I nod as expected, then allow my gaze to flit back to my Guards.
Dread weighs heavier on my shoulders when their attention is still cast up at Sal, all of them still failing to notice I have left the center of their star. Then my heart drops as it appears there is something transparent warbling around them. Though it’s too translucent to tell if the undulating air is a figment of my imagination or an unfamiliar form of magic.
I desperately draw on the consideration Varic showed me before we were made to leave the safe room and use it on myself so I do not collapse in front of this large audience, feeling strangely grateful for the ability to recall emotions so precisely, since it saves me from whatever His Majesty would enact as a punishment—for now.
Emperor Aldritch brings our joined hands down to his side, and a small trickle of air pools in my lungs once he releases his grip on me.
I flex my fingers to regain some circulation when he reaches over and forcefully interlocks his clammy fingers between my own, clasping my hand in an undeniably romantic gesture. “I will admit, I have been reticent in considering marriage.”
My chest constricts with the hope that this will be the moment my Guards take notice. That this will be when they all charge forward and protect me from this monster. But nothing and no one comes to my rescue.
My stomach churns, and what little I ate for dinner might make a reappearance as the crowd chants, “Empress Tasch! Empress Tasch!”
Surely this will pull my Guards out of their reverie. Surely Varic cannot ignore this specific chanting. Yet when I turn, feeling so sure they will finally come to me, none of them move, nor do they so much as glance forward.
The Emperor pulls on my hand and forces me to face him. This has to be the moment Varic storms over.
But if the Emperor is truly immortal, I do not know how we can possibly defeat him. Or if whatever has given him eternal youth could also increase his power. With all the unknowns, and without my Guards here to shield me, I must do my best to play my role.
Because we endure for them. The citizens who have nothing to do with this.
The beings who deserve a better life. The very same Hendry died serving.
I can do this. I am capable. I have pretended every day of my life up to now.
I will do this for them.
“The citizens have had little faith in Wyrth’s ability to secure my immortality. Which has been their reason for demanding we marry, with the belief that any child conceived with our combined powers could be the most powerful sorcerer in the Continent.”
I nod, and His Majesty grins while failing to notice the way my eyes flick back to Varic—the one who would be most likely to aid in producing the strongest magical being, if that is how our power was inherited.
The same sorcerer who continues to stare up at Sal with the sickly satisfied expression he’s worn the whole evening, twisting my heart with the need for him to intervene as she refuses to aid me. Leaving me alone and wishing for someone, anyone, even a fractured-off part of me to be here and help me through this.
“And though, with time, all will learn of my endlessness, I should like to stop their squabbling and give them the Empress they demand.”
“I would have guessed you would want them to know you are impervious, so they might stop attacking the Palace.”
His expression falls. “Do you think I would invite them to test the theory? For the moment I make the announcement, every land will stop at nothing to try to kill me. Do you think I want to risk their invading our land, which would ruin the surprise when I arrive in their land with my army behind me?”
His logic is flawed, and yet with the way his mind works, I have no plausible way of convincing him this plan will not end the way he wishes when the audience chants the title they demand for me.
“Empress Tasch! Empress Tasch! Empress Tasch!”
Their voices rise as a swell of pride enters my chest, imbuing me with a sense of confidence. I furrow my brow and search the crowd for whoever might have sent me this strengthening emotion. For it is a witch who knows too much. One bold enough to meddle with the most powerful witch on the Continent. Its magical signature is faint, as if it’s been tampered with. Though it feels familiar.
“I do not have the patience to endure the actions of those who would disbelieve my immortal status to test it repeatedly. And we will not blame the citizens for seeking certainty in our union. Instead, we shall invite them to celebrate by promising our souls to one another now.”
My heart sinks as he continues, “Our union will overshadow the first Emperor’s accomplishments, as he will have merely procured us this land, whereas together we will conquer the Continent. We will make this the most memorable Reclamation Day in history, where their Emperor will have ensured our dominion over all others.”
He squeezes my hand, and my nostrils flare. “I shall announce it now. And just in case that clever mind of yours decides to try anything, you should know that additional Guards have been assigned to prevent you from escaping.”
His smile rises as he turns to the front row of pews in the center, then leans in to whisper, “Drusilla has arranged for your belongings to be sent to my chambers, as you and I will be sharing a marriage bed from this night forward.” His lips catch on my hair as he hovers. “And despite the Dragon’s claim, I will not hesitate to punish any who dare to defy my orders.” His gaze flicks back to Varic. “Because not even Dragon fire can kill me now.”
His sneer turns sinister. “Do you see the pews filled with young witches and sorcerers?” He indicates a section along the back wall where four long pews are filled with youth. “They will pay with their lives should you refuse to wed me this night. As you are aware, a soul-bond is required, and the vow will not take if you do not mean the words you will promise to me.”
The wide-eyed children stare back, and my heart hammers so rapidly, I am unsure how I am still standing. Each one is so unaware of their purpose here. So entranced with their wonder reflected back, I barely notice the Emperor has released me until the itching ceases.
I turn to gape in horror at his calculated movements, unable to blink as he prowls back to his throne, leaving me frozen at the edge of the stage to carry all he’s thrust upon my being.
