“It is good that I have a moment with you before we enter negotiations,” he continued. “I know that your uncle cares not who you prefer or what nuptial situation would best suit your needs. But since I fully intend to be the victor in this wager for your hand, I thought it might suit us both for me to explain myself.”

I did not want Jaspar to explain himself. I wanted him to evaporate. Along with Cranley and Hallen. But, as always, my wants would not deter the compulsion of men to keep talking.

“I am a Braun of very, very many means. And one of very many women as well. My influence, also, is immeasurable, reaching up beyond the Lykkean courts and to the royal family. All this is true. I have it already. But what I do not have…is a woman of intrigue on my arm. And not only on my arm, but by my side. And not only by my side, but in my bed. If I win your hand this afternoon—and I will—you will never again be bored. You will never be less than the people in the room with you. You will never be forced. Or pushed, or pressured. Well…except by me, of course. A bit of pressure never hurts. Unless it’s meant to.” And he smiled at this, as if he knew some secret I did not.

But with all certainty, I knew many a secret that Braun Plattenat could not fathom.

“I do not mind, you see, if you have been with another man—though heavens, I know when Cranley bluffs as his bald spot begins to sweat profusely in the most disgusting of tells—but I warn you that I will find whoever has had the pleasure of you and I will tear them asunder. Not to torutre you, Femme Kendrick, but to satisfy my…flare…for jealousy.” His gray eyes gleamed at me, and I knew then that truly Jaspar was enjoying himself, though I could not for the life of me tell whether he was teasing or serious. Both options were terrifying. “And, I could not fault you if you wished to do the same to the women I have frequented. Fair is fair.”

At last, we arrived outside the parlor, where Jaspar straightened his already immaculate and utterly fashionable waistcoat and flashed me one last smoldering, calculated smile.

Episode 113: A Terrifying Braun Verbally Slaps Idiot Men

Jaspar let me enter the room ahead of him, which drew the attention of the other men present. Not only did he allow me to go before him, but his white-gloved hand lighted upon the small of my back, which was not a thing most Brauns would think appropriate, though no one else seemed to notice the subtle gesture. The entire moment was strategically naughty and overtly polite.