If Tate had been a different person, someone a little less jaded and a lot more innocent, it would have had the intended effect. She’d stand before it convinced on a visceral level that the empire was strong. That resistance and rebellion only led to death.
However, Tate was made of sturdier stuff. She could appreciate the emperor’s mind game even if it ultimately had no effect.
Thaddeus leaned his chin on his hand, regarding Tate and the rest with a lazy gaze.
Tate could see why Ilith always referred to him as the ‘shiny man’.
The emperor was a being who eclipsed his surroundings. The fur collar of his formal robe drew the eye to the sharp plains of his face. Keen green eyes didn’t manage to hide the predator he carefully kept hidden. The rest of his outfit was just as eye catching. A cream-colored jacket, complete with a gold sash and medals on his chest.
Tate’s gaze lingered on the crown perched on his head. This was different than the one she’d stolen. Heavier and larger with many more gems embedded into it.
Ilith purred at the sight. Greed rose from her dragon.So sparkly.
Those around the emperor—including Thora and Ryu tensed.
Tate shot them an innocent smile as if to say she was simply admiring its beauty. Distrust was on more than one face as Tate directed her attention back to the emperor. There was a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips when she met his eyes.
Steal it,Ilith prodded.
The pleasant expression on Tate’s face stiffened and threatened to fall. What would the emperor say if he knew that the thing he said in jest was in very real danger of coming true?
Don’t do it,Tate begged silently.
She was rather attached to her head remaining where it was.
A silent snicker and small chuff of amusement came from Dewdrop and Night as if the two knew exactly what paths her brain had strayed down.
You know you want to,Ilith wheedled.
Tate had no idea when her dragon had gotten so delusional.
He doesn’t need it. He has other crowns.
Tate ignored the dragon, her expression growing strained. If Ilith tried to wrest control, Tate didn’t care how rude it was, she was making a beeline for the closest exit.
“The trouble your presence manages to stir up without even trying is most impressive,” Thaddeus said, humor lacing his tone.
Tate fought to keep from scowling, knowing it probably wouldn’t go over well if the emperor and his subjects saw that expression.
She’d never been particularly good at kissing ass, but that was no reason to be deliberately insulting.
“I’m not really sure what you mean,” Tate said in as polite a voice as she could muster.
When all else failed, pretend ignorance. It had never once worked for her in the past but maybe this time would be different.
You’re pretty bold to lie directly to the emperor’s face like that,Night taunted.They’ll write stories of your hubris for centuries to come.
She flicked the hand at her side at him, the most subtle response she could think of right now.
The emperor’s grin spread as Tate snuck another peek at the crown, unable to help herself. Ilith’s desire was understandable. It really was an item worthy of a horde. If it was anyone but the emperor, she’d be tempted to let Ilith steal it.
“See something you like?” he asked.
Tate shrugged. “Nothing special.”
Thaddeus threw his head back on a laugh. “You’ll do nicely.” When his laughter died down, he eyed her with a serious expression. “I believe there are some words you owe me.”
Tate took a deep breath, knowing what he wanted. Roslyn had gone over the oath of loyalty with her the day before.
