He pushes my chair in, then makes himself comfortable at the head of the table. There’s already wine in the glasses, and as soon as he sips his, I take a large gulp from mine.
“How do you find your ladies?” he asks.
“They’re really wonderful,” I say. “I enjoy their company.”
“Good.” He takes another sip of his wine, and I catch a fleeting wince as he sets his cup down. He’s got other injuries that I can’t see.
I want to ask him about them, but I’m not sure if that’s considered impolite. Instead, I focus on my goal. I need to know where the emperor is. Especially if I’m going to have to run from the castle before Darkfall.
“Were you with your father today?” I ask.
“No. But I was attending to some of the matters he should have settled.” He gestures to his face. “As you can see, it did not go well.”
“What happened?”
“I’d rather not discuss it,” he says.
“Why is your father putting you in such dangerous situations?” I ask. “You’re his heir. He needs you alive.”
“Thank you for your concern for my health,” he says.
Now I’m wincing. “I’m sorry. I just don’t understand. I know sometimes kings and emperors fight their own wars. Princes, too. But I keep hearing whispers…” I shake my head. “Never mind. It’s not my place.”
“What whispers?”
I force myself to look hesitant, and he gives an encouraging nod. I sigh, as if reluctant to share. “I’ve heard rumors that your father is dead. Or dying. That you are secretly already emperor.”
His expression darkens.
“It’s only that I thought there would be many years of learning before I had to step into the role of empress. If I’mbeing honest, I need more time. I’m afraid.” It takes everything I have to not roll my eyes.
“I can assure you, my father is very much alive. Even if he’s making me do his job right now.” He sounds frustrated, but honest.
“That’s good. That he’s alive, I mean.” I wish I didn’t believe him. If the emperor were dead, I could end this now. Kill the prince. Kill the enforcer. It would mean my own death, but it would be worth it to end their line and cause chaos as the nobles fight over who should rule.
Servants enter through the secret door, and I sit in silence as they add food to my plate. A roast with rich gravy, honey-glazed carrots, and creamy potatoes. My mouth waters at the scents, but I wait for Caiden to eat first.
He takes a few bites, then I pick up my fork and try the food. I close my eyes to collect myself. I didn’t know food could taste this good. During our first dinner, I was so stressed, I hardly tasted anything.
“They want to move up the wedding,” he says.
I open my eyes and find him staring at me, waiting for my response. “What do you mean?” Traditionally, royal weddings are held in autumn, and we just entered winter. I should have nearly a year to figure out what I need and get out of here.
“The high priest had a vision. Said we must wed at the summer solstice.”
“What kind of vision requires that?” I ask.
“He wouldn’t elaborate,” he says.
I swallow hard. It’s less time, but that might not matter, anyway. Not if they intend to send me to the temple on Darkfall.
“I’m not exactly thrilled about it, either,” he says. “You’re beautiful and smarter than I expected. But let’s not pretend either of us wants to wed the other. I know it’s our obligation. We both know we have to do this and that we’ll need to providean heir. Once that has occurred, you’ll have more freedom around here. More status.”
The thought of bedding this man makes my skin crawl. That will absolutely not be happening. But I’m Sabina, not Taylan, so I respond as I think she might. “Of course.”
“I need you to learn our customs, to become familiar with my court. I’ve scheduled your formal introduction for this weekend. My mother’s seamstress will be here tomorrow to craft you a new gown. Your ladies can help you prepare. I assume you know how to dance?”
No, there wasn’t a lot of dancing in our village or in the city once we joined the rebellion. And certainly nothing that would fit in at court. “I’m afraid the dances I learned might not be the same fashion as here.”
