“I knew you’d say that. Turn them over.”
I comply and on the handle is my name engraved in the Iskvalandian spelling. The other handle says,Princess.
My vision is blurry, and I blink back tears. “Thank you. This is the most thoughtful gift anyone’s ever given me.”
“Keep them hidden if you can.” He points to the shards of glass. “Those pieces came from relics. It should improve your aim and make them more deadly.”
“You’re hiding relics,” I say.
“Sometimes,” he admits.
“Thank you for sharing that with me,” I say.
“I hope you never need to use these. Keep them clean, and if you bring them to me each month, I can keep them sharp for you.”
“What if you’re not here?” I ask.
“Remember the shop where you got your necklace?”
I touch the gem to make sure it’s still there. I haven’t taken it off, and most of the time, I forget I’m wearing it.
“He can take care of it for you. You can trust him.”
“Are you selling relics to him?” I ask.
“No. To him, they’re colorful bits of glass I found on my travels.”
I hold the knives to my chest. “Thank you, truly.”
“You’re welcome. Now, let’s see what you can do with them.”
We spend the next hour practicing with the knives. They’re easier to throw than the blades in the basket, but they’re sharp. I nick my finger, drawing blood. Brevan makes us go back to the practice knives after that.
When we finish, I wrap my presents back up in the fabric and tie the bundle closed so my ladies won’t see what’s inside. “How will I carry these? I can’t exactly wear a holster.”
“Perla is making your ballgown, right?” he asks.
I nod.
“She sewed knife pockets into all the dresses the empress wore. You might want to check yours.” He holds open the door for us. “Come on, I’m sure you’re eager to get back to your ladies.”
His words surprise me. Not because of what he said, but because I find I do want to return to them. Especially Antonia. I hold the knives close to my chest as we walk down the halls. I’m going to check all my gowns when we return. If anyone tries to harm any of my ladies, I won’t hesitate to protect them.
Is that why the empress had knives on her? Or was it for a different reason? Every time I learn something about her, I’m left with more questions. “What was she like, the empress?”
“Strong. But quiet. I never once saw her disagree with the emperor, but Caiden told me she was fierce behind closed doors. I have a feeling she’d have liked you.”
A group of legionnaires straighten as soon as they see us. Brevan nods to them and they return the gesture with stiff movements.
I wait until we’re out of earshot. “How did she die?”
“Poison,” he says.
How was that possible? I found her books. There were poisonous plants that were carved into the columns around her garden space. The one her mourning husband destroyed after her death…And there was the hidden garden.
“You know my old rooms?” I ask.
“Yes, they’ve sealed the passageway” he says.
