Page 60 of A Pact of Blood

As Bianca climbs into the carriage after me, she shootsme a crooked smile that looks apologetic. I offer one in return that I hope shows I don’t resent her presence.

It isn’t as if anyone can refuse the emperor, even if she would have wanted to.

“I hope you’re well,” I say politely, remembering our fraught conversation over my cauldron.

She bobs her head a little more emphatically than is necessary. “Quite, thank you, Your Imperial Highness.”

Then Marclinus is clambering after us and tucking his hand over her thigh, and all I can do is watch and chatter as if this is the life I always dreamed of.

On the third day, as we partake of the lunch prepared at one of the waystations along the road, Counsel Etta and Cleric Pierus approach the imperial carriage. Marclinus has opted for boredom after yesterday’s socializing, so there’s plenty of room when he motions them inside.

Etta brushes her hands together and gets straight to the point, her close-set eyes fixing on me. “Your Imperial Highness, I gather you’re intending to participate in Prospira’s rite as you did Estera’s?”

I sit up straighter and set aside the roll I was eating. “I am.”

Are they making preparations now? We still have a few more days before we’re even near the temple where the rite takes place.

Pierus purses his lips and looks at Marclinus as if he expects the other man to weigh in. My husband merely waits with a mild expression for them to go on.

The cleric seems to decide it’s better to focus directly on me. “You may find this rite more… demanding than Estera’s. Iwouldn’t want you to put yourself in an uncomfortable situation.”

I can’t tell whether he’s truly worried about my wellbeing or making up an excuse to ensure the sole focus is on his emperor.

“You could explain what’s involved, and then I’ll be prepared for whatever it’ll require from me,” I say.

Marclinus tsks at me before his advisors need to say anything. “You know that advance knowledge is reserved solely for those of the imperial line, Aurelia. If you’re concerned that you won’t be able to face the challenge without it, you’d be better off sitting this one out.”

The last thing I want is to appear cowardly or insecure in front of him. “I have all faith that I can earn Prospira’s approval as I did Estera’s. I was simply hoping to address the worries it appears Cleric Pierus has.”

My husband raises his eyebrows at the cleric. “I think she has you there.”

Pierus’s round face reddens. “I don’t mean to diminish Your Imperial Highness’s abilities. It is already irregular for the imperial consort to participate—we have to think through every eventuality.”

Etta clears her throat. “It’s our job to be on guard against any circumstance that might diminish the emperor and his associates in the eyes of the larger public.”

I meet her gaze steadily, even though my stomach has twisted. “Then I’ll make sure to confront the task with all the strength and courage they’d expect from the imperial family. My goal is to increase the confidence of the public and set their minds at ease. I won’t let myself fail.”

Marclinus has drawn his dagger. He spins it between his fingers as he sometimes likes to do as he’s thinking. “I would never criticize your strength, wife. But if I tell the people to respect you, they will.”

Like the soldier who tried to stab me did? Like my own guard muttering insults in the palace gardens?

Etta tries again. “There will be more pressure with such a large audience. It may be harder to maintain your composure.”

While I bleed to water a plant, as Bastien determined might be the case? How much more is there to this rite?

It doesn’t matter. I’ve committed to this course, and I have too many people to prove myself to before I’ll be more than a pretty doll on the emperor’s arm.

“I’m no stranger to crowds. I promise I won’t embarrass myself or my husband.” I glance at Marclinus. “And I feel respect earned directly is more valuable than that which is demanded.”

“Reasonable enough.” He points his dagger toward his advisors. “It appears my wife’s mind is set. Why shouldn’t more people beyond our court get to witness her commitment? I look forward to the demonstration myself.”

He aims a grin at me so fierce my skin starts to crawl.

No matter what this trial brings, I cannot fail.

Chapter Twenty

Aurelia

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