"Tell me," Sha Chen said. "What shall we talk about, my reluctant bride?"
Silence.
The female, Xin Yi, just stared at him from across the cushions. Her eyes were still dead. But there was something else now.
Fire, perhaps.
Or rage.
He found it fascinating.
Most females who entered his chambers were either terrified or eager. They trembled. They preened. They tried to seduce him or they cowered in fear.
This one did neither.
She just sat there. Ten feet away. Looking at him like he was a particularly irritating obstacle she needed to navigate around.
It reminded him of—
No.
He pushed the thought away.
"You do not wish to speak?" he tried again.
"No."
"Not even small conversation?"
"No."
"Hmm." He leaned back against his cushion, studying her. "You are very rude for someone in your position."
Her eyes flashed. "My position? You mean captive?"
"Guest."
"Prisoner."
"Honored member of my harem."
