Page 26 of A Pact of Blood

The thought of tomorrow’s ceremony makes my stomach clench. I’m glad that we’re getting on with seeing Marclinus officially confirmed as emperor, which will also solidify myplace as his wife. But what can I expect from the civilians who’ll be watching us every step of the way?

How many of them still feel the same way as whoever hurled that bloody animal organ at my mourning dress? What else can I do to prove to them that I support their new emperor and the empire?

If there was a potion that could win over the hearts of a country permanently, I’d be making it right now.

I contemplate the two suggested dresses in the wardrobe. The midnight blue silk will emphasize my eyes and set off my tanned skin nicely, but I do like the idea of showing my respects to the godlen we’re appealing to. Not that Estera, overseer of learning and wisdom, generally cares all that much about fashion.

It’s a light grass-green that reminds me of Elox’s peaceful fields. I can honor my own godlen at the same time.

“Let’s go with the green.” I reach for my nightgown where it’s folded on my dressing table. “Thank you for your help. I can take care of my washing up on my own.”

My maids curtsy and slip out of my bedroom with no sign of offense. After a few days in their role, they’re already used to my independent streak.

The moment the door has shut behind them, I exhale in relief. For a brief time, I have no one to perform for.

A familiar pain fills my chest. It’d be better if I could be myself with company once in a while. To sit here and chat with Rochelle like I used to as she brushed my hair or fixed my gowns so they emphasized all of my figure’s best qualities…

I couldn’t tell her everything, but I could be so much more open with her than with any of the other ladies of the court. She gave up so much so I could make it to this point.

There’s no way left for me to repay her. I can’t secret her off to the medic she’d fallen for. I couldn’t even see to aproper funeral. Tarquin sent her savaged body to her home province before I was in any position to have a say.

Even having Cici, my maid from Accasy, by my side would be a comfort. But as the idea flits through my head that I could summon her back now that I’m empress, I’m already dismissing it.

I can’t drag her into all the dangers I’m facing here. When I still have so little sway over my own fate, it would be pure selfishness.

Until I can establish my standing with both Marclinus and his people, I can’t offer any real protection to anyone I care about.

The last thing Rochelle said to me was that I have to win. The trials may be over, but I haven’t truly triumphed yet.

I can do that much for her and everyone else who’s counting on me.

Right now, though, I don’t even know whether my husband intends to call on me tonight.

My thumb rubs over the side of my ring, too lightly to trigger the needle that dips into the hidden cavity. Then I reach for my nightgown and tug it on.

Perhaps if I’m already in bed and at least appear to be asleep when Marclinus comes by, he’ll leave me to my rest rather than disturbing me. There’ll be no need for the full pretense, no need to share my chambers with him.

It’s a small chance, but better than none at all.

I hurry over to the expansive bathing room at the far end of my chambers. On the threshold, I jerk to a halt. My hand shoots to the gilded doorframe to grasp for balance.

Lorenzo stands up from where he was perched on the edge of the empty marble bathtub. The prince’s dark gaze holds mine, his stance tense as if braced for my reaction.

My heart restarts at twice its usual pace. All my thoughtsabout Marclinus barging in come racing back to me, sending the frantic thudding right up my throat.

I take a step into the room to make it even less likely that the guards stationed outside will hear my voice, as low as I keep it. The door to my apartments is thick, but I don’t want to take a single unnecessary risk.

“What are you doing in here? Marclinus could come by any second—even if you hide yourself, his guards will sense your magic?—”

Lorenzo stays where he is on the other side of the tub. It yawns like a chasm between us.

His hand jerks through the air to cut me off.It’s okay.

As anxious as I am, I can’t help frowning at him. “It’s not. It was risky enough when you all would sneak into my old rooms, but now…”

The prince attempts another gesture that he aborts partway through, perhaps realizing that what he needs to say is too complicated to convey by his more furtive means.

His illusionary voice, the rich baritone I haven’t heard since he asked me to run away with him, resonates into my head.“Raul is distracting Marclinus. He promised I’d have until at least the eleventh bell to speak with you uninterrupted.”

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