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made to be a--"
    "What is this place, hell?" Kirill interrupted. "How do you live a place?"
    "It's both a place and a concept. Human sinners go there when they die and--Argh! It doesn't matter!" Ulyssa waved a hand toward him in distraction. "It's bad--very bad! It's like being burned alive and tortured at the same time, every day, all day, for all eternity. That's what being married to me would be like."
    Kirill frowned, eyeing her as if she was insane.
    Ulyssa forged on, "So, if you would kindly tell King Attor that you didn't see me and point me in the direction of the nearest exit, I'll gladly get out of here. You'll never have to lay eyes on me again."
    As if an idea suddenly hit him, he sighed. "You haven't been told?
    "Told what?" Her frustrated grumble was audible.
    "How can this be?" Kirill asked. His face softened, as did his voice. "Were you not in the harem? I'd have thought they'd make an announcement. Taura is usually one to make sure the harem runs smoothly."
    "I ... I didn't exactly talk to the other women there," Ulyssa answered, remembering how they avoided her like she was a plague carrier. "Why do you ask?"
    "I'm truly sorry to have to tell you this, but King Attor is dead. He died a week ago in battle. I was under the impression his half-mates were informed of this."
    Ulyssa kept her face blank. The King was dead?
    "If it makes you feel better, he died bravely," Kirill offered.
    "What do I care?" Ulyssa shrugged. Her mind raced with questions and schemes. With the King dead, the castle could be in a state of turmoil. It might just work to her advantage. Or, everything might be on lockdown, and it could work against her. "Attor was a barbaric jerk. I say good riddance."
    After she said the words, she wanted to take them back. What was it about this man that disarmed her and made her think more about sex and less about survival? Kirill's eyes fell but she didn't notice. When he again looked at her, his face was hard.
    "So, who's a girl have to bargain with to get a little freedom around here?" she asked, flippantly.
    "Me," he answered.
    Ulyssa focused on him once more, shooting him a playful smile. Her brow rose on her face, as she asked, "Oh, yeah? Why you, sweetheart?"
    "Because I'm Attor's oldest son and the future King of the Var." Kirill's words were light, but deadly.
    Ulyssa paled, instantly sorry for her offhand remarks about his father. She'd never had said them if she'd known. She stood, speechless, her mouth slightly agape. His eyes glittered with golden threat and, for a brief moment, she thought he would shift and tear her apart. To her surprise, Kirill turned from her and stalked away into the darkness.
    In the shadowy corner, she watched as a door opened to offer in light. She wanted to kick herself for not seeing it before--the front door in plain sight and unlocked. Kirill's handsome body filled the frame before the door closed once more.
    Ulyssa was spurred into instant action, afraid he'd lock her in. When she got to the door, she threw it open and looked out into the long hallway. Kirill was gone and she was free to go.
    * * * *
    Kirill stormed down the castle halls, eager to get away from the aggravating woman in his home. He didn't have time to deal with her. He didn't want to deal with her--not today, not ever. Let her go. What did he care if she escaped? It would be one less of Attor's women to worry about.
    On most days, Attor's women were free to go about the castle, though they chose not to. However, until a new King was officially crowned, the castle was kept under tight lock and key. After his coronation, it would be up to him to decide the women's fate. Already, most of them expressed an interest in marrying the Var soldiers. It was a wise, logical decision, as they'd be given their own home and be taken care of. Most Var chose to mate for life, others half-mated and were still very happy and content. The women would be provided for, cared for, some even loved.
    Kirill suddenly