“Enough with that damn prophecy,” I snap. “Even if it’s real, it won’t help you or your empire.”
He laughs. “The prophecy is bullshit. I found it in my father’s journals. He had it invented, spread it around. Propaganda to keep the rebels in check.”
“You’re telling me you don’t need her for the prophecy? That it’s not real but you’re still holding her captive?” I stare at him in disbelief.
“She’s got power that will benefit this empire. And I have grown to care for her. I don’tneedher. Iwantedher. And in case you forgot, I am the emperor.” I want to punch the smug expression off his face.
“You only made her marry because it hurt other people,” I accuse.
“I married her because she’ll help me get the Pendralian army. And because she’s beautiful. I could do worse.” He shrugs.
“You won’t be able to control her the way you think you can,” I say.
“That’s the beautiful thing about it. If she no longer benefits me, I can eliminate her. I can also use her to keep you in line. Though, it would be a shame if I had to end her life.”
“You wouldn’t,” I grit out, hands balled into fists. It’s taking everything I have to fight against the heat building in my chest. The slithering tendrils of liquid heat attempting to break free. My skin burns, body on fire. The magic is desperate to explode.
“I will do what I must. It’s not just my empire at stake.” He takes a step closer to me, and I can see the glimmer in his eyes. Caiden did always enjoy tempting fate. “Don’t make me kill my beautiful bride, Brevan.”
“Fuck you, Caiden.”
He grins. “I’m going to assume that means we have an understanding?”
“She’s stubborn, you know that. She doesn’t stop if she sees something she wants,” I warn.
“Then make certain she no longer wants you,” he bites out.
“Even if I do that, it doesn’t mean she’ll fall into your bed,” I practically growl.
“I don’t care if she’s in my bed. Just so long as she’s not in yours.” He walks past me, then turns back when he steps into the hall. “Fix it, Brevan. And when it’s done, I’ll take you to visit your sister. You can check on her yourself. You’ll see that I’m tellingyou the truth. Then maybe you’ll realize that despite everything, I’m still holding up my end of the bargain even if you walked away from yours.”
He picks invisible lint from his jacket, then looks back up at me. “Now, go fetch my wife. Inform her I wish to have dinner…and perhaps other activities… tonight in my quarters.”
I don’t follow him when he leaves. Instead, I return to the bench and sit. The candles still flicker, the flames a taunting reminder of what Caiden can do.
His magic has always been strong, but that’s not what makes him deadly. He’s a strategist. He knows which pieces to play and how they need to be arranged. It was a skill he had no choice but to learn growing up under parents like his.
I lean down and hold my head in my hands. Before Sabina, I never would have thought I’d consider risking his wrath for a woman. If it were my life, I’d take the chance. But that’s not how Caiden plays. If I don’t bend, he’ll destroy everything I’ve worked so hard to protect.
Twenty-Two
Sabina
Out of the corner of my eye, I notice movement. Brevan steps into the room. “I’m sorry to interrupt the fun, your highness, but the emperor has requested your presence for dinner.”
“Now?” I ask.
“Yes. I can escort you there. Nate, please take the ladies to their rooms for the evening. The emperor has made it known that he intends for his wife to stay with him tonight.”
What could he possibly want now? To flaunt whoever he’s taking to his bed? To try to seduce me? To threaten me? He’s made it clear he wants me around. For now. But I’ve made it clear that I am not joining him in bed.
My ladies bid me goodnight, then leave the room, Nate behind them. “Have a nice, evening, your highness.” He bows before he follows them down the hall.
Brevan stands tall and still, watching them go, then he turns to me. “Was he singing an old rebellion song?”
“Yes.” I walk alongside him, careful to keep enough distance that we don’t touch.
He glances over at me, then gestures toward the staircase we need to climb. “Be careful around him. He’s not a typical legionnaire. He’s new. Didn’t grow up with this.”
