Page 89 of An Empress of Fire & Steel

Emara’s heart had pinched and scrambled at the mention of that name. And maybe, just maybe, her fingertips had warmed.

“I hope you are not as nervous as I am to be here,” Sybil admitted, the corners of her thin lips tilted downwards.

Emara found some sweet relief in what she had said—shameful, yet sweet. “I didn’t think it was possible for anyone to be more nervous than I am,” she whispered back to the Earth Witch. “If I am honest, I am unsure as to what I am doing at all.”

“If it makes you feel any better, neither do I.” She let out a nervous giggle. “No amount of witchcraft or training could have prepared me for this,” she admitted. “It was never supposed to be me standing here.”

Emara’s eyes darted to the girl’s face, hopelessness in her eyes. She paused to allow the soon-to-be Empress of Earth time to speak.

“My sister only ascended here three years ago,” she finally said. “It should be her standing with you all tonight.”

A horrible sinking feeling worked its way from Emara’s heart through her body. Her sister had been the Empress of Earth who had been hunted at her home and slaughtered. An overwhelming level of respect washed through Emara for the girl standing before her. Sybil’s sister had been murdered just days ago and here she was, standing strong for her coven and stepping in for her House. Emara supposed it was a different kind of bravery than she was used to with the hunters. Instantaneous admiration broke through her heart.

Emara whispered, “I am so terribly sorry for your loss” as her throat clogged in connection to her own grief.

“Thank you,” Sybil said as her lips trembled slightly.

Emara added, “For what I know, the witches in your House thought very highly of your sister. She was well respected and loved.”

She had heard of how well Naya regarded her. Emara had taken in the devastation on her face when the news of her death had come through.

“I have big shoes to fill.” Sybil’s voice shook, and the statement allowed a shiver to run through Emara’s spine.

So did Emara.

With one look at Sybil’s face, Emara knew she wasn’t alone.

A clinking sound pulled them from their conversation, and Emara turned her head to see a brown-haired woman standing between the large doors of the great ballroom. She was smaller than she remembered, but she held a regal grace that one could only ever dream of.

It was the Supreme.

Deleine Orinmore, as her letter had stated.

She entered the room, her personal guards flanking behind her, and a low hush silenced everyone as they watched her glide across the polished quartz floor until she reached the top of the table. Enchanted beacons bloomed their flames higher as she stood at the first seat the table offered, where a queen would sit without her king.

“Good evening.” Her eyes scanned over her guests, sharp and penetrating. “I do hope I didn’t keep you waiting long.” Her lips turned slowly into a heart-stopping smile.

Something about that made Emara feel like Deleine enjoyed the thought of everyone waiting on her arrival.

“Please”—she gestured to the seats—“sit.”

Her voice drifted out enchantingly, and the crowd dispersed at her command. Walking over to the chairs that were dressed in braided violet and ornate silks, Emara felt a gentle hand on her shoulder. She turned to face sparkling green eyes.

Her chest seized up as she took in Gideon Blacksteel standing before her.

“Gideon.” She smiled, a little breathless.

“I would have caught you sooner,” he said, his eyes twinkling. “But I was catching up with Kellen.” He gestured over to where Kellen stood. “One of our men was attacked on their journey here from Tolsah Bay.” He lowered his head. “He didn’t make it, so Kellen was drafted in for the Empress of Water.”

“That’s awful,” she replied, remembering exactly the moment they had been attacked by demons on their journey too. The spraying of blood. The hunger for nothing but death. Her dagger that went through rotting flesh. Magin’s shoulder.

It could have been any of them that fell to the Dark Army.

“Did you know him well?” She swallowed.

“He was in my Selection year, but I didn’t know him well.” Gideon looked over at Kellen again with apprehension on his face. “I don’t know if he’s ready for this commitment.”

“I know the feeling,” she said without thinking.

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