“Yes, I think I might.”
“That would require intense study.”
“Oh.”
“But if you're willing to make the effort, I will assign you tutors.”
“Really?”
“Of course. We need you to be as strong as possible, Ember. Spells won't assist you on missions, but perhaps you could use them to help in other ways. I know we could use your help in creating a counterspell.”
So, Deathwastrying to rile me against the Emperor. There was no conspiracy to keep me from learning spell casting.Feeling more confident, I said, “Perhaps it should wait until we get a handle on the dead situation.”
“Yes, maybe that would be best. Just let me know when you're ready to begin your studies.”
“Thank you, Your Imperial Majesty.”
“It's my pleasure.” The Emperor laid a hand on my shoulder. “I'm glad that you're all right, Ember. Have you made any other strides?”
“You mean, have I taken a new lover?”
He nodded.
“I'm working on it. Hopefully, I'll find someone else soon.”
“Have the other Wraith Lords been, uh, helpful?”
I chuckled. “Those who are interested have been very helpful, or at least tried to be. I admit I've been less so, but I'm determined to change that. I already have one possibility.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Jath twitch.
“Good.” The Emperor smacked my shoulder. “I'm proud of you for being open to your destiny. And good luck with your search.”
“Thank you, Your Imperial Majesty.”
We made our goodbyes, then left, heading back to the entry room. Evidently, it was rude to fade in the Emperor's presence. At least, that's what I assumed since we never did it. Once we were back in the enormous antechamber, I nodded at my men, glanced at Jath (who was determinedly avoiding my stare), and then faded home.
I couldn't wait for the day to be over.
Chapter Twenty-Six
When we returned to the citadel, it was only noon. It took me a second to process that. We'd been at breakfast when we'd been summoned, but the city we saved was far enough away that the day had been ending there. Now, we were back to our original time. Fading was wonderful but it could also get confusing.
I could hear the Creen workers in the dining hall, setting out the midday repast. My stomach rumbled at the reminder that we had done a lot on very little sustenance. I hadn't even finished breakfast.
“Come, love,” Xae put his arm around me and steered me to the dining hall. “I don't think they'll mind if we start filling our plates before everything is set out.”
Rath came up on my other side, and I was surprised when Jath joined us as well.
Sure enough, when we approached the buffet table, the Creen only smiled at us and told us what dishes were about to be put out in case we wanted to wait. I didn't. I figured I could always go back for seconds. So, I made a plate with what was available and headed to our usual table. One of the Creen women was setting out four glasses of water there.
I looked at her in surprise. “You remember where we sit? Thank you so much, Lilee.”
“Of course, Lord Ember. You're our favorite.” She winked at me as she hurried away.
I smiled to myself as I sat down.
“You're their favorite?” Xae lifted a brow at me as he took a seat on my left.
