your wife, and every time you say the word I feel as if a million tiny irritating bugs are racing through my veins.” For emphasis, he supposed, she shuddered.
    She sounded as if she did not care for the binding state of marriage any more than he did. In his experience, all women longed for the bond and the security of marriage. They wanted someone to take care of them. Was Lady Morgana like him? Did she crave her freedom more than she longed for the tight bonds of a forever union and the security of marriage? That such a pretty and obviously pampered woman would turn her back on the acceptable and normally desired institution of marriage—as Morgana certainly had even before he’d come along—made her more interesting. He very much wanted to know why.
    “Then what should I call you?” Jahn lowered himself to the ground, careful not to sit too close to the skittish woman.
    “Lady Morgana,” she said sharply. “Or even better, call me nothing at all.” The statement would’ve been quite cutting if her lower lip hadn’t trembled.
    “You may call me Jahn,” he said, “or Sentinel Devlyn, if you prefer.”
    “Jahn is the emperor’s name.”
    “It is common enough, and the only given name I have. If the emperor does not wish to share the name with me, he can choose one of his many others. Nechtyn has a nice ring, don’t you think?” He had always thought that was the worst of the many names he’d been given at birth.
    Lady Morgana turned her head and looked at him without fear. “You seem very confident that we will remain married, but I must tell you, you’re very much mistaken. My stepfather might be angry with me now, and perhaps with some good reason, but I know he will change his mind and come for me, probably very soon. Maybe even tonight.”
    “I doubt that.” Poor Ramsden would not dare to defy his emperor—though he had made Jahn promise that Morgana would not be mistreated in any way. Jahn knew very well what that meant, though the words had not been so blunt. Lady Morgana was to remain untouched.
    “When he does come, will you let me go? Will you release me from this ridiculous, ill-advised, peasant union?” For the first time, there was a touch of hope in her voice, and even by firelight he saw the renewal of optimism in her eyes.
    Jahn nodded. “If your father comes for you . . .”
    “Stepfather,” she corrected.
    “If your stepfather comes for you and you wish to go, I will not attempt to stop you. We can call the marriage undone, and I will find another to take your place. Sooner or later.”
    She breathed a sigh of relief.
    “I’m not such a bad person, you know,” he said softly.
    “I’m sure you’re very pleasant, when you’re not kidnapping unwilling brides.”
    “I did not kidnap you; you were given to me. On more than one occasion I’ve been told I’m quite charming, so I can imagine that eventually you will be willing enough.”
    Her spine straightened. “I will not,” she said softly but with determination.
    Jahn ignored her, smiling slightly as he leaned back on his hands. “I will call you Ana,” he said. “Lady Morgana is too much of a mouthful. It’s