Page 110 of A Dance of Shadows

But possibly at least a tiny bit is. I’ve won some part of his affections.

When I reach our chairs, Marc stays standing and takes my hand. His fingers twine through mine with a gentle squeeze.

His eyes shine like the illusions overhead. Have I ever seen him look at me quite so fondly?

It might be an act, wanting to compensate for the trouble his twin put us through yesterday in front of the people who’ve known me best.

Marc lifts his other hand in a silencing gesture. The murmurs that filled the dining room fall to a total hush.

My husband aims one more smile at me before lifting his voice as well. “I’m pleased that we could be here in my wife’s country of birth to celebrate the day she came into this world twenty-two years ago. My only regret is that I didn’t have the chance to know her for more of those years. How could anyone ask for a better empress than one who ensures that everyone wins, as she accomplished so deftly in yesterday’s test? Let us celebrate and honor this incredible woman as she deserves!”

I wouldn’t say thateveryonewon, considering we buried two members of our court. All the same, applause thunders through the room. Faces light up all along the tables, especially among the local nobles.

He’s reframed yesterday’s unnerving challenge in a hopeful way, as if my husband only ever intended to show off my wits and not to torture every Accasian he could.

If only they could be dealing with Marc rather than Linus all of the time.

I get grins from many of the Darium nobles as well, particularly those who were forced into our subterranean group. Did I succeed in convincing them that throwing their lot in with me was a victory, not a mistake?

Marc’s words may have made the difference between those two outcomes.

Even High Commander Axius tips his head to me when he catches my gaze from his nearby table. His mouth is set in a measured smile that still might be the warmest expression he’s ever aimed at me. Next to him, Counsel Etta’s chin gives a nervous twitch, but she’s joined the applause with her veined hands.

Earning the local court’s good will by complimenting their former princess works to my husband’s advantage too, of course. Better that than them feeling they need to protect me—and themselves—from him. But when Marc looks at me as we sit down, his eyes still gleaming, it’s hard to shake the impression of honest admiration in his eyes.

“I handled the test we were given as best I could,” I say quietly as the first dishes are laid out before us.

“And your best is quite capable.” He gives my hand one last soft squeeze before releasing it to pick up his fork. “I thought you would appreciate having the godlen whose principles guide your own represented for your celebration.”

I glance up at the illusions flowing across the ceiling. “They’re quite spectacular. I hope they bring a sense of peace to everyone who looks on them.”

Marc chuckles. “Peace. That is the dream, isn’t it?”

Is it his? As I cut into the sculpted egg that’s our first course, I study him from the corner of my eye.

Would it be easier to present the necklace to Marc and hope he’ll be able to convince his twin to don it as well? Or would he be suspicious of my motives if I suggest that the gift be shared between them?

Perhaps Linus will be more likely to accept the ornament if it comes directly from me in an apparent attempt to appease himrather than from the brother he’s been butting heads with for months.

There is another matter I need to address with Marc sooner rather than later.

I keep my tone carefully casual. “There was a soldier ‘you’ called on to set off the rockslide yesterday, with a gift something to do with shaking the earth? I don’t recall seeing him around the imperial palace. Is he a new recruit?”

“Hmm?” Marc’s gaze goes distant with thought. “Right, Gallum. He’s not new to the army, but he hasn’t been on imperial duty before, as far as I know. He’s one of the reinforcements sent down from Lavira.”

“I suppose High Commander Axius vetted all of those?” I glance toward the smaller table where the military man is sitting with several of the Darium nobles.

“Naturally, and I looked over their files myself.” Marc’s piercing eyes return to me. “Did you have some concern about him?”

I have the sudden, ridiculous urge to confess my suspicion of assassination attempts and Linus’s possible involvement. But all I actually have are a few moments that could be dismissed as chance or clumsiness across as many months.

Marc worried about his twin harming me, but would he believe Linus has come up with an elaborate plan to off me in secret? Or would he think I’ve become paranoid as well? I don’t even know ifItruly believe Linus is behind the attempts.

I can’t say anything to him. If he repeats my worries to Linus, that could put my life in more danger rather than less.

I offer a mild smile instead. “Not at all. It only occurred to me how many gifts our companions might have that I’m unaware of. Do all the imperial staff and soldiers have their gifts noted in official records?”

Marc nods. “The main files are back in Vivencia, but I noted down all the vital information about those who’re traveling with us in one of my personal record books. If you think the knowledge might be useful, I can lend it to you.”

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