Page 103 of Poisoned Empire

“Why chain me up?”

“Isn’t it obvious? You have a tendency to find yourself in places that inconvenience me.”

“So the big bad fire mage is scared of little me? I’m flattered.” Much more of this and her bravado would crumble. He was cold and wicked in a way Amethyst could’ve only dreamed.

When he laughed, she almost flinched. It was almost like Darius’; rich, deep, but without a hint of true warmth.

“A viper in chains! Just what I’d hoped. I’d already given it some thought, but now I’m certain. You’ll make a fine concubine.”

Selene’s skin crawled. Repulsed, she jerked her head away. When he grabbed her chin again, she spat at him. He slapped her. Hard. Her ears rang. Kosta returned with Mina in tow, shoving her onto the ground beside Selene. She could see that Kosta sported scratches on his face and a split lip. In short order, both Charis Opal and Zoe Emerald appeared in the room, staggering out of the shadows. Mercurius stood before Emerald and bowed, taking her hand and kissing it, transforming into a dapper gentleman.

“I’m pleased to make your acquaintance, Domina Emerald. As you and the other dominae are aware, your fathers have agreed to behave to ensure your safety, and you in turn are expected to wait here obediently, lest something unfortunate befall the magistri.”

To her credit, Zoe straightened her spine and stared down her nose at the man before her, her bright green eyes narrowing with distaste.

“And who are you to threaten the Emerald Province?”

She hoped Zoe would fill his lungs with soil.

“Your future emperor, Mercurius Bloodstone.”

“I admit, you have some semblance to our late emperor.”

“You killed Darius?! I’ll kill you, fucking bastard!” Selene launched herself at the man, but Mina held her back.

Mercurius ignored her as Topaz held her hand over Selene’s mouth to silence her shrieks.

“Play your cards right, Domina, and you will sit on that throne beside me as my empress. What say you?”

There was only a short pause before Domina Emerald curtsied.

“You have excellent taste, Bloodstone.”

“I will come for you when this is done.” He kissed her hand again. Before he left, he grabbed Selene’s face, all traces of the gallantry snuffed out, and whispered, “I look forward to training you.” He turned to Magister Diamond. “Do what you wish, Miroslav, but it must be reversible. Keep watch on her and the dominae. Now that Father is dead and the dust has settled, it’s time to make myself known.”

Magister Diamond bowed deeply.

“May the forgotten gods see fit to remember you.”

With that, Mercurius was pulled into the shadows. Miroslav lost no time advancing on Selene, vengeful fury in his eyes.

“Do you know how bright a light must be to fully blind a man? No? Let’s find out together.”

Chapter 36

“Ishouldbelookingfor her, not standing here dressed like it’s a lavish party.”

“I have competent soldiers searching, and the inner palace is secure. She’ll be found.”

Iliana’s gut roiled. She stood next to Marduk in the presence of the magistri, their heirs, Nicephorus and the logothetes under his authority. They’d been hastily assembled once word had been given of Darius’ death, gathered to pledge their loyalty in front of witnesses to the new emperor. Belisarius strode into the throne room wearing ceremonial silks in imperial red and the high crown of the emperor, a heavy, ornate piece of gold that, along with the sceptre he held, had been created by melting down the crowns of the former kings and repurposing any precious stones they might have held. Iliana knew what it was to lose beloved parents, so she had some inkling of what he might be feeling behind the cold mask he presented to the court. At least she’d been able to mourn openly. The emperor had been found dead a few hours ago, and yet Belisarius was forced into this spectacle in order to ensure a peaceful, orderly transition of power. It was as cruel as it was necessary.

“We’ll search for her the moment this is concluded. Kneel when I do. My oath will count for both of us,” Marduk whispered.

Iliana nodded, distracted. Was it just her imagination, or did the magistri appear uneasy? Belisarius sat in the emperor’s throne, yet not one of the magistri were jockeying for position as they had the day before, mere moments after the traitors were killed. She was also one of the only women in attendance, something that sat ill with her. Where were the dominae?

“Marduk, do the magistri look… unsettled to you?”

“It’s to be expected. They know the emperor didn’t die naturally, and that the assassin hasn’t been caught.”

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