“Really, Bron, this drama is not necessary,” she called out. “Can we get this over with?”
He came out of the shadows, this robe just black, and from what she could tell, it was fairly plain for once.
“You have plans you must get to?”
She sighed. “We are leaving tomorrow morning. I have things to do.”
In a flash, he was right in front of her.
The strike was so quick, she’d never even had a chance to block it. She reeled back, stumbling. Her hem caught on her shoe, and she went tumbling to the floor. Pain shot through her hip.
“I am your Emperor! Nothing is more important than I am!” His voice boomed off the walls.
It is unusual where strength comes from.
Some say it comes from adrenalin, others from stubbornness. Some have even said it comes from the Beyond, when those who had died come and push one forward, maybe when they would not have gotten up on their own.
The latter was the only thing Bianca could attest to the next thing she did. It almost felt like an out-of-body experience, surreal and so out of character.
She pushed herself off the floor, her hips aching from the fall, but she stood tall. “You are not the only being in this castle. I have things that need to be attended to foryour daughters. For their mission tomorrow. A mission to benefityour great Empire. Now, if you really needed something, get on with it. Because I am not standing around here, waiting for you and your drama.”
“How dare you,” he snarled.
“What are you going to do? Beat me?”
He raised his hand.
She didn’t blink. “How would it look if I showed up to peace talks looking like I had been beaten?”
“Bruises can be advantageous on the negotiation table. They would take pity—”
“You know they’re machines, right? They don’t have emotions. They don’t take pity on anyone. Just ask your soldiers who have been trying to fight them for years. They don’t stop, they don’t quit, and they will never stop following their orders.”
“I know. I know exactly how they work.”
“Lovely. Now, let me go do my job, and make sure this mission runs appropriately.”
He grabbed her arm. “It better. You will pay the ultimate price when you return.”
She jerked away.
Her heart hammered, but she kept her face as neutral as possible. She didn’t want him to think she was afraid.
“Is that where we are? You are threatening my life?”
“What good are you? You’re old and fat and wrinkled. I have no use for you.”
“You know, I’m the same age as Fallon would have been.”
“Fallon is eternally young and beautiful,” he said.
“Probably a good thing she is,” Bianca said and started to walk away.
“I was not finished with you.”
“Oh, you’re finished with me, for certain,” she replied. Her hands trembled with every step she took as she walked out of the throne room.
“You will regret that, Bianca!”
