“Empress?” Nate steps into the kitchen, then inclines his head in a bow. “I’m sorry to interfere, but your guest has arrived.”
My brow furrows, but I step away from the others. “A guest?”
“She’s waiting for you in the drawing room. I can escort you,” he offers.
“Do you want me to go with you?” Antonia offers.
I glance at Nate, but he doesn’t give me any indication of what I’m about to walk into.
“I think I’ll be fine. Can you all help with a menu? I’m sure I’ll love whatever you decide.” I give her a smile, then follow Nate into the hall.
“Who is this guest?” I ask.
“He said he has the jewelry you commissioned.”
I touch the necklace I’m still wearing, thinking back to when I met with Jacques. Had he come all the way here with something else? Was this Caiden’s doing?
When we reach the drawing room, I’m relieved to see that it is the same man I’d met prior, but I’m still as confused as to why he’s here.
“Your Majesty, it’s so wonderful to see you again.” He bows, then rises. His eyes linger on the visible marks before looking back at me. “I am sorry I didn’t complete this before your wedding. I was under the impression that I had more time.”
“It was moved up. The death of the emperor changed our timeline.” I’m not sure about this man or who he reports to. Does he also know who I really am?
He retrieves a box that’s sitting on the table that occupies the space in front of a sofa. It’s large and looks like it might hold anentire collection of jewelry. I’m a little nervous about what might be inside.
“Would you care to sit?” It’s phrased as a question, but I can tell by his tone that he expects it of me. I recall the awkward interaction last time and want to avoid it.
“Thank you.” I sit on the couch, and he carefully sets the box on my lap.
I hold it reverently, almost afraid to open it. It’s exquisitely carved with swooping swirls and floral designs. “This is beautiful.”
“Thank you. Now, go ahead. Open it.” He clasps his hands in front of him and watches me with an eager smile.
Nate is nearby, his posture relaxed, despite a hand on the hilt of his sword.
Carefully, I turn the latch, then open the lid. Inside is lined in black velvet and divided into compartments. A few of them have tiny cushions with sparkling gems winking up at me. Some of the others hold earrings or chains that are either bracelets or necklaces. It is more wealth and luxury than I’ve ever seen. “What is all this?”
Jacques approaches. “May I?”
“Of course.”
He reaches for one of the stones on the pillows, then pulls it out. I realize it’s a ring that’s been shoved in, leaving the gem poking up. He hands it to me. “This was one of the late empress’s favorites. I cleaned it and reinforced the setting.” He shoves it back in, then points to the others. “This was also hers. And this. But this one…”
He pulls out the last one, a gold ring with an aquamarine stone. “This is the one the new emperor asked me to make for you.” He holds it up near my face, then smiles. “I do think he matched your eyes quite nicely.”
My cheeks heat.
“Would you like to try it on? It’s a bit nicer than the band he gave you at your ceremony. As I said, I didn’t finish it in time.”
“He didn’t tell me he was doing this.”
“He wanted it to be a surprise.” Creases form at the corner of his eyes when he smiles. It makes him look kind.
I’m not sure how I feel about any of this. It’s all show, I’m certain. The things expected of an emperor and empress. But it is beautiful. I pull the simple black band from my finger and hold out my hand. Jacques slips on the new ring. It fits perfectly. But so did the black one. I never really stopped to think about how they determined what size to make the ring.
“Now, that is still far too simple for an empress, but it’s what he thought you would like. Things in Iskvaland must be more subdued. All the jewelry in this box of the old empress was chosen by Caiden specifically for you. He had me clean and store the more elaborate pieces in case you ever wanted to use them in the future.”
The things in this box were already far more beautiful than anything I knew existed. Wearing the ring alone on my finger is uncomfortable. I can’t imagine how I’d feel about anything fancier.
