I folded my hands together. “I was hoping you could arrange that. We’re running out of time and we need to figure out our escape. Or at least, begin to discuss the possibility. But I can’t get word to Rhyan or Meera about anything, not even to see how they’re feeling without Dario and Aiden seeing.”
“You’re not meant to. But I’m going to look for any openings I can find, any sort of time slot I can bring you two together. Without the nahashim or your guards seeing.”
“It’s tricky. I can’t disobey any direct orders.” Every day, I was sent a note, reminding me to follow his command, to continue doing what I was doing. If there wasn’t a note, I’d see him in person. He’d pass me in the hall, greet me, and whisper his commands. I never went more than a full day without orders. And each time they came, I felt that same pull in my blood, the same need to follow.To obey, no matter how much my mind or body seemed to rebel.
I pulled out a dress, pretending to look at it, but there was nothing in me that gave a damn. I shook my head in exasperation. “If the Imperator thinks I’m trying to meet with Rhyan, he’ll tell me directly I can’t. And then there’ll be nothing else I can do. I’ll be compelled to listen.”
Kenna tapped her chin. “He’s probably anticipating that. What about writing? I could try to deliver messages back and forth between you.”
I shook my head. “Too risky. How can I trust they won’t be intercepted?”
“You’d have to trust they wouldn’t, and … take every precaution, assuming they do.”
I groaned. “I could write to him in High Lumerian, but that seems pointless. It’s too easily translated. If only I could speak to him directly—” My eyes widened. “The vadati stones. We could use those, and they’d be easier to hide. Can you get them for me?”
She frowned. “I don’t know. It’s dangerous, and it would take some time. I know where he’s keeping them, but I’d need Devon to be away to gain access.”
“Of course.” I sighed. “And I’m assuming he’s not leaving Seathorne anytime soon? At least not before the Valabellum?”
“No.” Kenna grimaced. “He’s made sure of that. But you’ll have more room to move about this weekend. All eyes will be on you, but everyone will also be drinking. A lot. If I find a window, I’ll bring you two together and offer as much cover as I can. In the meantime, you may need to simply tell me what it is you wish for him to know. That may be the only safe option.”
I closed my eyes. I wanted him to know that we needed to plot our escape. That I had no intentions of remaining aprisoner here, or as Kane’s wife. I wouldn’t subject myself to that fate, nor him.
I’d told Rhyan the plan had to change, that we couldn’t just run away. But maybe it was time to leave the Empire. But only if we could take Meera and Jules with us. I loved him enough to do it. To sacrifice everything. If we had to. If it came down to it. At least, until it was safe enough to fight our way back.
But that seemed too big a thing to express through Kenna. I needed to talk to him face-to-face, to touch him, to hold him.
“Just let me know as soon as you find a window,” I said.
Kenna nodded. “And Meera?”
“Yes, for her, too.” I still had to tell her so much. Who Kane was. Who she was. And of course, what it was we were truly stealing.
“Shall we pick out your dresses?” Kenna asked. She’d added several more choices to the chaise.
I stared at the gowns and my body felt suddenly hollow. Kane was back in the fortress. His arrival had been announced the night before. He would be by my side all day. By my side while I was forced to wear what was before me. “I guess I have no choice.” I eyed the dresses warily. “He didn’t send any armor my way, did he?”
Kenna shook her head. “I don’t think you’ll get that back. Nor your stave. Not before the Valabellum.”
I took a deep breath, nodding in defeat and Kenna went to work, turning me into the perfect Glemarian bride.
Just for the wrong man.
And the wrong God.
A few hours later, after being served a private breakfast in my room, and having several of Kenna’s maids arrive to pin back my hair and paint my face, I was flown to our first event. A luncheon at the private mansion of SenatorOryyan, followed by a parade through the City of Harton, the only major city in Glemaria. The Library of Glemaria sat on its edge and loomed over the buildings around us.
I stepped down from the gryphon, surrounded by a series of stone buildings and streets. The sounds of a river rushing nearby added to the chatter. Senator Oryyan’s mansion seemed to be made up of more window than wall. Green curtains hung before all of them. Dario led me inside, taking me down what felt like an endless hallway lit by silver lamps. At the end of the hall was a dressing room where I’d wait until I was announced. I stood before a mirror assessing my gown. It was made of satin with a velvet corset threaded with silver. Long flowing green sleeves ran past my wrists, and the skirt puffed out so dramatically at my hips, they looked twice their size.
“Your dress needs to be fixed,” Imperator Hart said suddenly. He’d entered the room without any warning, his eyes watching me in the mirror. Slowly, he walked behind me, his eyes roving up and down my body as I realized I’d yet to receive his commands for the day. “You look like you fell off a gryphon.’’
“Your Highness,” I said, turning to curtsey. “I’ll be sure to fix it.”
“Allow me,” he said, reaching for my waist and spinning me around to face the mirror. His front pressed to my back. Before I could catch my balance, his hands lifted, gripping the top of my corset.
I sucked in a breath, my heart beating too quickly. His wrists brushed against the tops of my breasts, his fingers pressing into the boning, as he lifted the corset higher, tugging it violently.
My vision blurred.
