“They wanted to talk about the demons I’ve killed,” I said.
“What, Gretsky?”
“And the two others,” I said.
“Right this way, Captain,” the lady-in-waiting said, gesturing to the open door.
Boleslaw frowned. “Where are you off to now?”
I shrugged. “I’ve been summoned to see the Emperor.”
“Again?” Boleslaw asked, sudden and intense thought furrowing her brow. “You’ll tell me all about it in the morning, right?” she said, trying to give me another of those innuendo-filled looks which I had failed to understand all night.
“Right,” I replied, then I headed through the door.
I was so tired that I stumbled twice going up the steps. Between exhaustion and intoxication, I could hardly stand. I hoped I would give a good account to the Emperor and get out of there before I passed out.
The guards did not try to take my weapons tonight, admitting me to the Emperor’s chambers without hassle. Astrid was seated inside, but the moment I appeared, she stood.
“Captain Boylan. I trust you are well? Please, sit down. May I offer you something to drink? Brandy? Whiskey?” She spoke faster than normal, not hysterically, but with a rapiditywhich implied nervousness. What could she be worried about? She was the Emperor.
“If you wish me to remain awake, a strong cup of tea would be appreciated,” I said. “I apologize, but I’ve had a long day.”
“Of course.” The Emperor nodded over my shoulder, and a tea tray with two cups, a pitcher of cream, a sugar bowl, and a small plate of biscuits was placed on the table before me. “Please, sit, drink,” the Emperor said, gesturing to a comfortable-looking chair. I cautiously lowered myself into it, perching on the edge of the seat to avoid falling asleep in its comfortable embrace.
Something was wrong here. The Emperor was not talking like the Emperor. She was acting like Astrid on our first date.
“Actually, Captain, it is I who must apologize to you, on behalf of my Empire,” she said, pouring herself a cup of tea and snagging a chocolate-covered biscuit.
“What for?” I asked, curious, trying to make sense of things through my sleep-fogged mind. The only thing I could think the Empire had done as a whole was start this war. Was she apologizing for ten years of conflict?
“For the attempt on your life,” Astrid clarified.
I poured some cream into my cup, spilling a little. A hordling wiped up the white puddle before I could put the saucer down. Astrid glared. “Leave us. All of you.” There was a slight scurry and the click of doors closing with finality.
“Count Gretsky’s actions are not your fault,” I said, trying to give her a graceful out. After all, she was an emperor and probably not used to apologizing to captains.
Astrid’s face contorted in a furious snarl. “If I am to call it my Empire, then I should expect obedience from my subjects. I ordered that no visiting dignitaries should be harmed, and the moment a hint of conflict occurred, blades were bared. I will not tolerate such behavior in my new Imperium.”
Part of my brain flagged the phrase ‘new Imperium’ as worthy of further study, but the rest of my brain was too tired to perform the follow-up work. “Well, I don’t hold you responsible for one renegade’s actions.”
“Thank you, Captain. And thank you for showing me the traitors within my midst. I’ll make certain they are swiftly dealt with. You need not worry about any further attacks,” she said. Her Emperor mask was back on. She wasn’t Astrid anymore.
I put down my teacup. “I don’t want anyone else to die for me.”
“Then what do you want?” she demanded. “Money? Land? I can offer any reparation you desire.”
“I want the last twelve years back. I want the girl I fell in love with,” I thought, wondering what I could possibly say to such an offer.
The Emperor’s face went perfectly blank. “I’m afraid neither of those requests are within my power to give.”
Oh, shit. Had I spoken out loud? I was truly losing it. “I’m sorry, Your Majesty. I’m very tired, and don’t know what I’m saying. At your leisure, I think we should continue this conversation in the morning when we’ve both had time to rest.”
“The Levar I knew hardly needed rest,” the Emperor countered. It was the first time she’d referenced our Academy days.
“Yes, well, ten years of war takes a toll on a body,” I said, acid in my voice. How dare she bring up our romantic past now?
“Come now. I must make this right. How can I make amends? Would you like Count Gretsky’s lands and titles? His position at court?”
