I take a bite of melon so I don’t have to respond. I wonder if Brevan can hear our conversation from the hall.
Caiden knocked on my door an hour after sunrise. He entered quickly, followed by servants carrying trays of breakfast. Is this what it would be like if we really did get married?
Sitting at the dining table in my expansive rooms over breakfast feels too intimate. I adjust myself in my chair, trying to find a way to feel comfortable. It’s not working.
“Did they teach you to fight at all in Iskvaland?” he asks.
“No. That was for the men.” I hope it’s an accurate answer.
“You need to learn to protect yourself. Brevan can’t always be with you. He’ll have to leave again soon.”
“To go where?” I ask.
“To find more relics,” he says. “We can’t have anyone using them to harm others.”
I sip my juice. More relics. For the emperor to bind people to him. I shudder.
“Are you cold?”
“I’m alright. Just a little shiver.”
He finishes eating his eggs, then sets his fork down. “It’s decided, then.”
My brow furrows. “What’s decided?”
“You’ll train with Brevan. Learn to defend yourself.”
“What? I’m not a fighter.”
“That’s exactly why you need to learn,” he says. “My mother knew enough to save herself. She was attacked once, and her legionnaires were outnumbered. She had to fight off one of the attackers herself. I remember her crying for weeks. That first life you take is the hardest.”
Learning how to fight would help me when it comes time to assassinate the emperor. I want him dead. I want the prince dead. I want to be the one who does it. But could I? When it comes down to it, could I take a life?
“Sabina?”
“Oh, sorry. What did you say?”
“I said, I want you to start today. I’ll tell Brevan.” He sets his napkin down on top of his plate, then stands. “You finish your breakfast. When you’re done, let Brevan know.”
“Alright.” I watch him leave, then let out a breath as I slump into my chair. I was so worried he was going to bring up me leaving last night, but it never came up.
Brevan kept his word.
My ladies arrive just after the prince left. “Look who’s back,” Charlotte calls as she walks into my rooms.
Katherine waves from behind her. “I’m sorry I worried you all. I wasn’t feeling well and went to the infirmary. They should have told you.”
I let out a breath of relief.
“Are you feeling better now?” Antonia asks.
“Much,” Katherine says.
“I’m glad you’re alright,” I say.
“I see you had a private breakfast with your betrothed,” Charlotte says with a hint of innuendo.
“Did you find out where he went?” Antonia asks.
