Page 10 of A Dance of Shadows

“It’s a big place. There’s lots to learn.” I look toward Marclinus where he’s tossing back his own wine across the room. “And I wouldn’t want His Imperial Majesty to think I’m shirking my duty.”

We drift over to a quieter corner, keeping a careful distance apart. Gods know I’d love to tease my fingers down the side of her pretty face and along her tempting curves, but I’ll settle for gazing into those entrancing deep blue eyes.

Shielding my free hand with my wine goblet, I flick my fingers into Lorenzo’s sign for Marclinus. “Whatever stories you might have heard, I’d imagine they’re true.”

Aurelia lifts her eyebrows, but her gaze turns more intent. “Are you sure? You’ve rarely been back to your home country since you were small, haven’t you?”

“I’ve gotten a few opportunities to call on my family,” I say. “And I have other ways of keeping track of recent happenings. I can’t confirm every rumor with full certainty, but my impressions are fairly clear.”

She gives a slight nod as she takes in those words. She knew I intended to investigate Marclinus’s story when I had the chance—she’ll be able to read between the lines of my commentary.

After a moment, her mild smile returns. We need to keep up the pretenses of the conversation we’re supposed to be having.

“I’m afraid I’m not familiar with very many stories of Lavira at all. What do you think are the country’s most important features?”

I pause, my mind tumbling through all the parts of my former home that I’d like to share with her. The bustling market in our capital of Rodrige. The late-night debates, full of both yelling and laughter, between the nobles of our court.The magic-blessed pond in the palace grounds full of fish that shimmer like diamonds.

That cove down by the lake where I’d lift her onto one of the rocky ledges and worship her until there was nothing inside her but pleasure.

I can’t mention any of those right now. Even the first few pieces would sound too personal.

“You’ll mainly be interacting with my family and our court,” I say. “My parents, my older brother and his wife, my younger sister, and various nobles much like here. They’re big believers in both diplomacy and negotiation, so you can assume anything they say has been tempered by a significant portion of tact and may be open to haggling.”

At my description, the corner of Aurelia’s lips quirks a little higher. An ache forms in my heart.

What will my family make of the woman who’s won that heart? She won’t be able to show them her full might or generosity.

She can certainly banter and parlay with the best of them, but will they take her measured airs for imperial deception?

How will they speak to—and about—mein front of her? After all these years, I’d like to think I’ve done them proud with my conduct. I haven’t brought down any sanctions on my kingdom with my behavior… But the memory of my brother’s dismissive teasing the last time I was home still stings.

From what I hear from the gossip that passes our way, all you do in court is seduce ladies and show off in arena tournaments for the emperor’s amusement. Trust you to treat the situation like a holiday.

If he had any idea what it’s really been like…

But there are some things my foster brothers and I haven’t dared to tell even our closest family. After all our time apart, I can’t say they’re much more than acquaintances now.

I don’t know that any one of them wouldn’t use our secrets to their own benefit without recognizing the full cost.

Aurelia tilts her head as if in thought. “I gather trade and distribution are among the major industries, with the location of the country making it a sort of hub to the rest of the empire. Are there any local resources or crafts involved in all that commerce?”

“Oh, I suppose Lavirians are most renowned for our cuisine and our furnishings. What’s a negotiation without the right surroundings to set the mood?”

“I look forward to experiencing both.”

As I reach for the right thing to say next, one of the older marchions brushes past our conversation spot. Syrus—Neven mentioned his name.

His gaze flicks toward Aurelia only for an instant, but I notice a hint of a grimace twisting his mouth. When he’s passed us by, almost out of earshot even to me, I catch a mutter under his breath. “Grasping foreign bint.”

My stance tenses. I glance over my shoulder after him, dredging up everything I can remember about the man.

Ah. His daughter was Lady Giralda—one of Aurelia’s competitors who was culled from the trials in bloody fashion.

How can he blame our empress for that? It isn’t as if shewantedto endure those sick games.

But it’s easier to resent the relative stranger in our midst than the emperor who’d put Marchion Syrus’s head on a pike if he complained about him. Look what happened when he dared to speak up for his daughter’s benefit.

I offer Aurelia a few more basic facts about my home country and then another quick bow. “I’ll give you some time to take that in so you can ask more specific questions later.”

---