“I need to see him. Now. I want to know what he’s learned about the poison in my tent. I can’t sleep until I know I’m safe,” I say, hoping the excuse is enough.
“Your Majesty, we checked your tent. I can assure you, it’s safe,” the guard nearest me says.
“And was it not checked last night? Yet, someone entered unseen. How am I to know they can’t enter while I’m asleep?” I demand.
“I’m sure the emperor will return soon. You can ask him,” the other guard says.
“My husband was drunk and had a whore in his lap when I left the tavern. I can’t count on him tonight.” I set my hands on my hips, daring them to challenge me.
The guard standing nearest me swallows hard, his attention shifting from me to his companion. Finally, he sighs. “I’ll take you. Marcus, watch her tent.”
I keep my chin high and work to keep my teeth from chattering. I really should have put my dress back on, but it’s too late for that now.
We pass a few other tents, then stop at the farthest tent on the edge of camp. I wonder if he’s always this far away from the emperor, or if he’s been placed here because of me.
“Wait here,” I tell the guard in a whisper. “I won’t be long.”
“Your Majesty, I don’t think you should?—”
I raise my hand to stop him. “What is your name?”
“Nate, Your Majesty,” he whispers back.
“Nate, I need allies. People who report to me. Who are loyal to me. I know what I’m asking, but you have a chance here to have the favor of the empress or be just another soldier to the emperor. The choice is yours.” I stare at him, using the same cold calculating look I watched Caiden give countless times.
“Your Majesty, I’m loyal to the empire…” he starts. “But I think I could do what you’re asking.”
“Good. Then I will request you as my personal guard. I can assure you, your loyalty will be rewarded.” I’m surprised by the tone I’m able to muster. “Now, as far as anyone knows, I am not here. I never left my tent, do you understand?”
“What about Marcus?” he asks.
“When we return, you give him the same offer I gave you. If he agrees, you two will not regret your loyalty. I can promise you that.”
He nods.
I pull the fabric aside and slip into the dark tent.
Eleven
Sabina
Arms wrap around me and a hand covers my mouth. Almost as fast as it happens, I’m released.
“Princess?” Brevan backs away, then a lamp flickers to life with a warm glow. He’s panting and wild-eyed, obviously still recovering from a stranger entering his tent without notice.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.” The apology is automatic, then I remember why I’m here. My eyes drop to his bare, muscular chest before I drag my eyes to his face. Heat builds low in my belly and I curse my body for reacting to him.
“Actually, no, I’m not sorry. I’m here for a reason. You have the audacity to judge me when you use your magic to wipe out a dozen people at once?”
“You should go. You can’t be here.”
“That’s all you have to say?” My hands are on my hips and I’m staring up at him defiantly. “I know they have your sister, but you didn’t have to do that.”
“Yes, I did. You know exactly what it’s like. Why I did it. And you need to go before you cost us both,” he says.
My shoulders sag and I cover my face with my hands. Of course. In my hurry to confront him, I didn’t even stop to think about the fact that us together in his room would be just as bad as him declining orders.
He turns and grabs his tunic from where it’s tossed over a chair. I gasp when I see all the fresh wounds. Anger forgotten, I cross to him and when he tries to pull his tunic over his head, I stop him.
