He’s got me there. But I’ve heard enough comments under hushed breaths from my ladies to get a sense that even they are worried about the emperor.
“Will he be at this dinner that introduces me to the court?” I ask.
“I don’t know.”
“Do you know anything?” I ask. “Or do you just blindly follow orders?”
“You really don’t know how to shut up, do you?”
I swallow hard, recalling the intensity of those shadows tightening around me.
Brevan’s brow furrows slightly. “Are you alright, Your Highness?”
I force a smile. “Fine. I’m fine. Just bored.”
“Must be a challenging life,” he says. “Sitting around gossiping and choosing which fabric to make your next gown with.”
“Did you choose your life, Brevan?” I ask.
“I told you. They found me after the ship I was on was attacked.”
“And now, you’re here. Following orders. It must be hard polishing your sword and choosing which armor to wear. Making sure your hair looks just messy enough to let us know you don’t care how you look.”
There’s a hint of a smirk. “Maybe I’ll stop by and ask you for some beauty tips one day.”
“I’m sure my ladies would enjoy that. They—” I stop walking, realizing we’re back in the lower levels of the castle. Probably close to where I first met the prince. “Where exactly are we?”
“I think I’ll let the prince explain everything.” He guides us through two more turns until we’re in front of a large wood door with heavy iron bars on the small window.
“What is this?” I ask.
He pounds on the door, and a pair of eyes peer out, then vanish. There’s the sound of keys in locks, then chains rattling. For a moment, I wonder if they’ve finally brought me to the emperor. What if the prince has him locked up? What if the whole missing emperor mystery was the result of a coup because the prince didn’t know how to kill his immortal father?
When the door opens, a man in all black, wearing a hood that covers most of his face, gestures for us to enter.
Or maybe they found out who I really am and they’re throwing me in here.
Caiden is standing in a darkened hall, illuminated by a single torch flickering on the stone wall.
“What’s going on?” I ask.
“I have a favor to ask of you.” His face is devoid of emotion, eyes empty. It’s chilling.
He offers his elbow, and I reluctantly take it. My heart hammers against my ribs. As he guides me down the hall, I’m hoping I’m not walking to my own death.
We pass by a large open room lined with torches. Several tables are covered in dark stains. Chains hang on the walls along with a variety of knives, clamps, and other tools. The scents of human excrement and death hang around us. Caiden doesn’t so much as flinch. I hold my breath until we pass the room.
There’s a series of cells next. Each one lined with iron bars. Most of the prisoners have a floor covered in hay and trembling people cowering in the back corners. Not one approaches or says anything.
Finally, we stop in front of a cell where the prisoner looks less broken. His clothing isn’t as shredded. While bloodstained and dirty, it’s not in as bad a state as that of the other prisoners. His fair hair hangs in greasy strands, and he’s got the start of a beard. He’s been here a while, but not as long as the others.
“Come to gloat?” he asks.
“I think you know my bride-to-be,” Caiden says.
The man turns his bright blue eyes on me. He’s Iskvalandian. My mind races, and ice runs through my veins. He’s going to know. He’s going to tell them I’m an impostor.
“Princess, nice to see you again,” the man says.
