“How can that be?” someone scoffed.
Tate bit back her response as she held the emperor’s stare, trying to project confidence and assertiveness. “Perhaps this matter would be best discussed in private.”
Where there would be no chance of life changing secrets being given to the ignorant and stupid and where they wouldn’t have to listen to the jeers and derisive comments of those same idiots.
Thaddeus paused as he was about to say something, frowning in the pontificator’s direction. “You may have a point.”
He waved his hand in dismissal.
The pontificator stood, straightening his sleeves with sharp, angry movements as he flounced in Tate’s direction, his allies following him.
“Continue in this direction and you’ll find you’re on the wrong side of history,” he said with a sniff.
Tate’s mouth quirked. “It wouldn’t be the first time.”
As long as her conscience was clear, she could live with others enmity. Rather, she thought she’d suffer more if she stood to the side and said nothing. There were lines that shouldn’t be crossed. Depths you shouldn’t sink to.
The pontificator stuck his nose in the air and stormed away with his allies, leaving only a handful of people behind. The Silva and the Kairi followed silently. Including Tate and her friends, those remaining included the Lord Provost, the Obsidian Lord, the other dragon-ridden, and a few guards.
“I’m guessing the man who was killed was part of his faction,” Tate said.
Thaddeus scrubbed a hand over his face. “They’re using it as an excuse to blame the sleepers and call for a culling.”
“You’re not going to let them.” Seeing Thaddeus’s uncertain expression jolted Tate out of her certainty.
“He has considerable support in the government. Stopping his agenda will be difficult and cost me a lot of political power,” Thaddeus said. “I’d need a reason to interfere.
Tate’s smile was all the more terrifying for how serene and kind it was. “Let me rephrase. Youwillnot let them or else I’ll let your city fall.”
TWENTY
Silence answered her statement.
Tate’s expression didn’t budge as she stared down the emperor. He probably wasn’t used to people giving him orders. Truthfully, if the circumstances had been any different, she never would have dared.
To be honest, she was a little surprised Thora and Ryu hadn’t said something to stop her yet. She took that to mean both men approved of her stance.
“There’s not many who would dare give me an ultimatum,” Thaddeus said.
“I guess I’m one of a kind then.”
Dewdrop made a strangled sound in the back of his throat that Tate ignored. Night’s scoffing was a little less subtle as he twitched his whiskers and opened his mouth in a silent sign of amusement.
Ryu’s lips trembled before straightening out into a flat line, only the warmth in his eyes saying he’d had any reaction to Tate’s words.
“I like her.” Tyne propped an elbow on Thaddeus’s shoulder, causing the guards still in the room to tense and glare. “It’s not often someone is so bold in front of you.”
“I’m flattered. Really,” Tate said dryly.
Thaddeus released a silent sigh. “Let’s hear it then. The threat to my empire that enables you to be so fearless.”
Tate glanced at Ryu. “How much have you told him?”
“Very little. I was preoccupied with getting Dewdrop treated.”
Thaddeus looked at them with interest.
Seeing the unspoken command on his face, Ryu started first. “The heretic is dead.”
