Page 78 of Poisoned Empire

Selene recognised the man holding the precarious pile of books and scrolls once he set them down on the table before her.

“Would you like me to place these books on your shelves, Princess Consort?”

It would take some getting used to, hearing that title without the instinctual suspicion that it was spoken with derision. Now that she was a royal fiancée, she’d received more than an upgrade in her living quarters. Bloody nobles were circling like a pack of hungry dogs, flattering her or insulting her, usually both at the same time. No wonder Darius killed one every so often.

“You may leave them here, Azar.”

The librarian smiled and bowed.

“I’m honoured Your Radiance remembers my name.”

“How could I not remember the name of the only librarian who doesn’t cower in fear before me? Why is that, I wonder?” she asked as she glanced at him. There was nothing especially notable about him—average build, average looks, better than average sense, light brown skin, salt and pepper hair and robes too big for him. He wore a small earring in one ear; a charm, perhaps?

“I believe Your Radiance only punishes those who are rude. Am I wrong?”

Selene wondered how it was that a man his age could appear so innocent. Was she excessively jaded? Surely not. If the part of affable academic was all an act, he deserved extra gold for the performance. Either way, he was the only librarian who dared come within spitting distance.

“No.”

The librarian smiled amiably.

“Is that a charm in your ear, Azar?”

Startled, his hand protectively cupped his ear. He bowed deeply.

“I apologize, Princess Consort. Please do not ask me to remove it. I was disfigured as a boy, and it is the only thing which has allowed me a normal life since.”

“No need to worry. It was simple curiosity, no more. What have you brought with you today?” Selene asked.

His family must have spent a fortune on a charm so well-crafted, or been owed an enormous favour by a powerful light mage. He seemed relieved that she’d not pushed any further, and smiled. She could play nice when other people were nice.

“You’ll find some of the most highly regarded books on leadership, statecraft and warfare among those I’ve selected. Given your new role, I’ve also taken the liberty of adding the few tomes available on the lands beyond Lethe. The thin volume on the top here is also quite rare, and has one of the few surviving tales of our ancestors’ transit to this world from the old. While it isn’t necessary reading, I’ve always thought it a shame that there aren’t more mages who have had a chance to read it.”

“That is very thorough of you. Why aren’t you the head librarian?”

“I’m not worthy of the praise, Princess Consort. I’m just an extra hand hired to help out during the bride show.”

“Have you enjoyed your time in the palace?”

“It has been trying, but also quite educational. I had hoped to remain in Nadioch from here on.”

“Then I’ll make sure you’re kept on after the bride show, Azar.”

“I am most grateful for your generosity, Your Radiance.”

“What kind of princess would I be if I didn’t reward valuable service?”

Selene allowed the librarian to leave. According to her books, in addition to leaving her detractors trembling in fear, she was going to need to build up a group of people entirely and exclusively loyal to her. Today it was the librarian; tomorrow, who knew?

Chapter 27

Whydidthedamnhallways have to go on endlessly? Why were there all these useless rooms between her and the sweet relief of her own bed? Iliana trudged to her new room, given to her now that she was officially Marduk’s fiancée. Unlike Selene’s rooms, Iliana’s was decorated exclusively to her own tastes, without care for how the servants might think of her. It was simple, spacious, comfortable, and littered with design sketches for her projects instead of overwhelming tapestries and overstuffed vases. Except it was also too damn far. Drained, aching, she’d only just finished the unending task of enchanting the arrows. If she never saw another, it would be too soon. Now, all she wanted was to collapse into her feather bed and silk sheets. Instead, she found herself blindly walking into a rather impressive chest.

“Iliana? Are you alright?”

As she looked up, she realised she knew that impressive chest very well. Concern radiated from Marduk’s dark green eyes.

“I need sleep. Everything hurts,” she muttered.

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