“Yes.”
“Is that why he wants me to go to the temple at Darkfall? He’s hoping I will get light magic from the gods?”
Brevan’s eyes widen. “He wants you to visit the temple?”
I nod.
“I suppose it could be,” he says. “He’s one of the few who believes in the prophecy.”
“And you don’t?”
“I’ve never seen anything that makes me think the gods care at all about what happens in the mortal realm.”
“Such blasphemy, and in a temple no less.” I gasp overdramatically. Now I’m the one being disrespectful to the gods.
“They haven’t struck me down yet. And trust me, they’ve had enough reasons to do so.”
“I’ve heard,” I say.
He stiffens, then walks out of the temple. When he reaches the hall, he faces me. “When you’re ready, I’ll show you the library.”
I glance at the mural one more time, then turn to leave. If the empress was so interested in this prophecy, what does that tell me? Is there a clue in there about the emperor and his immortality?
“How does it work in the temple for Darkfall? Is the emperor there with you or do you go alone?” I ask.
“We aren’t allowed to share what happens in the temple,” he says.
“Isn’t that convenient,” I grumble.
When we reach the library, I stop in the entrance to stare at the rows of shelves lined with books. I don’t know why I’m surprised by it after all the other wealth I’ve seen, but I am.
The room is the size of the ballroom, with windows across the top. Books fill all the space between the floor and the windows. Stone ravens perch atop each like sentinels. It’s easily my favorite place in the entire castle.
In the center of the expansive room are a few large circular tables surrounded by chairs and lit by a brass oil lamp. Nearby, a few plush armchairs face a fireplace that’s crackling and flickering. Despite the expansive space, it’s cozy.
A woman in a silver dress looks up from the thick tomb she’s reading. She stands and approaches with a warm smile. “This must be the princess I’ve heard so much about.”
“Juliette, when did you arrive?” Brevan asks.
Juliette is a stunningly beautiful woman with thick brown curls and long dark lashes over deep brown eyes.
She walks over to him and drags her fingers down his chest. “Last night. I’m supposed to stay with you for a while.”
I lift my brows in silent question. Maybe she’s the distraction I need. What if she’s the woman who got between Brevan and the prince? Perhaps she didn’t choose Caiden. My chest tightens uncomfortably.
Brevan clears his throat and takes a step back. “In your rooms, you mean.”
“Of course. But it’s so fun to tease you. One of these days, you’re going to meet a woman who gets you to stop being so damn serious about everything.” She turns to me. “Wouldn’t he be more interesting if he didn’t take everything so seriously?”
So, not his lover. I hate the little weight of relief that settles over me. “She’s got a point.”
Brevan doesn’t mask his annoyance. “The two of you should not be allowed to be alone together.”
“Oh, I think that sounds like a challenge,” she says.
“Or an invitation.”
“I’m Juliette.” She dips into a curtsy. “It’s lovely to meet you, Your Highness.”
