“It was before that. When we were friends.”
“You were friends with the Corrupter?!” I shrieked.
The Emperor chuckled. “Yes. From childhood. I was there when he found the ancient texts on Death Magic. I begged him to burn the books. But he wouldn't listen to me. He grew obsessed with Death and all it offered. I knew when he cast his first spell; it changed him instantly. When I tried to intervene, it destroyed our friendship. He decided I was his enemy and cast a spell to discover exactly how strong I was. When he learned I was too strong for him to kill, he fled. I eventually lost hope of ever seeing him again. Then I became Emperor.”
“And he began the war,” I whispered. “Holy shit. This is a personal vendetta?”
The Emperor sighed. “I believe it started as such, but it transformed long ago. It isn't about me anymore. It's about my throne. The Corrupter wants to rule Varr.”
“That will never happen,” Rath declared.
“No, not with you three defending us,” the Emperor said. “You did well today. I have high hopes for the future of our world.”
“But the Corrupter knows about us now,” I said. “He probably even knows that my magic is what's giving them greater power.”
“Yes, and that's unfortunate, but it won't win him the war. We must simply take steps to ensure your safety on every mission.”
I grimaced as Rath shot me a look.
“Why has that upset you?” the Emperor asked.
“I'm not very good at physical combat,” I said.
“That's all right, Ember. You have your men to protect you if needs be. And your magic is great enough that, hopefully, the need will not arise.”
I grinned. “So, I don't have to do combat training?”
“I didn't say that.” He laughed at my sour expression. “Learn all you can, Ember. There is no wasted knowledge.”
“All right,” I gave in grudgingly.
“Now, go home and rest,” the Emperor said. “You all deserve it. The next time you face the Corrupter, you will be better prepared.”
“Thank you, Your Imperial Majesty,” Rath said as he stood.
Xae and I got up as well, and we all bowed to the Emperor.
“Oh, and Ember,” the Emperor said.
“Yes?” I paused in turning toward the door.
“Congratulations on becoming a Wraith Lord.”
“Thank you, Your Imperial Majesty.” My hand went to my pendant. “And thank you for the pendant. I wasn't expecting to be made a Lord.”
“The Goddess chose you before I did.” He winked at me. “I was just making it official.”
Chapter Forty-Three
“You can have tonight,” Xaedren said to Rath as we walked down the hallway to my room.
“What?” Rath asked. “Why?”
“I'll take tomorrow.” Xae stopped at his door and pulled me into an embrace. After kissing me, he said, “Goodnight. I love you.”
“I love you too. Thank you for this.”
He grunted and opened his door.
