Page 23 of Bred By the Emperor

Staring around the concrete bunker, I exhale shakily. Between our exertions last night and not having had anything to eat since the wedding cake, my stomach grumbles hungrily. But that doesn’t matter—all I can think about is Malakai.

Where is he?

Have I inadvertently gotten him deposed? Or worse, killed?

I’ll never survive the blow if I am the one who led to his downfall. I dash the tears from my eyes and take a deep breath.

That’s not going to happen. Think, Lili. There must have been someone in your chain of command who knew about the rebel base and chose not to enlighten you.

There is one possibility that I can’t ignore, no matter how much I want to.

Grandfather.

I’m sure he didn’t know, but as king, he should have. He could have been easily duped. He’s been slipping for years, and his mind isn’t as sharp as it once was. While I’ve stepped in as much as I can, there are certain security briefings that only he is privy to.

Guilt gnaws at my heart. I never had a chance to ask whether he survived the attack. We were whisked into that conference room, and then to prison, the moment we emerged from the safe room. As grim as that cinder-block hiding place was, it was still far more comfortable than this bleak place.

“Guard?” I call out. No response. I grit my teeth in frustration. “Guard! I command you to send a message for me.”

“You’re not the Empress anymore,” he sneers. “You can’t command me to do nothin’.”

I sit down with a growl. At least they let me shower before they gave me orange prison garb. I’ve worn more fashionable clothes, but at least they’re clean and not sliced apart.

A fond memory.

For a moment I let myself wallow in it, remembering Malakai’s touch. I want to feel his cock again. Now that I’ve had a taste of him, I know I can’t live without him. We have so much to look forward to. Children. Grandchildren. Growing old together.

I’m not giving up on us simply because Kenton is a jealous prick.

Yet I can’t compel the guard, and he doesn’t relent. I am forced to wait. I eat the terrible food they present to me, a barely toasted piece of bread and a cold piece of sausage, then try to rest.

Thudding footfalls startle me out of an anxious doze.

Sitting up, I find the one person I didn’t want to see striding toward me. Kenton.

The guard unlocks the cell. He steps in. I remain seated on the edge of my concrete bed. I don’t move.

“I want you to know that I’m sorry for ruining your wedding,” he says.

I blink at him in shock. “You didn’t blow up the reception.” Cold dread washes through me. “Or…did you? Are you the one working with the rebels?”

That would be a terrible twist—and likely, these would be my final moments, if true.

He scoffs. “No. Obviously. I’ve been thinking about what you said about not replacing my mother. I hate to admit it, but you were right earlier. I have been acting like a spoiled child. The idea of him marrying another woman—my woman, no less—made me furious. I wish he had found anyone else but you, Liliviere, but I am glad my dad finally found someone that makes him feel less alone.”

“I was never yours. Your father thought he could command me to marry a stranger. He quickly saw his mistake.” Kenton still blames me, and maybe that’s fair since I took one look and rejected him in favor of his father, but if I can clear my name, he will pretend to be happy for Malakai. That’s all I need. I’d rather have a good relationship with my stepson, but that will take time to build. If it’s even possible. I change the subject to what’s really bothering me. “I have an idea about how the rebels might have set up that base right under my nose.”

“I didn’t come to question you. That’s the council’s job.” Back to the petulant scowl. He might be a couple of years older than me, but I feel like I’m the more mature one here.

“I know, but I have to get a message out and the guard won’t send one. Please help me, Kenton. I can solve this.” Briefly, I tell him about my grandfather’s decline in health and how I’ve been kept out of certain security briefings. “Perhaps he meant to tell me and forgot, or perhaps he was trying to protect me from a dangerous subject. But either way, neither of us were acting with malicious intent. The king of Kellimar is an old man. Easily confused. He was taken advantage of by someone.” Tears sting my eyes. “Is he okay? I need to know the truth.”

“Your grandfather was injured in the blast.”

“No,” I gasp.

“He will live. He’s being questioned by the council now. They seem to be coming to the same conclusion you have.” He scowls. “I don’t enjoy this, but unlike my father, I can admit when I was wrong. After looking into the matter, I no longer believe you were involved in the attack.”

“Am I free to go?”