Page 5 of A Game of Veils

The corner of his mouth quirks upward in what’s closer to a smirk. “I think I’ll enjoy making your acquaintance.”

Great God help me, this is the man I’m supposed to live out my days with?

Emperor Tarquin doesn’t appear fazed by his heir’s attitude. He motions to the figures at his left. “The key members of my cabinet and all of my court look forward to celebrating your arrival.” He tips his head toward the crowd around the room and pauses before glancing beyond his son as if he’d almost forgotten who else was present.

“Ah, and my foster sons: Prince Bastien, Prince Raul, Prince Lorenzo, and Prince Neven.”

Foster sons? All princes?

Before I can even start to puzzle out that statement and his dismissive tone, the emperor goes on. “Given that your family suggested this match, I assume you’ve come willingly, Princess Aurelia.”

I bob my head again. “Of course, Your Imperial Majesty.”

“Refresh my memory and confirm what I was told. How old are you?”

“Twenty-one.”

“And you’re where in line to the throne of Accasy?”

“I’m my parents’ second child, Your Imperial Majesty.” Does he really need to hear me rehash all this?

Emperor Tarquin lets out a low chuckle. “The full title can become a mouthful. I give you permission to simply call me ‘Emperor’ for the duration of this conversation.”

“Thank you, Emperor.”

He lifts his chin toward me. “Which godlen have you dedicated to, and did you make a dedication sacrifice?”

I’m not sure how much detail he’s heard from the imperial representative who conducted the betrothal negotiations, but I have no reason to obscure my answer. Nearly everyone in the realms dedicates themselves to one of our gods at twelve years old in the typical ceremony. It would be a shock if I hadn’t.

At least half of the people I’ve met, nobles and commoners alike, took the greater opportunity presented by the dedication ceremony. It’s the one chance we have to be blessed with a gift of magical talent. But of course we must offer something of ourselves in return.

“I dedicated to Elox,” I say. “I sacrificed my spleen for a gift for making healing potions and other cures.”

The emperor’s eyebrows rise. I can’t tell if he’s genuinely startled or putting on an act to try to loosen my tongue. “A medic princess. That might be a first.”

I give him the simplest honest explanation I can. “I wanted to be able to help people. I can’t heal anyone directly, though, only concoct things that can.”

“And have you faced any adverse consequences from the loss of your organ?”

I think of the tiny scar on my stomach. “Nothing significant. Illnesses tend to hit me harder and take longer to recover from, so I’m careful to look after my own health as well.”

“Very wise.”

The back of my neck prickles with the sense that he’s subtly mocking me, but Emperor Tarquin leans back in his throne as if he’s satisfied. “You appear to be exactly who we were promised.”

I summon my brightest smile to cover my next lie. “I’m glad to have pleased you and look forward to my marriage with great joy.”

The emperor rubs his thumb along the point of his chin. Something in his expression sets the hairs on the back of my neck on end before he even opens his mouth.

“If you marry. Let’s not be hasty.”

Chapter Two

Aurelia

As the emperor’s words reverberate in my ears, the bottom of my stomach drops out. If I marry?

My mind scrambles for an appropriate response. My face has gone rigid around my smile.

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