Choosing to survive, because whatever he chose, it seemed certain he had no other hidden intentions. “Unexpected. I thought a slave would rather commit suicide.” “Why bother? If I wanted to die, I could do it right here—no need to become a slave first.” “Wise.” “No need for compliments. It's just that my beauty is too precious to waste by dying like this, and I don't want to live a hard life as a slave.” “Do you think becoming my concubine won't be hard?” “Becoming the queen would certainly be less taxing, but a concubine isn't bad either. Tell me, are you confident?” He leaned back and tilted his head as if amused. “Confident?” “There will be fierce opposition. A useless princess from a fallen nation, a general who once crossed swords on the battlefield—do you think the ministers would agree to bring such a woman into the king's bed? Unless the court is full of traitors wishing for the king's death.” “You have the leisure to worry about me?” “It’s not worry, it’s about making a pact. If you aren't confident enough to take me as your concubine, I’d rather pretend this sweet offer of choice never happened.” “Glad to hear it was sweet. I thought it would sound like mockery.” “If it’s a proposal and not mockery, I’m curious about your real motives for making me your concubine. Can you tell me?” “Because you're pretty.” “That's a convincing reason.” He smirked. “Guarantee the status and positions of my people. If you let them stay with me, I will gladly become your pretty concubine and play the doll for a very, very long time.” “Try striving to become empress instead.” The corners of his mouth twisted into a menacing smile.