Page 12 of Ties of Deception

The royal guard returned and he nodded meaningfully at the Amazone. She straightened, though she already towered over me. “Lady Purity, come with me.”

The Amazone didn’t speak again as she led me back into the bright busy room. She didn’t slow down as she walked through the crowds but took me straight to a small antechamber, opening the door with a bow to whoever was inside.

My trepidation grew. I slipped past the goddess and found myself in front of a woman who could only be the empress. I froze for a moment before falling into a clumsy curtsy.

The empress reclined on a couch. She wore a long flowing dress of bright yellow that was weighed down by hundreds of delicate golden chains. Their weight caused the voluminous material to hug her slender figure. Her skin tone was much deeper than the bronze of her son, much closer to the rich brown of the Amazone beside me, and the yellow of her dress gave it a healthy glow. Instead of wearing her hair in tight braids, however, the empress’s hair was a large Afro, golden chains weaving through it and giving the suggestion of a tiara. Even in her relaxed pose, she struck an imposing figure.

“Lady Purity. Come and sit beside me.” She swung her legs into a sitting position and patted the couch beside her. My mouth dried as I perched on the very edge of the seat.

I cleared my throat. “I’m sorry, Your Majesty, if I have caused trouble.”

The empress handed me a glass of fruit juice from the low table beside her, and I took it, grateful for something to do with my hands.

The empress looked at the table as she spoke as if trying to be less intimidating. “You are new, Purity. It is common for very young goddesses to react emotionally and not to understand all the intricacies of court.”

I opened my mouth, but then decided it was probably best if I didn’t say anything I didn’t have to.

The empress sighed. “If you find yourself talking to the Aidis again, you must be respectful and courteous, whatever your own personal feelings. It is his right to come here to search for a bride and integral to the alliance between our empire and the Unseen Lands. His kingdom requires a Grace in order to continue. It is a great honor for us.”

I gripped my glass tighter. “I didn’t know that he was a prince. He grabbed me by the chin. Surely he shouldn’t have done that, no matter his rank.”

The empress frowned, suddenly more intense. “He did? Whatever for?”

I looked away. Some instinct warned me to be wary. “I…I don’t know.”

The empress seemed to ponder that for a moment. “If he takes an interest in you again, even if it’s just a passing greeting, let me know straightaway.”

I swallowed and nodded, not liking what she was inferring. I didn’t want the attention of any men or gods right now.

She ran a gold chain through her fingers. “Did you know that your emotions on the balcony caused a crack in the palace wall?”

I straightened in shock and shook my head.

The empress leaned forward, and her expression was not unkind. “Purity, the first duty of a goddess is to learn to control her emotions. If you can’t do that, you won’t be able to attend any future parties or visit Fierro. Please work on it earnestly.”

My cheeks heated, though right now, I never wanted to set foot here again.

There was a single sharp knock on the door, and it opened before the empress could speak. Prince Sebastian strode in. He smiled when he saw me. “Forgive my rudeness, I didn’t realize you had company, Mother.”

I lowered my head and didn’t meet his eyes. I hoped the gesture appeared respectful, when really, I just wanted to avoid any more attention.

The empress’s tone became softer now her son was here. “Sebastian, let me introduce Lady Purity. She is our newest goddess.”

I bowed my head further. When I raised my eyes, his smile had widened to a grin. “Why, you’re beautiful even for a Grace. Your family must be overjoyed to have you.”

I groped for a safe reply. “Thank you.”

The prince was still looking at me, and my cheeks heated once again. The empress cleared her throat. “Did you come for a reason, Sebastian?”

His smile moved to her. “Do I need a reason to talk to you, Mother?” He chuckled. “But, yes. They wish for you to start the dancing.”

The empress stood, and I hurried to follow suit. She sighed and straightened her skirts. “Time must be rushing by without me noticing.”

The prince’s attention snapped back to me. “Will you be joining in the dancing, Lady Purity? I would be honored to have such a beautiful partner.” He extended his hand to me with a half-bow.

The empress slapped his wrist. “Nonsense. Your first dance is reserved for Constance, remember? And then wasn’t Charity next? And Hope? Besides, Purity is leaving now.” She looked at the Amazone. “Please direct her to her carriage.”

Right now, I was past feeling shame at my dismissal. All I felt was relief.

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