Page 56 of Poisoned Empire

“You’re enjoying this, damn you,” Selene grumbled, clutching her head. “Don’t look so smug. Even though I can’t remember a damned thing, I promise to be shameless about my conduct as soon as this headache fades.”

“Your Royal Highness, allow me to escort her to her rooms so that she might spend the day in quiet reflection. There is nothing of import scheduled that requires her presence. Perhaps you should take this time to look over some of the documents my agents have collected.” The praetor’s glare at her was censorious.

As soon as Belisarius turned to leave, Selene stuck her tongue out at the praetor.

“Perhaps you will allow me to escort you to your rooms?” Marduk asked of Iliana.

“I will,” Iliana replied.

It was just the praetor left. Lucky her.

“So, what did you want to say that you couldn’t in front of your master?”

“If you’re going to act like a complete fool, do it out of sight of others. I’m deducting one tenth of your reward for your behaviour. If you want it back, then don’t cause any more trouble.”

“That threat would be a lot more credible if I didn’t have our agreement down in writing, Praetor,” Selene replied, full of vinegar.

“You are nothing more than the illegitimate trash your father thought to cast on our doorsteps. The punishment for impersonating nobility is ten years imprisonment. It was your good fortune the prince could use you for the betterment of the empire. Don’t think you’re good enough to be breathing the same air as the rest of us.”

“You done? Don’t need to spit at me, do you?” Selene sneered. She was used to dealing with people who only saw her as a thing that didn’t meet their expectations.

His green eyes turned sharp and cold as he grabbed her arm. His grip was stronger than she thought it would’ve been. Perhaps he wasn’t just a paper-pushing weakling, mage gift aside.

“I’ve already heard whispers of your conduct with the prince. Don’t go getting ideas. There is no place for such an unsuitable empress, least of all one as barren as a female poison mage.”

Yet another expectation she couldn’t meet, but that one hurt, leaving a raw ache in her chest. She refused to show it. She raised her chin.

“It sounds like someone has been a good little researcher. Well, you’re not the only one who got to know who they’re dealing with,berserker. Best hope I don’t slip you a butter knife at the next tea party. You wouldn’t want to lose control, would you?”

He released her as if burned.

“That’s immaterial to this discussion.”

“Which do you think is more pathetic, Praetor? A barren poison mage, or a berserker too weak-willed to pick up a blade? At least I don’t use the prince’s gift as a security blanket against my own nature.”

Nicephorus’ glare was glacial, his white-knuckle fists shaking with rage. Job done. It was the least she could do after his vile comments.

“I’ll see myself to my room.”

As Marduk ushered her into her family’s suite, the deadened, silent stares of her sisters drew him up short. It was unnerving, to be sure, but Iliana had learned to suppress the shiver it sent down her spine. She’d learned to suppress a great deal recently.

“Perhaps this is not the most restful place, Domina. Could I interest you in a peaceful getaway for the day?”

“Oh! Are you certain? I wouldn’t want to impose if you have a busy schedule.”

There was no chance a day in his presence would be close to soothing if her fluttering heart was any indication.

“It would be my honour.” He kissed her hand. “Change into something comfortable and leave the rest to me.”

Giddy and flushed, Iliana nodded, waiting for him to turn the corner before she rushed to do as he suggested. It was a relief to be helped out of her evening gown and heavy jewellery. She washed up in a basin and had the serving girl pin her hair in a loose style to give her aching scalp a rest from the previous night’s updo. As she waited in the parlour, her sisters quietly turning the pages of a book or embroidering simple patterns, Diodora touched her elbow. Iliana swallowed her squeak of surprise.

“A feral is an inappropriate suitor for a domina, even a menial one,” Diodora intoned.

Iliana narrowed her eyes.

“How dare you call him that! He is a kind and honourable man and he is the strategos. I don’t care what’s been done to you, you have no right to look down on him like that.”

Diodora tilted her head, her placid expression never changing.

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