He does force her through manipulation; he just has a set a limit/boundary. He'll put on a sly act to trick and manipulate her, but it has to be for only small things and for things he thinks she would like anyway. He does just enough to fulfill his needs and hers.
we have different definitions of manipulation and forcing cause to me seeing someone who'll probably go with your kinks and introducing them isn't manipulation or force. him "being sly" can easily read as his charisma and calculated demeanor picked up from being literal royalty showing.
+ having read the novel she's gonna bring up so many things he didn't even really suggest,, the forcing argument really falls flat to me then.
manipulation according to the dictionary: "the action of influencing or controlling someone or something to your advantage, often without anyone knowing it: ". He is not doing problematic manipulation, but he is manipulating. He knows that she will give in, so when he does it's more of a "soft force", or rather a nudge/edging. He's pushy, but he has his own boundaries and never pushes hers. They are both overachievers when it comes to caring for someone. But I won't mince my words just because I like him.
I said all that, but summary: manipulation is present, true force is not. lol, I got lost in the sauce when writing
and bitches say he's forcing cortney to go along with his whims