Page 46 of Ties of Deception

I bowed again, my chest constricting. I had committed to another cage. I didn’t raise my head until the empress had left, her silk skirts whispering behind her. Prudence was the second to leave, hurrying down the steps so fast she almost tripped on her robe.

Smiling sweetly, Constance glided toward me and took both my hands. Her dress had an unusual crisscross pattern of twisted linen that left a triangle around each hip bare. “It is good to have you here, Purity. I was worried after you left the palace so quickly last time. Please let me know if you need anything.”

I nodded and returned her smile. “Thank you. This is all quite sudden. I’ll be glad to have somebody I can talk to. I didn’t expect to be moving into the palace today.”

Constance squeezed my hands. “You should enjoy it. Make the most of it. There’s nowhere else quite as exciting.”

Behind her, Charity scoffed as she pushed past and walked down the steps, her head held high, though she did slow long enough to give Sebastian a seductive smile with slightly pursed lips as she passed him on the path. Liberty kept close in step behind her, her only remaining supporter. She didn’t even glance at the prince.

Prince Sebastian climbed the last of the steps and congratulated each of us, before indicating with a tilt of his head for me to follow him. I felt the remaining goddesses' eyes boring into my back as he took me back to the path and off to one side.

His voice was low and soft, forcing me to take a small step closer so I could hear. “I was intending to talk to you in secret moments these next few weeks, Purity, but it seems you have now caught everyone’s attention.” He smiled at me and lightly brushed my cheek. The action felt strangely intrusive after Ethen’s restraint. “I’m glad people are starting to see your worth, and it will be easier for us to get to know each other now that you’re on Mother’s list. We can meet in full view as often as we like.” He leaned in closer. “Good luck. My money is on you.”

Chapter

Eighteen

Astone skidded to the floor in my new quarters in the palace. I was three stories up with a balcony view of the gardens. However, by now I knew that climbing this high wouldn’t be difficult for Ethen.

I pushed through the gossamer curtains to the marble balustrade and was immediately shrouded in the heavy, humid veil of night. Cicadas hummed and the sky glowed with streaks of pink and gold still tearing through the edges of the darkening horizon.

I couldn’t see anyone, but there were plenty of shadows for him to hide in. I sighed and leaned on the balustrade, speaking in a soft voice. “You know, one of these days you’re probably going to hit me with one of those rocks. How can you possibly see where I am through those curtains? Or you’ll hit and smash some priceless artifact that came with the rooms and I’ll be accused of being unable to control my emotions.”

Ethen’s fingers appeared on the edge of the marble ledge before he pulled himself up in one fluid motion. I still couldn’t understand how a man with such a broad build could move like that. He perched on the marble ledge. “Would you prefer I came in unannounced and scared the life out of you?”

I pouted. “You could knock like a normal person.”

He raised an eyebrow. “On what? Your door, announcing to the whole palace that I visit you alone at night?”

I snorted. “Would you like some wine? There are several rather fine bottles here.”

I walked back inside and he followed, close enough that I could sense his presence even with my back turned. I let him select the bottle and poured us two glasses.

“You did a good job today,” he said after a long sip. “You were completely convincing.”

I swirled the red liquid around my own glass. “I hope Charity wasn’t too unpleasant to Prudence. I felt sorry for her.”

Ethen shrugged. “She knew what she was getting herself into. The empress isn’t displeased with her, and she’s already left the palace to return to her family in a town near the sea. She’ll be happier there, I’m sure. Charity was just angry that her chances of winning Sebastian’s hand decreased so greatly in round one. Only Liberty will support her now, while everyone else is singing Constance’s praises.” He paused until I glanced at his expression. “Constance is going to be the hardest one to beat, you realize. The empress already listens to her. Don’t get too distracted by Charity.”

I shifted, uncomfortable. “But a wounded wild animal is often the most dangerous and likely to lash out.”

Ethen’s expression became more serious. “Indeed. The perfect distraction for somebodyelseto stab you in the back.”

I swallowed. Constance seemed so nice. Would she really betray me like that? I supposed that would depend on whether I got between her and the prince.

I thought again of Sebastian’s sudden appearance and how much it had worked in our favor. “Can Graces be Blessed by other Graces?”

“Yes, but not by themselves. And I can be Blessed too.” Ethen grinned at me. “I think you gave me some good fortune today. It can’t just be the empress and prince who steal it all.”

I wondered just how much good fortune the empress received from having so many Graces around her every day. Was that why the empress seemed to prosper so much? Pris had once called her a master negotiator and said the empire was flourishing.

I sat down on one of the heavily padded sofas. “So if I’ve made myself a target now—whether from the front or the back—what do you think I should be most wary of?”

Ethen sighed and stared toward the balcony, his eyes darkening and gaining a dangerous glint. “Due to their powers of life, goddesses can’t get ill or be poisoned by the normal culprits. However, they can be deeply sedated by moon blossom. It has a very faint taste and a pinkish hue so it is often disguised in wine or blended fruit juices. I’ve seen it used in the palace before. Be careful what you drink.”

I tried to think of the situations where I would drink outside of my room. There weren’t many. “But if it’s served by the empress, not to drink would be an insult and demonstrate that I don’t trust her.”

“Correct. Sometimes it is best to practice the art of pretense.” He hesitated. “There is also a flower in the Unseen Lands called nightstar. We don’t allow it to be picked or taken away. But it is the one thing that can kill a Grace outside of a severe physical injury. The distilled liquid is a dark purplish-brown.”

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