Page 144 of A Pact of Blood

As the cloud passes and the sunlight evens out, my sword arm drops to my side. I only barely manage to hold on to the sword rather than letting it fall to the ground.

The soldiers rush over, two going to collect the body, two others coming to flank me, as if I need their protection now that the danger is over. A medic in white Eloxian robes hustles behind them. He offers me a reassuring smile and bends to set his hands against the deepest wound on my thigh.

As the warmth of the medic’s healing gift spreads through my flesh, I glance toward my husband. Marclinus is standing, clapping his hands alongside our audience with a wide grin.

He’s fully confirmed himself as their emperor, and I’ve confirmed myself as their empress. Now it’s time to discover where our triumphs will take the both of us.

Chapter Forty-Six

Aurelia

After the final confirmation rite, the celebration in the capital overshadows all those before. Triumphant music swells from every direction; red and violet banners whirl in the wind from rooftops all around the largest city square. The bakers and chefs commissioned to supply refreshments sent a flood of smells both sweet and savory through the air.

In front of the audience of civilians, all of the nobles currently at court have knelt to reconfirm their loyalty to Marclinus and the imperial line. His foster brothers were among them, careful not to so much as glance my way.

They’ve departed now with some excuse I didn’t hear, but I know they’re actually sneaking through the city under the cover of Lorenzo’s illusions and Raul’s shadows, transporting the one rebel we could save from execution beyond the walls. I’m hoping that replacing the body should be even easierwhen it’s an average-sized man rather than giving them more trouble than they counted on.

As Marclinus and I offer a toast to our subjects and eat morsels for dinner before the reveling crowd, evening falls. Lanterns beam to life, some streaming a golden light and others imperial purple or Sabrellian red. Many have been enchanted to drift through the air above the square like immense fireflies.

When I see the princes return, I school my expression to remain in its same warm smile. From the corner of my eye, I catch Lorenzo’s furtive gesture.All’s well.

The tension that’s been weighing on my chest dissolves, letting my next breath flow more deeply into my lungs. I proved myself to Dariu’s citizens and to my husband without actually compromising what I stand for—or losing anyone I love.

I swallow the next few bites of roast duck with more genuine enthusiasm. The people before us prance and whirl with periodic cheers encouraged by the imperial guards stationed around the square. Some of the nobles on the platform around us sway with the music too, while others simply relax and nibble on the offered delicacies.

Marclinus has spent most of the time when he isn’t waving and bowing to the crowd laughing with his noblemen friends and tossing back wine. He’s been in more exuberant spirits since we had our brief respite at the palace to wash and change our clothes after our battles.

He elbows me playfully, his eyes glinting. “Now we’re right where we’re meant to be, aren’t we, wife? I’ll bet you never imagined you’d be sitting in the capital of the empire like this when you were a little girl back in Accasy.”

I hold my smile in place. “No, I didn’t, but I’m ever so grateful to be here.”

Those words aren’t even a lie.

Marclinus hums and trails his fingers down the side of my arm. “I’ll be grateful when we can have our time alone later tonight. Why don’t we confirm just how?—”

He cuts himself off at a parting of the crowd just beyond our platform. High Commander Axius strides over to us from the ring of guards. He dips his head to Marclinus with a slight nod to me as well—and a similar apologetic grimace to the one he offered me while he pledged his devotion to the empire this afternoon.

“Your Imperial Eminences,” he says. “A party of citizens would like to make a presentation to Empress Aurelia. My soldiers have checked them over and can see no means by which they could harm either of you. Shall we let them through?”

My heart skips a beat. A presentation? I wasn’t expecting that.

Marclinus’s smile tightens slightly, but he waves at Axius to go on. “Let them up. An honor to my empress is an honor to me as well.”

Yes, as long as he’s beside me, I’m sure he’ll never fail to take credit for anything I accomplish.

Several guards usher a group of a dozen or so men and women through the crowd and onto the platform. The music briefly halts. Faces all around the square turn to watch.

One man in a well-fitted linen tunic and trousers kneels before me while his companions cluster behind him. He’s holding a parcel of fabric.

He clears his throat. “Your Imperial Highness, we represent the people of Vivencia and citizens all across our country who’ve passed on reports of your bravery and kindness. You may have come from far north, but you’ve shown more dedication to the Dariu’s people already than we could have hoped to ask for. We feel you deserve this symbol of our respect and appreciation in return.”

Tugging back the cloth, he reveals a crown that’s made of twined leaves, their glazed surfaces artfully shaped into a ring.

Marclinus stiffens beside me. I lose my breath.

A woman speaks up at the man’s shoulder, explaining what I’ve already guessed. “It’s a wreath made from leaves native to every part of our country. Dariu was proud to present a similar gift to our former empress, may the gods still bless her soul. We felt you deserved no less.”

I manage to find my voice through the swell of emotion in my chest. “I’m honored by your offering. May I put it on?”

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