Urag noticed the sudden, cautious stiffness that instantly locked into her shoulders the moment the words left her mouth.
She was bracing herself, half-expecting him to push her away.
A warm, deeply fond smile broke across his face.
Slowly, deliberately, he let go of her waist and brought both calloused hands up to cup her face, his thumbs gently smoothing out the tense little furrow between her brows.
He leaned back just enough to look straight down into her wide, wary eyes, his own violet gaze dancing with pure, unrepentant mischief.
"Oh, absolute tyranny," Urag drawled, his voice rich with exaggerated, dramatic solemnity.
He shook his head slowly, letting out a low, teasing chuckle.
"A single whispered word from the fierce Duchess, and the mighty Royal sorcerer completely surrenders. I tremble before your immense authority."
He let his thumbs trace a slow, agonizingly gentle path over her flushed cheekbones, his grin widening into something lethal and sweet.
