Page 47 of Embers in the Snow

“It’shell.Hell in a handbasket, Kaith.”

“Shit, hell, same difference. You and your insistence on detail. You see? That’s why they need you. Not bloody Ansar the Rake.”

“My brother is competent enough. He trained at the Knights’ Academy. He’s received the highest level of military and diplomatic education.”

“So what? Education doesn’t equal intelligence or decency. He’s notyou.”

“You’re deviating from the point, Kaithar.”

“No I’m not. See, who sent her here in the first place? Why now, of all times? Don’t you want to know what Daddy Duthriss is scheming?”

“Not really. And he’d flay you alive if you called him that to his face.”

“Yeah, well your old man never could take a joke. And you know he doesn’t do anything without an agenda.”

I didn’t want to tell Kaithar that father and I are more alike than I care to admit. I know him better than anyone else in the empire, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that Valdon Duthriss isalwaysplotting the endgame.

Whatever it is, I willnotbe used in his machinations.

Never again.

If the North and its people are to survive and prosper, I need to consolidate my power here.

Father is getting old, and sooner or later, my brother will inherit the throne. Ansar must learn to fear me more than he already does, because one day, he will be emperor.

By the time he realizes how prosperous Tyron truly is, he will also understand that these lands are well and truly out of his clutches.

I need to play this game as cunningly as my father would.

There’s only one problem.

Oh, Hecoa damn-it.

“Finley.”Another man speaks. The newcomer. His voice drops to a whisper, but with my enhanced hearing, I can still make out the words clearly. “Why aren’t you inside the castle? What are you doing out here with aVikurian?And dressed like that. Stupid girl. Didn’t you listen to a single thing I told you?”

“Father…”

My left eyebrow twitches in annoyance. It appears Finley’s father has arrived. This Baron Solisar. I heard him as he arrived at the gates; pompous, arrogant, demanding to see me at once.

How did this man manage to gain an audience with my father? The Emperor of Rahava doesn’t pay much heed to minor nobles.

Surely Kaithar can handle this situation.

Finley’s voice wraps around my awareness, threading through my hunger like finely woven silk. She’s trying to convince Kaithar to allow her to speak with the baron first.

After all, she’s his daughter.

She can be quite the persuasive one, it seems. Even with a hardened soldier like Kaithar.

“Father, listen to me,please.”

But now she’s pleading, and I don’t like the desperation in her voice.

“Quiet.”He’s still whispering.“Go back to your chambers and dress in something more appropriate. Quickly, before I lose patience. It’s because ofyouthat I had to come all the way out here. Because you manipulated my sons into coming after you. From now on, you will shut the hell up and do whatever Archduke Duthriss demands of you.”

My brows draw together in irritation. This idiot dares to presume what I want? He dares to speak to her in that manner?

Arranged or not, she’smybetrothed.

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