Page 115 of Poisoned Empire

“Magistra Alexandra Amber swears her loyalty to the Empress Selene from this day until my death. I bind myself and my heirs to this oath, else our lives are forfeit,” Alexandra replied woodenly.

It wasn’t perfect freedom, but it was as much as she could give her.

“You will still be required to work at the palace until a replacement can be found and trained. Speak to the praetor about assigning a manager for the province.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

When she stood from the throne and dismissed the crowd, she felt lighter. She’d done all that had been asked of her, rewarded all those who’d helped her, and given Iliana and Marduk security and hopefully a little more respect. At least no one had tried to kill her, and only Topaz seemed miffed about not getting more of a reward for himself. Now, there was only one thing left to do.

“Illustra Aegis, follow me.”

Once they were safely ensconced in her rooms, Selene sent the servants away and released a breath along with her shoulders. She had one last gift to bestow. There was a box on the veranda’s table. Selene waved her over to it.

“I can’t believe you just did all that.” Iliana spoke first, bewildered as she sank down into her seat.

“I know. I was sure I’d have to kill at least one person.” Selene slumped into hers, exhausted.

“You make a good empress.”

Selene wanted to curl up under a rock. Every time she heard that title, the hurt in her chest expanded.

“I have something for you.”

“Oh?”

Selene pointed to the box and then pushed it towards her friend. Painfully plain, it wasn’t particularly big. Iliana opened it. Her blue eyes lit up as she touched a small glittering rock no bigger than a plum with her good hand. Wonder was replaced with the buzz of possibilities whirring through her head.

“This is—I could send enchantments through it instead of my bare hand.”

“Exactly! NowthatI had to poison a few mages over. It can handle as many enchantments as you can pour into it. Might I suggest a gauntlet with claws? I hear ‘barbarian queen’ is the newest style in the capital.”

“Selene…” Iliana’s eyes misted with tears.

“What good is being on top if you can’t give your friend the best of everything?"

Chapter 40

Anill-usedleathersatchelsat on the bed with the few belongings Selene had seen fit to pack. Her clothes and shoes were plain but made to last. The angry red of the burns had faded to a pale pink and would disappear entirely in a few months. Iliana had fashioned the little gold ear cap she now wore. She’d left her written goodbyes in the praetor’s care. Belisarius was expected to wake soon, and she didn’t have the courage to see him one last time. She’d done all Nicephorus had asked of her, leaving the empire in good hands and giving Iliana everything she could. She only hoped her friend would forgive her for running away.

“What in the hells is this?!” Iliana screeched as she burst into Selene’s rooms. She held a crumpled letter in her hand, blue eyes blazing.

Gods-damned praetor wasn’t supposed to have delivered that until after she’d left. Useless cretin.

“I’m not staying.”

“You were going to leave without telling me? After everything?!”

“Nothing has changed. The emperor is going to want heirs, and there’s fuck-all chance of me being able to do that. I can’t stay. I’ll just want to murder anyone he chooses as concubine. Butyoucan be happy here.”

Iliana looked stunned.

“Then I’m coming with you. I’m not leaving you alone.”

Tears stung Selene’s eyes. It only hardened her resolve. She touched her friend’s face.

“You’d really choose me?”

Iliana nodded.

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