Contents
Chapter 47
Overview
In Acker’s chambers, Jovie and Acker continue their deception by chaining and collaring her for appearances. They clear the first test of Edmond’s suspicion and confront lingering jealousy and trust, confirming Acker never consummated his marriage. After testing potentially poisoned food, they halt intimacy to refocus on rescuing Irina as Hallis arrives.
Summary
Jovie surveys Acker’s battered chamber and notes the missing weapons, evidence of past turmoil. Acker returns with a mangi collar and chains, explaining she can bathe before wearing them to maintain their ruse for Edmond’s spies. He unlocks Jovie’s shackles, and they quietly acknowledge that Edmond accepted Acker’s story, buying them access to the palace.
Insecure about Irina, Jovie asks whether Acker consummated his marriage. Acker admits he could not, feeling Jovie’s pain through their tether, which reassures Jovie and rekindles intimacy and trust. Jovie bathes, and when she returns, Acker prepares for surveillance by chaining her to the bed and fastening the collar, anticipating staff scrutiny.
Food and water arrive. Suspecting poison, Acker taste-tests both to protect Jovie, deciding Edmond likely would not risk killing them both. Their banter softens into a tender moment that turns into an unhurried kiss, reaffirming their bond and Jovie’s reliance on Acker despite years apart.
Jovie stops the encounter, reminded of Irina imprisoned in the dungeons and the stakes of their deception. A knock signals Hallis’s approach, and Acker urges Jovie to eat, believing the danger has passed. As he goes to the door, Jovie recognizes her fear and the cost of failure, sharpening their resolve to act.
Who Appears
- Jovie (Jo)Narrator; collared and chained for their ruse, seeks reassurance about Acker and Irina, nearly yields to intimacy but refocuses on rescuing Irina.
- AckerMaintains the deception; allows Jovie to bathe, confirms no consummation with Irina, tests food for poison, balances tenderness with strategy.
- IrinaImprisoned in the dungeons; her situation halts Jovie and Acker’s intimacy and underscores their mission’s urgency.
- HallisExpected visitor bringing safe food; his knock signals ongoing surveillance and palace scrutiny.
- EdmondKing who accepted Acker’s story; likely monitors them through staff, making the collar and chains necessary.
- StassiaSends clean clothes and dinner to Acker’s chambers, part of the household under likely orders to report.