With a clap, servants entered the Seating Room floating trays of wine glasses which were quickly handed out.
“Arkturion,” his father said quietly, “might I have a word with your bride?”
“Of course, Your Highness.” Kane stepped aside, leaving me alone with Imperator Hart.
“Next time we are before the Court,” he said, taking my hand and squeezing, “You will kiss him, and more than thatif I desire it. You will do whatever I order you to do. I went easy on you today. On you both. But you signed a contract. Are we understood?”
My nostrils flared, as I glared in response. I would not kiss Kane. I would not do anything of the sort.
But just thinking the thought became difficult. My blood heated as if in response to Imperator Hart. And despite me being fully aware it was the contract, and not what I wanted, a part of me began desperately to want to agree.
From the corner of my eye, I felt Rhyan watching us.
Imperator Hart leered even closer, and I could no longer resist. I had to agree to his terms, agree to whatever he asked.
“Understood,” I said.
His lips curled. “Then drink.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
MORGANA
The waves lapped against my feet, the tide soothing against the warmth of the afternoon. I slid my body down the sand, digging my heels deeper into it, loving the way it moved and shifted with me. I loved how it kept me cool beneath the sun. Loved these moments alone. I pulled back the hem of my dress, sliding it up my thighs, and then I opened my legs, letting the waters rush toward my center.
My eyes sprung open. There was a hand on my knee, the callused fingers of a warrior stroking my skin. All at once, I shifted into a seat on the bed, eyeing Aemon as I slid away from his touch. He was dressed as he always was, as an Arkturion of Ka Batavia, in golden seraphim armor, and a red cloak.
“I thought you were a king now,” I sneered. “Why are you still dressed up in your old role?”
“I didn’t know kings had such a strict dress code.”
“I didn’t know kings betrayed their lovers either,” I said.
He furrowed his eyebrows, his aura darkening. “I have not revealed myself yet to the Empire. For my errand, I remained myself in case I was seen. But soon, they will know. There will be no doubt who I am, what I can do. And why they must submit.”
“And why must I?” I asked.
His eyes moved to the indigo shard by my side. It was starting to glow, glittering from nothing more than his gaze in its direction. I could see the pull between them. See the strength he could draw from it, the strength he could bring to it.
For the past few days since I’d begun to work with the shard, I’d felt my own power increase. My energy was better than it had ever been since I developed my vorakh. And though the only thoughts that plagued my mind lately were from Parthenay, and my maid, Lissa, the girl I’d taken from the akadim, I’d found I was able to shut them out better than I ever had before. I was finding the same peace I had only previously found in sex.
“Come,” he said. “There is someone I want you to meet.”
I narrowed my eyes. “Who?”
“A vorakh. A chayatim. She’s like Meera. She has visions, so she can’t read your mind. But she can show you what she’s seen. And what she’s seen is of great importance.”
“Seems convenient,” I said. “Does she plan to show me what you want me to see? Something to change my mind? To make me give you your way?”
“You think I’d stoop so low to get what I want?” he asked.
I gestured around the cave. “This is not proof enough? Dragging me and Meera here against our will? Tricking Lyr?”
“She knows Jules,” Aemon said.
I stilled.
“She’s seen a great many things that would be of interest to you. You’re discerning. You hold the indigo shard. I only left you days ago and already I feel the change in you. The growth in your power. I am glad to see it. It reminds me of the power you once possessed. I await the day you control even greater power. But first, you must see her for yourself. Judge her for yourself. Make up your own mind.”
