And it’s my job to exploit it.
Ten
Six night legionnairesstand outside my room, and Marian never leaves me alone. I need to see where that tunnel leads, and I need to learn more about the emperor, but I’m stuck. I don’t even get to leave for meals.
Caiden wasn’t kidding when he said he didn’t want me to be seen until they introduced me to the court. Frustrated, I pace my rooms while Charlotte and Katherine embroider flowers in front of the fireplace.
I peer out the window and watch the gardeners pruning the topiaries. The sky is gray, and the glass is frosted in places. We’ll have snow soon.
I’ve never been more bored in my life.
After four agonizing days of small talk and rereading all the botany books, there’s a knock on my door. I practically jump out of my skin in my hurry to answer.
“I will get it, Your Highness,” Marian says.
I sigh, then wait. The other ladies abandoned their embroidery and are staring expectantly at the door. They’ve been isolated nearly as much as me lately.
“Lord Maxwell, welcome home,” Marian says. “I heard you returned to the castle last night.”
Brevan steps into the room and finds me immediately. “I was sent to escort the princess to meet with the prince.”
I set down the fabric with my terrible attempt at embroidering roses and stand. “I thought I wasn’t to leave my room until the dinner.”
“Do you need a moment, or are you ready now?” he asks.
I stride toward the door. “I’m ready.”
He doesn’t even look at me as we walk down the hall. There’s an odd stiffness to him. “Were you injured?” I ask.
“No.”
“You seem angry.”
“I’m not angry.”
“Where were you?”
He glances over at me. “I didn’t realize you missed my company so much.”
“I didn’t. I’m bored and perhaps you can entertain me,” I say.
“My work for the prince is not your entertainment,” he replies.
“I thought you reported to the emperor?”
“I work for the empire,” he clarifies.
“How convenient,” I say.
He stops walking. “How is that convenient?”
“Because nobody’s seen the emperor.” I know I’m pressing my luck. The prince warned me, but I have a feeling Brevan doesn’t share everything with Caiden. I’m not even sure if the two actually like each other.
“That’s not true.” He starts walking again.
“Oh, so you visit with him. Is it just you and Caiden, then? Everyone else is restricted?”
“Perhaps everyone else sees him except you. How would you know while locked away in your room?”
