'It's to stimulate unwilling--or unable--husbands. Use it.'
A nervous giggle escaped her throat. 'I think Deblen would need a bit more than this.'
'Is he that bad?'
Larissia couldn't answer the question.
He groaned. 'Maybe I could find something else.'
'Maybe . . .,' Larissia whispered. Her heart thudded in her chest. This was wrong; it was so wrong.
'Maybe what?'
She blurted out, 'Would you do a better job?'
'Oh yes, Lady Princess, much better.' His voice sounded calm, as if he was hearing Figenia's lessons. 'I would do it immediately. The House Guorn needs an heir. The old king may live for another moon, but not much longer. You are his only daughter. You need to have a child. Yet, you seem to have married a--forgive the expression--a dud.'
The light of the fire reflected in his
