“Is everyone bound to the emperor? All the people who go through the gifting ceremony?”
“Yes.”
“He must be full of relics,” I say. “Oh gods, that’s how he’s immortal. The relics. The magic he can pull from the people he’s bound to.”
“We should go.” He stands. “Thank you for helping me.”
I know too much. He’s worried he’ll tell me more. My insides buzz, anxious energy overflowing. The mystery is solved. I know where he sleeps, and I know how he stays immortal.
“You should stay.” I touch his arm gently. “Catch your breath, take care of yourself. I’ll go right to my rooms and shut myself in. I promise.”
He considers me, and I wonder if he’s trying to read my intentions. In the dungeon he said he couldn’t, but I don’t know if that can change. Just in case, I imagine myself walking to my rooms and embracing my ladies. I imagine checking on them to see if they’re safe, then sitting around a warm fire together.
“I’ll be right behind you,” he says.
When he opens the door for me, I step into the hall and walk casually. When I hear the click of the door, I look back to confirm that it’s closed. Then, I run to find Katherine.
Twenty-One
My room isfull of ladies when I arrive. Juliette pulls me into a bone-crushing hug. Charlotte, Antonia, and Genevieve make a fuss over me, insisting I get out of my bloody dress.
As they undress me, I tell them the story, leaving out the part about Brevan using magic, making sure I let them know that I’m uninjured.
“Thank the gods it’s not your blood.” Genevieve helps me balance while I step out of my dress.
“I’m throwing this dress in the fire.” Charlotte picks it up off the ground, balling it up so she can carry it.
“It will smoke too much,” Antonia says confidently. “Have someone burn it outside.”
Charlotte walks toward the door but I can’t see who she passes the bundle of bloody fabric to. I’m just glad it’s gone when she returns.
“These rebel attacks keep getting worse.” Juliette bites her lip. “We have to do something about it. You’re lucky you’re alive.”
“I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time,” I say
Antonia shudders. “Imagine if they got to the emperor.”
“He was perfectly safe,” I assure her.
A knock sounds on my door. I tighten the robe around my waist before opening the door. I’m surprised that it’s not Brevan.
A young legionnaire averts his eyes quickly. “Your Highness, sorry to bother you. We have orders to check on you. To make sure your room is clear.”
I step back so he can enter. Five more follow him. They investigate every corner of my room. Under the bed, in the wardrobe, in the bathing chamber, and dining area.
Once they’re satisfied, they hurry back to the door. The man who knocked stops in front of it. “The enforcer is off duty the remainder of the evening. We’ll be right outside all night. Don’t worry. If there’s anything suspicious, we’ll take care of it. You’re safe.”
“Thank you.” I close the door behind him. Brevan must be more injured than he let on. I can’t imagine what it took for him to send others in his place.
I let out a long breath, then rub my eyes. It’s been a long day.
“You need to get some rest.” Juliette looks concerned.
“I can draw you a bath,” Genevieve says.
“That would be great.” I’m about to ask them to leave so I can talk to Katherine, when I realize she’s not here. “Has anyone seen Katherine?”
“Not since dinner last night,” Antonia says.
