Page 18 of A Pact of Blood

Counsel Etta flicks her gaze toward him. “And we will. The confidence to be patient shows plenty of strength. We won’t stretch the process outtoolong.”

Marclinus braces his hands against the edge of the table. An air of authoritative focus has come over him, not at all like the leering hedonist who lolls on his throne.

I suppose my husband can rise to the occasion as it demands. Something I’ll need to keep in mind for my own plans.

“I can understand both sets of concerns,” he says. “What exactly are you thinking, Counsels?”

It’s Cleric Pierus who speaks up instead, with a rustle of his robes around his stately frame. “The typical path is to begin with the rite of Estera conducted at the Temple of Boundless Wisdom, which doesn’t require uprooting the court from Vivencia.” He points out a spot just to the northeast of the capital. “The arrangements can be made in just a few days.”

Marclinus nods. “Excellent. And after that would be Prospira, wouldn’t it?”

Severo jumps in again. “Yes. The temple that oversees that rite is out by Ubetta.” He points the city out on the southeastern side of the map. “With the regular court convoy, it’ll take a week traveling there and the same again back, with a short stay in between. I would say you should remain here in the capital for several days before leaving for that length of time. Then afterward, another week or two staying in Vivencia before a similar journey northwest to Rexoran for Creaden’s rite.”

Etta nods. “Then you return to Vivencia for the final rite under Sabrelle’s watch. The entire series could be complete within two months. Not long at all while still giving space to honor your father’s twenty-eight-year rule.”

I grasp Marclinus’s hand in a show of solidarity that seems befitting my role. “And I’ll be right by your side for every mile of that journey.”

The high commander studies us from across the table with a frown. “Making yourselftoovisible may not be the most strategic option, Your Imperial Highness. Some have taken the emperor’s passing on the night of your wedding as a bad omen of sorts. Feelings among the citizenry seem to be somewhat… mixed.”

The image flickers through my mind of the bloody organ thrown from the crowd just yesterday. Mixed indeed.

My pulse thumps a little faster, but I lift my chin. “Then it’s important that they see how much their emperor and their country mean to me so I can earn their good will.”

Marclinus tsks his tongue. “She’s made of strong stuff, Axius, or she wouldn’t be my wife. We’ll set attitudes in order. And I trust my army will take every precaution to ensure no actual harm comes to her?”

With a tick of his jaw, the high commander bows his head. “Of course, Your Imperial Majesty. I’ll see that double the usual host of soldiers accompanies each procession.”

“Excellent. It sounds as though we have plenty of time to go over the details of each of the rites before I must face them. If I recall correctly, Estera’s involves a maze of some sort?”

“That’s right,” Counsel Etta says quickly. “But none of them will provide any great challenge to you. The imagery is what’s most important.”

The symbolic indication that the four godlen most revered in Dariu approve of the new emperor. Wisdom,abundance, authority, and might. It’s not a surprising combination. Do the other five of our lesser gods feel left out?

Marclinus waves his hand dismissively. “Make the appropriate arrangements for the first rite and check with me before finalizing them. We may as well rejoin the court for the afternoon.”

Or perhaps he’ll return to speak with his advisors at more length without me, but I can hardly complain about that in my current position.

High Commander Axius’s warning has set my mind bubbling with possibilities. As I follow my husband into the hall, I consider the best way to approach the subject without giving away all of my aims.

I slip my hand around Marclinus’s elbow again. “Do you think perhaps I should pursue a little combat training in case I need to defend myself? It isn’t something I’ve had much experience in with my dedication to Elox.”

That isn’t entirely true—my parents ensured that both my sister and I were tutored in every skill we might need, including the basics of self-defense—but I don’t think Marclinus will find it difficult to believe. And it wouldn’t hurt to brush up on my admittedly limited abilities regardless.

He hums. “I’m sure our soldiers can protect you quite well if any civilian dares to attack you. But a certain amount of martial competency can only be a benefit, if you’re inclined to learn. I’m not sure how well you’d get on with the typical military regimens, though.”

I produce a light laugh. “Oh, to be sure, I can’t see heading down to the barracks for lessons. Is there anyone in the court who’s proficient enough to serve as a decent teacher? I’m sure Axius is far too busy with more important matters.”

I’m prepared to prod Marclinus farther, but for once his inclination to make use of his foster brothers however he can works in my favor. He snaps his fingers. “Prince Raul is quite a fighter—you might remember his performance during the fighting exhibition a couple of weeks back. I’ll have him give you a tutoring session or two.”

I make myself hesitate before picking up my pace again. “Do you think he’ll agree? He and the other princes have been rather… distant with me. I suppose there’s also my guards?—”

Marclinus shrugs off my feigned discomfort. “He’ll do what I tell him. And he’ll know how to handle a lady of your standing better than anyone on staff. Your guards will be standing by to protect you from any outside threat—and to make sure he doesn’t get overly familiar. Unless you had someone else in mind?”

At his evaluating look, I shake my head with a sheepish expression. “I was hoping you’d advise me on that, and clearly you have. Prince Raul will be fine.”

Better that he thinks I was reluctant rather than eager. And now I’ll have an easy opportunity to pass on any messages I want to convey to the prince without risking it more publicly—or relying on him sneaking into my chambers.

“Once he’s run you through the basics, I’ll test you myself and see if anything’s lacking,” Marclinus says, a promise that feels more ominous than I like.

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