Author's Note: It seems that a lot of people are confused about the timing of this story. The protagonist is the queen whose death leads to "Irit's Daughter."
III.
She learned to be at least content with her husband. He was a skilled lover, she supposed, though she could never work up more than a detached appreciation for his efforts.
She knew what was expected of her. She also knew that she would never willingly provide an heir. Their sinful line would end with her husband and herself. (His powers could control others. Hers controlled her own body; she had already ended several small lives once they rooted themselves to her womb.)
Eventually he won their silent battle. As she felt the child quicken, she cried for them both.