Page 19 of A Pact of Blood

I snatch at the opportunity to broach another topic that’s been on my mind. “As long as you play fair. I haven’t heard tell yet whether you took a dedication gift from Sabrelle or what it might be.”

If he made a sacrifice, it isn’t an immediately visible one. But it seems unlikely that the heir to the empire would have given up the chance to gain at least a little extra power.

Marclinus simply tsks his tongue at me. “There’s no need for you to worry yourself about that either.”

Because he hasn’t got one or he’d rather keep it secret even from his wife?

Before I can find a way to pry further, we arrive at the hall of entertainments. The several dozen current members of the court are filling the space with their chatter and laughter.

Those nearest the door dip respectfully at their emperor’s entrance. Marclinus gives them a brisk nod, his gaze searching farther beyond. “Where are those foster ‘brothers’ of mine? I can speak to Raul right now.”

I can’t make out the prince of Lavira’s massive frame and cocoa-brown hair anywhere around us, but my gaze quickly snags on Bastien’s slim form. His dark green gaze jabs through me from beneath his shaggy auburn hair for the instant before he turns on his heel.

If Raul has talked to the prince of Cotea since last night, he doesn’t appear to have softened in his opinion of me any.

Marclinus swivels. “Well, there’s another who can be of use.”

When I glance around, he’s striding toward Lorenzo. The prince of Rione’s dark face tenses, but he gives a stiff bow to his emperor.

As I hurry after Marclinus, Lorenzo’s gaze flicks to me and jerks away again. He doesn’t look any happier to see me than he does my husband.

It shouldn’t matter. I made my choice. I’m lucky even Raul still cares about me.

None of those facts stops a pang from resonating through my heart.

“Prince Lorenzo,” Marclinus says in a jauntier tone, “I’d say the hall of entertainments could use some music this afternoon.”

My stomach turns. Emperor Tarquin was making a habitof pushing Lorenzo and his gift to the limit, not even knowing just how much casting the illusion of divinely beautiful melodies over the entire court cost him.

I catch Marclinus’s arm before he can go on and focus completely on him with an apologetic smile. “Husband, why don’t we call on the court musicians instead? I do find it so much more enthralling to listen to multiple instruments in harmony. Why should we settle for just a vielle or a lyre on its own?”

Marclinus chuckles. “You do have a point there. And we should appreciate our native Darium talents.”

He beckons to a page and instructs the woman to gather the musicians who’ve actually been hired for the job. At the edge of my vision, Lorenzo drifts away without a backward glance.

I don’t know whether he’s grateful for my intervention or offended by it.

The pang of that uneasiness jostles another idea loose. When my husband sends the page off, I lean closer to him. I might as well start testing what little bits of influence I can wield so far.

“We should discuss that banquet I’d like to hold. And there were a few treats I’ve heard the nobles mention that I was hoping I might get a chance to try…”

Chapter Seven

Aurelia

When the last of the banquet’s dishes have been laid out on the expansive table in the middle of the dining room, I lift my wine goblet. The nobles swarming the room pause in their chattering.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve stood before all these high ranking Darium citizens naked, bleeding, vomiting, and every other imaginable humiliation. Somehow the weight of their attention feels even heavier now.

This is my first official court event as their empress. Until they’ve fully accepted me in that role, every move I make will be scrutinized.

“Good evening to all my friends of the court,” I call out with a gracious smile. “Thank you for joining me tonight for what I hope will be a delectable feast. Consider itmy thank you for welcoming me into your world. You’ll find all sorts of delicacies to try. I’ve had the palace chefs give a variety of foods beloved in Accasy their own Darium spin as a demonstration of just how well our two countries can work together. Please, enjoy!”

Applause ripples through the crowd. It’s hard to tell how much is politeness rather than enthusiasm. As the nobles turn toward the banquet table, the expressions I catch hold a fair bit of uncertainty and skepticism.

I sampled all of the new creations being offered tonight as the chefs perfected their recipes. If the imperial kitchen staff’s work doesn’t win over at least the court’s tongues, nothing will.

Marclinus teases his fingers up my neck to give one loop of my hair a playful tug. “It certainly smells delicious. I’m going to dive in myself and see what bounty you’ve created for us, wife.”

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