Page 6 of Captive of the Stolen Empire

In a rush, I rolled up the paper and the twine and shoved them the only place I could think of—down my dress and between my breasts.

I threw open the door and stumbled out as Lucien reached me.

“Lady Ilya,” he said.

I feigned hiding behind the coach, letting apprehension and worry show on my features. All I really wanted to do was grab the arrow and shove it into his eye socket.

“You’re here.” He looked me up and down. “Unharmed.”

I cocked an eyebrow at him, feigning offense. “Did you expect me not to be?”

His hand toyed with the pommel at his side. “What’s this about?” His voice hardened. “Did you plan this? Set up some kind of rescue attempt for yourself?”

I gaped. “You think I know? That arrow could have killed me!” I thrust an accusing finger toward the object in question. It hadn’t been meant to harm me, I knew that now, but he didn’t.

He stiffened as he looked past me at the coach. “But why would they…” Captain Lucien trailed off, and he glanced toward the forest on the opposite side of the river.

“Exactly.” I spat the word in his direction. “Why would I plan my own assassination?”

He whirled on me so fast a gasp lodged in my throat. I stepped backward, retreating from his advance until the side of the coach dug into my back. Too close. Far too close. His nearness swarmed my senses, radiating fury. The sharp gleam in his eyes matched my own.

“If I find out you orchestrated this, then—”

“You’ll what? Threaten my sister?” I crossed my arms over my chest and stood a little straighter, staring him down.

Another captain trotted up with a female soldier in tow. He stood shorter than Lucien and bore a helm resembling a fox. Warren. He hadn’t been present in the throne room, though I’d identified him from the chatter of the guards on our journey here. His magic remained a mystery. Of all the emperor’s captains, we knew the least about him.

“Lucien,” Warren said.

“What?” Lucien snapped the question at his companion.

Warren looked between us, silent and calm.

Lucien’s shoulders sagged, and his voice was calmer when he turned to his companion and asked, “What have you learned?”

“Same as what our scouts reported,” Warren said. “Should I send troops after them?”

Lucien peered at the river. The current ran fast and strong from the recent rains. It would be a tough crossing for man or beast unless they found a bridge nearby.

“Do it, but don’t go too far. It might be a trap. See what information you can gather.”

Information you can gather.

Of course. Hope glowed within me. I could gather information for these rebels. Who would be better suited and more motivated than a hostage in their midst? I’d wrest out their secrets, find some way to leak the information outside of Zhine, and take them down from within, one step at a time. I didn’t know how I’d get the information out—any letters I wrote, if I were allowed any, would undoubtedly be read—but I had nothing but time to figure that out.

“You look pleased.” Lucien stared me down once more. His companions had ventured off to carry out his orders.

“I couldn’t help but imagine you drowning in the river with all that armor on.” The words were out before I could stop myself.

He blinked, as if shocked by my words.

I notched my chin higher and refused to look down.

“What have I gotten myself into?” He shook his head before turning to walk away.

My lips thinned as I stared at his back. I’d expected a retort, anger, or a spew of accusations. I wanted them—anything to let me vent my fury at the terrible man. Not nothing. Instead, I channeled my frustration into a plan. Sit and play the happy captive? No. Never. I couldn’t reverse time, not even the Gods and Goddesses could. But I’d find a way to unlatch the shackles placed upon us.

And I’d do it as far from Lucien’s watchful gaze as possible.

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