10
The emperor was waiting for her at the entrance to the reception hall.
He looked...huge.Magnificent.He wore the formal robes of state, heavy dark fabrics embroidered with the crest of the K'Saan line.But even in velvet and silk, power radiated off him.He saw her approach, and the polite mask he wore softened into warmth.
"Emily," he said, stepping forward.
He offered his arm and she took it, the polite and expected thing to do… but god, it felt so wrong.
His muscles were warm and solid beneath the fabric.But it wasn't the right heat.It wasn't the electric, terrifying charge she felt whenever Raaevik was near.It was just...pleasant.Pleasant and safe.
"You look lovely," Daaynal murmured, covering her fingers where they rested on his forearm."Are you ready?"
"As I'll ever be," she managed, pleased that her voice didn't shake.
He chuckled, a low rumble that vibrated through his side."Just stay close to me.Smile when I introduce you.Most of them are more afraid of you than you are of them."
"Afraid of me?"She nearly laughed."I'm five foot nothing.”
"You are the choice of the Emperor," he said simply."That makes you formidable."
He led her into the hall.
It was packed.Alien faces everywhere—colorful robes, military uniforms, all of them turning to stare.Conversation died, and the silence that followed made her want to bolt.
She fixed the smile on her face.Just a doll, she told herself.All she had to do was play the part.
They walked through the crowd.Daaynal moved with an easy grace, acknowledging people with a nod here, a word there, guiding her through the throng without ever letting go of her.He introduced her smoothly—"My intended, Emily Evans"—and watched with a hawk's eye as dignitaries bowed and scraped.
She nodded.She smiled.She said, "It's a pleasure to meet you," over and over until the words lost all meaning.
Raaevik was behind them… she didn't have to look to know.He was a shadow at her back, watching her with another man while she accepted the bows and compliments like they meant something.
"Charming," a voice purred.
They had stopped in front of a tall, reedy Latharian whose robes were so stiff with gold embroidery they probably could have stood up on their own.He looked down at her with eyes that were a shade of orange that made her think of toxic waste warnings.
"Lord Darryc," Daaynal said, his tone cooling by a few degrees.
"Your Majesty."Darryc bowed low, then turned his gaze back to her.He inspected her like she was a prize poodle at a conformation show."Such a...delicate creature.Small."
“Not small,” she argued before she could stop herself.“I like to think of myself as more… concentrated,"
The corner of Daaynal's mouth quirked as Darryc blinked, then gave a thin smile."Indeed.The Emperor is fortunate.To find a compatible mate among the...Primiti— ah, humans.A rare prize indeed.”
Her smile didn't waver, but inside, she was screaming.Primitives?Asshole.She wanted to kick him in his gold-covered shins.
“Emily is not a prize, Lord Darryc," Daaynal said, his voice soft but edged with steel."She will be my Empress.”
He moved his hand from her arm to the small of her back.It should have felt protective, but all it did was make her want to crawl out of her skin.
She couldn't help it.She risked a glance back.
Raaevik stood at attention behind them, looking straight ahead.His face was blank, and his eyes were empty.But as Daaynal's hand shifted slightly on her back, guiding her forward, his jaw went tight.
"Come," the emperor said, steering her away from Lord Darryc.Not a moment too soon, either."Let's get this over with.The observation deck is next."
The crowd parted for them, and she let Daaynal guide her through with his hand on her back.Playing the part.
