Page 45 of Ties of Deception

“Lovely. Hope. Ah, yes, you’ve already done it. Beautiful blossoms, but remember you must have the discipline to control your emotions and wait for your moment. However, I am glad being here brings you happiness. Constance? Oh, simply stunning. The speed with which you can work is truly impressive.” The empress’s voice always seemed to warm when she spoke to Constance. She was clearly her favorite.

I straightened and prepared myself to move quickly, glad it wasn’t Constance who had been last. It would have been too suspicious to exclude her today, so we would have picked second to last and that could have been messy. Also, the remaining Grace was loyal to Charity, and I feared her far more than I feared Constance.

“Prudence, you are last. Please transform your branch.” I hoped Ethen was watching closely.

The empress’s voice softened. “Take your time, Prudence. Concentrate on your emotions.”

Seconds ticked by without the empress’s praise, and I sighed in relief. Ethen’s powers of death were working as subtly as I’d hoped. Now I just had to take the opening.

“Prudence, stay calm. Would you like to keep trying?” A note of impatience had entered the empress’s voice.

“I…I’m sorry…I…I can’t…” I couldn’t let myself feel sorry for her.

I strode out from behind the rhododendron and thought of my most intense emotions. I pictured the way Ethen had looked at me when our fingers had entwined and removed every caution and barrier in my heart. I let myselffeelwithout restriction.

For the first time, I could feel the power leaving me, a slight thrum in my fingertips and the tingling of goosebumps down my arms.

I stepped into full view of the pavilion and stopped as if in surprise, bowing to the empress. Prudence’s branch burst into life, leaves and blossoms scattering as she threw it away from her in surprise. All the other branches also bloomed more abundantly as Ethen removed the last traces of death from the pavilion.

It wasn't just the branches, either, the tree behind me gained so many apples, the branches creaked as they drooped. I tried not to smile as the feeling of victory and pride swelled in my chest.

“I’m sorry, forgive my interruption.”

The empress stood from her seat. Her face was incredulous. “Purity? What areyoudoing here?”

I swallowed, trying to moisten my throat enough to remove any tremble from my voice. “I was asked to accompany Priscilla to the capital. She is occupied with her friends today, and I found myself with nothing to do. I decided to come to the palace gardens. They are so beautiful and peaceful. I didn’t mean to intrude though. I hope I’ve not overstepped.”

The empress seemed to catch herself. “I must admit, I wasn’t sure I would see you again after the…shock you received last time.”

I bowed my head. “I have not dwelt on it, Your Majesty. Instead, I found the experience has helped me gain more control of my emotions.”

Constance looked between me and Charity and took a small step forward. I had hoped she would speak up on my behalf. If she replaced one of Charity’s followers with her own, it would be a big advantage for her. “Your Majesty, it appears that Purity has made Prudence’s stick bloom. I believe she has also made your complexion glow. Maybe fortune is smiling on us.”

The empress seemed a little taken aback, and I took note that this form of flattery could affect her. Constance beckoned to me, and I took a few hesitant steps up to the pavilion.

I blinked innocently at the sticks. “What was wrong with Prudence’s stick?”

The empress folded her arms and sat back down. “We are discussing which Grace would be most appropriate to wed my son. This is a private affair among more mature Graces.”

A male voice sounded behind me. “But Purity appears today to be the strongest of them all. Or did I misunderstand what my eyes just saw?”

I whirled around to see Prince Sebastian striding down the path toward us. His presence and support were not something I had anticipated. Maybe it was my own time to be Blessed.

The empress’s face softened. “Sebastian, you know you weren’t needed for this part.”

He grinned, full of charm, and spread out his arms. “But how could I resist coming to see the results of such beautiful Graces?” He winked at me. “Maybe you could make an exception, Mother, and accept a younger Grace since she has such promise.”

The empress hesitated only a moment longer, but the edges of her mouth tilted in displeasure. “Fine. Purity will replace Prudence.”

Constance grinned at me, her chestnut hair seeming to shine brighter. Charity glared at her from across the pavilion, then glared at Prudence instead. I felt sorry for Prudence. It looked like Charity would give her an earful for failing today.

“But!” The empress raised a finger. “I will have no tolerance for mistakes. Purity, you will be under the greatest scrutiny. You are only a few months old after all. Are you sure you wish to take part in this selection process for Prince Sebastian’s hand?”

I widened my eyes and looked down to the floor. “I am greatly honored, Your Majesty and Your Highness. I’d never dreamed of being considered. Though I’m fully aware I have little to offer compared to the older Graces here, I would still welcome the opportunity to grow.”

Sebastian beamed at me in a way that made his whole face irresistibly attractive. I quickly looked away.

The empress stood. “That’s settled then. In three days, you’ll be given instructions for your next challenge which will take place in a week—on a different day for each of you. Until then, my son will wish to talk with all of you. Please do your best to accommodate his busy schedule.” She turned to me with a resigned look in her eyes. “Purity, I will see that you are given accommodation within the palace. You must seek my permission if you intend to leave the palace before this assessment is over.”

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