Heart’s Desire

Atticus raised an eyebrow. "And why are you asking? Are you so tired of her now that her mother is a little blue in the face? I must say, that's an improvement over her original looks."

King Cyrus's eyes flashed with anger, but he sucked in a deep breath, willing himself to calm down. 

"I am asking as a concerned father," he began. "As you know, my daughter has a high opinion of you."

"I know. I married her after all," Atticus said, deliberately being obtuse. He ran his fingers through his hair, ensuring that his wedding ring glinted under the candlelight. 

"I was referring to Drusilla," King Cyrus said with gritted teeth. 

"Ah, that annoyance." Atticus stretched his neck, the very picture of an indolent panther. He observed King Cyrus with hooded eyes. "How honest do you want me to be?"