Drop into a crouch. Left hand pulls up my gown. Right hand reaches for my blade …
Rorrik strolls past me, looking amused. “You’re too easy to rile. You should work on that. These are the emperor’s quarters. And I have the perfect hiding spot for you.”
He turns, and I allow myself to take in the emperor’s room, my eyes immediately drawn to the grand, four-poster bed dominating the space, velvet curtains of deep crimson and gold draped on each side. The walls are paneled with dark, polished wood that perfectly matches the intricately carved walnut desk and chair in one corner.
No part of me can picture the emperor sitting in such a space made for writing or contemplation. I can’t help but crane my head, catching a glimpse of marble columns within the attached bathing room.
“If you’ve finished gawking …” Rorrik holds open the door to a spacious closet.
“You can’t be serious.”
“Do you believe I am someone who likes tojoke?”
Well, when he puts it like that.
“What happens if a servant checks the closet?”
“Come closer.” The words are a dare, and I ignore the pounding in my chest as I approach.
When he points to the hidden door, the breath escapes my lungs in a puff.
“Claustrophobic?”
“No. That doesn’t mean I want to hide beneath the floor.”
“It’s larger than it looks.”
I peer down into the dim space. He’s right. It’s not as cramped as I’d assumed. While it’s certainly not expansive, it’s large enough inside for three people to stand side by side.
“Why is this here?”
He gives a languid shrug. “This palace holds many secrets. The guards will return soon,” he warns, and I crouch, lowering myself into the space.
“What about wards? Traps? Your father is a First vampire.” Created by Umbros himself.
“This is a man who can’t walk into his own bathing chamber without several servants surrounding him at all times.” Rorrik curls his lip,flashing a fang. “He relies on his guards, on his reputation, and onfear. But alone? My father is no invincible god. Not while he’s resting.”
I narrow my eyes. “But not defenseless.”
“Not defenseless. But predictable. He’s grown accustomed to power, his guards scurrying to keep him protected, and any true threats are eliminated long before they make it near his palace. His wards were created to keep out armies, not a single assassin with this.” He throws something into my lap. “You move like a drunk bull. This pendant will cover the sound of your clumsy footsteps.”
“Rorrik. Wait.”
“There’s no turning back now, little rabbit. Harness all that courage I’ve caught glimpses of.”
Without another word, he seals me in.
I panic, immediately pushing the door back up until it opens a crack. Rorrik has already disappeared, but at least I know I can escape.
I should have made him vow that I would be safe here.
Pulling the door closed, I sit down, bringing my knees to my chest. I slide a hand down to my dagger, my breathing steadying at the familiar comfort of the hilt in my hand.
I shouldn’t be here. But the need to kill the emperor has suddenly become almost intolerable, impossible for me to ignore. It’s like an itch I can’t scratch, constantly driving me toward my goal.
Tonight was the best choice. I may not be as prepared as I would have wanted, but who knows when I would have gotten another opportunity to get this close? It could have taken weeks or even months of planning.
And yet I can’t deny that this is impulsive even for me.
