He shook his head. “It's fine, Ember. I understand. I don't think it will happen again.”
“Tell me who did this. Tell me right now!”
“Shh,” Caleb hushed me with a look toward his room. His shared room. “You'll wake them up.”
I'm not sure why the single men were sharing a room when there were so many available. Maybe it had been their choice. Shit, after what the Corrupter did to them, it was possible they didn't want to sleep alone. And now, one of the men who was supposed to be protecting them had abused Caleb. How was this possible? The Wraith Lords were chosen by the Goddess for their honor. But then I thought of Jathalion. Honor could fade.
“Tell me, Caleb,” I said in a softer tone.
“I can't,” he whispered. “I just . . . can't, Ember.”
“Oh, sweet Goddess,” I said. “It wasn't Xae, was it?”
“No, not Xae.” He bent his head to his knees and started to weep.
“Caleb.” I wrapped my arms around him as best I could. “I'm so sorry. Please, just tell me. I can help you.”
“No. No, you can't. I can't. No.” He kept shaking his head. “He'll only hurt me more.”
“Why did he hurt you?”
Caleb spoke into his knees, “He was angry. He said I tricked him. That I said something misleading on purpose. He called me a deceiver.”
“Tricked him about what?” I scowled. What could Caleb possibly say that would trick a Wraith Lord?
Caleb just shook his head. “I'll just be careful around him. It won't happen again.”
“No, it won't. Because I'm confronting this asshole. Tell me who it is!”
Caleb jerked away and stood up. “I can't, Ember. I need this to work. I have nowhere else to go. Please, don't make a fuss. I don't think he meant to hurt me, just scare me.” Rubbing his arm, he added, “He was just holding on too tightly. It's not as if he struck me.”
“Caleb, you have to tell—”
“No!” he hissed and rushed into his room.
I gaped at the door as he shut it, then my eyes went wide as I heard him slide the lock. Caleb was afraid. And I didn't think it was of me following him into the suite.
Fuck. I couldn't help him if he wouldn't let me. With a heavy heart, I went to my suite, quietly undressed in the dressing room, then climbed carefully into bed between my sleeping lovers.
Chapter Forty-Four
The Emperor's Harvest festival drew closer. The farmers were temporarily relocated and put up in the finest hotels in the neighboring city of Nema. Luckily, the harvest was long since complete, and most of the produce sold. The remainder had been stored. This was the time of year for farmers to relax. The only work to be done was tending to fences and the like. Thus, the festival. It was actually a yearly event in farming communities all over Varr. The farmers wouldn't be celebrating at home this year, but I think they were fine with that.
In case the Corrupter came early to check on things, Wraith Lords were sent to live in the empty homes, dressing in more common clothing. Baggy clothing. It's hard to hide a warrior's body. And forget me going. The Corrupter knew me and my men too well for us to go undercover ahead of time. We'd be there on the day but in hiding. Not for long at least. I had to wait at the edge of the town for the Corrupter to enter. Once he did, I'd spring our trap.
While my lovers and I were at lunch a few days before the festival, the Emperor strode into the dining hall. The children, who always seemed to be talking, went quiet. I looked up from my plate when I heard the sound of men getting to their feet. I launched up as well when I saw why.
The Emperor nodded at us and waved us back down. “Hello, everyone. Please, return to your meal. I'm here to speak with the humans.”
Oh, fuck. Instead of sitting, I hurried over to the table where the people of Fress ate. They were all standing, the adults helping the kids up. Evina bowed deeply and stayed down.
“Rise, my dear,” the Emperor said to Evina. “No need for that. And all of you, please, sit down. Don't be afraid, children.” He smiled at them. “I'm just here to ask a favor of you.”
“A favor, Your Imperial Majesty?” I asked.
“Ah, Lord Ember.” The Emperor grinned. “I—”
“Your Imperial Majesty!” General Rontor hurried into the room and down the aisle between tables. “I'm so sorry I didn't greet you at the arrival chamber. We had no idea you were coming.”
