Page 65 of A Hunter for Luna

The old man was going to an effort to make us comfortable. I pasted a smile on my face and beside me, Luna lifted her chin, somehow looking both demure and defiant.

Into the maw of the beast we go.Absent gods keep us, the mother's arms shield us, and may the all-seeing Sun have mercy.

Then the doors swung open, and together we stepped across the threshold to meet with the waiting emperor.

The fountain was as gorgeous as all the stories said, an unparalleled creation of ancient times.

Above, there were soaring ceilings adorned by intricate mosaics depicting the empire's bloody history. Seated on a long divan, the emperor Bartolomeo himself, tracking our every move. Wiryand nearly bald, draped in rich silks, he looked both frail and formidable.

Perched on a stool beside him sat Alexis Cosmelis, one of his chief vipers—others called them advisors. The old schemer was studying Luna with chilly interest, like a snake sizing up a rodent. I had to suppress a surge of anger.

She’s mine, andnot to be made a pawn in your games, you bastard.

"Ah, Benedetto," the emperor said, his papery lips stretching into a thin smile. "And your lovely wife. It’s good to see you. Sit, please."

I bowed stiffly, taking my seat next to Luna as Pip settled on the back of the long low couch. "We’re honored by your notice, sire."

The emperor snorted, amusement in those cold hazel eyes. “And would rather not be honored in the future. You need to work on concealing your emotions if you’re going to wear the wreath.”

Ah, it was going to be informal. I could do informal. “What are you talking about?”

"Tell me," Emperor Bartolomeo said conversationally, steepling his ring studded bony fingers. "What is your stance on your current position within the line of succession?"

I blinked, caught off guard. "I don’t want it."

The emperor let out a dry, humorless chuckle. "Fair enough. Regardless of your preference, you’re either second or third in line now, depending on how you view your cousin Vivaldo's claim."

Second or third?The words hit me like a punch to the gut. I'd known I’d risen in the succession, but... Dead gods reanimated, I did not want this wizened old man's wrath or throne. What game was he playing?

I schooled my features into careful neutrality, even as my mind raced. Beside me, Luna shifted almost imperceptibly, her hand brushing mine. The brief touch steadied me.

I met the emperor's piercing gaze head on. "I'm afraid I still fail to grasp your meaning, Your Majesty. My loyalty is to the empire, not any personal ambitions."

"As it should be," Emperor Bartolomeo said mildly. But I didn't miss the way his eyes narrowed fractionally. "Still, one must consider possible eventualities. And plan accordingly. Wouldn't you agree?"

You scheming old spider, what web are you trying to trap me in?I wanted to snap. But I simply inclined my head. "Of course, Your Majesty. Though I pray such plans remain in the far future."

The emperor's smile was more of a grimace. "As do we all. But the wise man prepares for every path. Especially wedded to a lovely woman of impeccable bloodlines." He waved a hand languidly. "Such children you and she will make, Benedetto. They’ll inherit the imperial bloodline from both sides."

My thoughts whirled. Why summon me here for that cryptic warning? Was he threatening us or wanting us to produce children quickly?

I glanced at Luna. Her face betrayed nothing, but I sensed her unease.

This was a dangerous game we'd been thrust into. And something told me it was only the opening move. We had to tread carefully.

And I had to make some decisions. The emperor had all but said that our child would be a target of rivals to the throne if I didn’t take his throne when he died.

“But enough of that,” said Alexis Cosmelis. “I’ve heard that you plan to travel soon. Let me tell you about the last time I traveled to the Jesnani lands…” he launched into a drily funny tale that had Luna laughing.

For me, there was nothing to do but smile, nod, and try to navigate a way out of the trap we were in. The battle had begun.

When the story ended, Emperor Bartolomeo smiled at Luna, the sound of her laughter still lingering in the room. “I am sad to have not seen you before. Please, come to a small supper I’m hosting tomorrow with your husband.”

Luna’s eyes widened, and she whispered, “You honor us, Sire.”

“It’s nothing.” He waved a hand. “Off with you. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.”

The ride back to the villa passed in tense silence. As we stepped out of the chair into the courtyard, I turned to Luna. "I need to look into some things. Alone."

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