Bonfireslitthepalace’scentral garden, banishing the worst of the darkness. The smell of smoke mingled with the jasmine-scented air, the snaps and pops of the fires punctuating the music that poured from the gathered musicians. Torches lined the many garden paths, scattering light everywhere. The night was warm, but with a gentle breeze stirring the air and a glittering sea of stars overhead, it was a perfect night in Craethen. The hum of voices rose from the garden below, drifting to where Carver and the other Chosen waited at the top of a wide staircase. The emperor wanted them to make a grand entrance and stand behind him as he gave his address to the gathered nobles.
Anticipation hung in the air.
Carver’s own body hummed with adrenaline, knowing what was to come. And perhaps because of the woman standing beside him.
Amryn was, without a doubt, the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Especially with his marriage bracelet encircling her wrist. The leather wristband she’d woven for him was a perfect counterpart, a sign of her claiming. Because he was hers. Wholly and completely.
The rhythmic pounding of drums announced the emperor’s arrival.
The music in the garden ceased, and everyone turned toward the stone staircase.
The emperor appeared with Jayveh on his arm. While he had donned imperial black, she wore a flowing red dress that helped disguise the bump she had, now that she was in her fourth month of pregnancy. Her hair was gathered in a thick, longbraid that trailed down her back, and her brown eyes were sharp. Their bodyguards moved with them, as did High Cleric Lisbeth.
Hector motioned for the Chosen to follow them.
Samuel and Sadia went first, their hands joined. Carver and Amryn went next, letting Ivan bring up the rear.
Cheers went up from the crowd gathered below, applause ringing out.
Hector bellowed to be heard over the cacophony. “Behold, Emperor Vayne! Behold, Imperial Princess Jayveh! Behold, your Chosen!”
As the cheers turned to shouts of approval, Carver couldn’t help but stiffen. Even though he knew guards were everywhere, and the guests had all been carefully selected, he didn’t like being above the crowd like this. Exposed.
Amryn shifted closer, causing their arms to brush. Her ethereal, pale green eyes found his as she gave him a small smile. Her own nerves were obvious, but he knew she was attempting to reassurehim. Saints, he loved this woman. It was in the way she watched him now, a small smile on her face as her thumb moved over his gloved forefinger, tracing the silver ring hidden beneath the soft leather.
Invictus. Unconquered. For perhaps the first time since Harvari, he felt that was true. And he knew it was in large part because of the incredible woman standing beside him. She had healed him in more ways than she could possibly know.
They took their places on the staircase, the Chosen standing dutifully behind the emperor, Jayveh, and Lisbeth.
The emperor raised an age-spotted hand, and the crowd quieted. “Welcome!” he called out, his voice surprisingly strong. “Thank you for gathering here on this historic night. Tonight, we celebrate a triumph that is for all of us to share.” His hands spread, indicating the Chosen gathered behind him. “Though you may not have seen their faces, you know who they are. Carver Vincetti of Westmont. Amryn Lukis of Ferradin. Ivan Baranov of Sibet. Samuel Kenton of Wendahl. Sadia Kavel of Cael. And Jayveh Umbar of Xerra.”
Each name received applause, but Jayveh’s was the most thunderous.
The emperor waited for the cheers to diminish before he continued. “These six individuals gave of themselves selflessly, answering a destiny that has already brought greater strength to the Craethen Empire.” The emperor’s throat bobbed as he swallowed sharply. But his voice didn’t waver as he said, “My beloved grandson, Prince Argent, would stand beside them if he could tonight, but he is recovering from a minor illness. Still, he lends his voice to mine as I thank the six other Chosenwho stand here with me today, a living symbol of the peace and unity that only the empire can provide.”
More cheering followed, though the emperor continued without too much pause. “As you know, each kingdom in the empire selected the best candidate their kingdom had to offer, and these Chosen all journeyed into Xerra’s southern jungle to the temple of Esperance. There, they married and formed the Craethen Council.” The emperor’s chin lifted, his tone hardening. “Evil, however, does not rest. The Rising—a plague on all that is good and decent in the empire—plotted to destroy what we have all sacrificed to build.”
He allowed the crowd to murmur—for their fear and anger to swell. Only then did he say, “You have no doubt heard many rumors. Tonight, I share with you the truth of what happened at Esperance. Tam Ja’Kell of Kalmar betrayed the empire by joining the Rising.” The emperor’s voice rang with condemnation, scathing and harsh. “Not only that, she also plotted the deaths of her fellow Chosen. Her victims were too many, including Cora Amin of Hafsin, Darrin Fythen of Vadir, Rivard Quinn of Daersen, and Marriset Navarre of Palar.”
Surprise made Carver blink. The emperor had just blamed Tam foreverydeath at Esperance. The lie was unexpected, but, politically, it made sense; it was better for the empire if no one ever learned the real Marriset had been killed by an assassin, who had been hired by Morav and the other corrupt chancellors. If nothing else, making one enemy for the people to hate wasn’t a bad strategy. People from Palar, Vadir, Hafsin, and Daersen would particularly despise the Rising now.
Once again, the emperor paused to allow the hissing whispers free reign. To let the shock and anger grow. Finally, he lifted his hand once more, and the crowd stilled. “Punishment will be fast and brutal. Any who assist the rebellion in any capacity will also be dealt with as harshly as the law allows. This is for the safety of the empire, and everyone in it. While evil does not rest, we will not allow it to win.”
Adamant cheers erupted, followed by the familiar chant of the empire: “Strength and peace in unity!”
The emperor scanned the crowd, allowing the fervor to build. After a prolonged moment, he lifted a hand and silence fell once more. “I would like to take a moment to honor the Chosen who fell at Esperance. A moment of silence, please.”
Total silence filled the garden. It was so quiet, Carver could hear the guttering of the torches and the hum of insects. His eyes instinctively sought out Rhone. The knight was easy to spot in the crowd, even in his crimson uniform. His head was bowed, and his fists were clenched. Carver knew his thoughts were on his youngerbrother. Standing near him were Cora’s parents. They had joined hands, and it was obvious—even at this distance—that Cora’s mother was trembling with the force of her tears.
Carver also spotted Samuel’s father. The king of Wendahl had arrived nearly a week ago. Tam’s father had also come to the palace, and though both royals had been cleared of any involvement with the Rising, the king of Kalmar had essentially locked himself inside his room. He was still mourning his wife’s death—which had happened a mere five weeks after Tam had entered Esperance—but now he was also mourning his daughter’s treason.
Perhaps it was for the best Carver didn’t see him in the crowd. Not after the hatred the emperor had just directed at Tam.
The moment of silence ended when the emperor asked Lisbeth to pray for the souls of the fallen.
The High Cleric of Craethen did so, her voice resonant and powerful, her palms uplifted to the sky in supplication. If the way Rhone’s hands remained fisted—and Cora’s mother still shook—Carver doubted the prayer brought the comfort Lisbeth had asked the All-Seeing Divinities for.
When the prayer concluded, the emperor spoke into the ensuing quiet. “The Chosen we have lost will always be remembered, as well as celebrated for the sacrifices they made for peace. Their seats on the Craethen Council will be filled as soon as can be arranged, so each kingdom in the empire has a voice.” He looked out over the crowd. “Our spirits are wounded, but not broken. Despite the efforts of our enemies, I am here tonight to assure you that hope remains.”
