Xae went to the tall door and pounded on it. I winced as the sound echoed, but no guards appeared to question us. In a few minutes, though, the door opened and the same man who had escorted me to the Emperor the first time, stood there.
He frowned at Xaedren, then saw me. “What are you doing here with the human?”
“There's been a development,” Xaedren said. “We need to see the Emperor immediately.”
Amazingly, the man didn't question Xae further. He just nodded, opened the door wider, and ushered us past. Xaedren strode forward as if he knew where he was going. He didn't.
“Where is he?” Xae tossed over his shoulder.
“Having lunch in his garden.” The man raced ahead of Xae and led the way down the long corridor.
He took a few turns differently from last time and led us to a stone archway without a door. I guess the Emperor didn't worry about things like insects and weather invading his home.
“Out there, my lords.” The Emperor's manservant bowed as we passed.
“I'm a lord now?” I whispered to Xae.
“You're something even more important than a lord, Ember,” he whispered back and took my hand.
I was surprised by the hand-holding, but I expected Xae to let go once we reached the Emperor. Until then, he used the connection to lead me through the garden, around bends formed by plants. Exotic flowers bloomed everywhere and ripe fruit sweetened the air. The humidity was pleasant, just enough to comfort the skin, and the mottled shade softened the sunlight. Then I caught the scent of bread and meat, and my stomach rumbled.
Xaedren frowned down at me. “Fuck, I need to feed you.”
“I'll be fine.” I grinned at his protectiveness.
Then we came out into a circular clearing—a man-made meadow. In the center of it sat the Emperor, his larger-than-life presence dominating a white iron table. He sat there alone, but several servants stood nearby, all at attention. Before the Emperor was an assortment of dishes that made my stomach rumble again.
The Emperor looked up. “Ember. And Lord Xaedren. Has something happened?”
“Yes, Your Imperial Majesty,” Xaedren said, then bowed.
I quickly mimicked his bow.
“Come, join me. Eat, Ember. It sounds as if you're hungrier than I am.” The Emperor waved at the food, then looked toward the servants. “Bring plates for Ember and Lord Xaedren, please.”
A woman ran off.
“Thank you.” I reached for a piece of bread to hold me off until my plate arrived.
Xae put the butter dish before me, watched me slather my bread in the stuff, then waited for me to take a bite. Only when I started chewing, did he relate to the Emperor what had occurred. The Emperor watched Xaedren fuss over me, then listened to him intently. By the time Xae finished his tale, our plates had arrived along with two glasses and flatware.
“Thanks,” I said as the woman set a plate before me.
I instantly reached for a platter of sliced meat, but Xaedren grabbed it for me and ladled out a portion. I sat back as he filled my plate with a bit of everything before he started on his. Smiling self-consciously, I shrugged at the Emperor. He had a strange look on his face.
“What do you think I did, Your Imperialness?” I asked.
Xaedren snorted a laugh at the title but didn't correct me as Rath had.
“Are you two lovers?” The Emperor asked instead of answering.
“Yes,” Xaedren answered for us without hesitation.
“True lovers? You'reinlove?”
“Yes,” I answered this time.
“I see,” the Emperor murmured, his attention going inward. “So this is what she meant.”
