Page 34 of Conspirators' Kingdom

“I hope so too, Illustra Spark.”

Taisiya nodded.

“Excuse me, Magistra.” Taisiya curtsied and turned on her heel. As she was walking away, she turned her head to the side. “And you may call me Taisiya.”

“Thank you, Taisiya.” Alexandra smiled.

When they were far enough away, Vasilisa chuckled low.

“You are your father’s daughter.”

Taisiya sighed. Theo had certainly chosen a challenging lover. It wouldn’t be easy to ensure their happiness or safety. It would be even harder to free her from the palace.

“Theo adores her. Whether I like it or not, she was family the moment I discovered that.”

“Will you help her?” Vasilisa asked.

“I’ll have to. She’s a magistra in name only right now. Until she’s ruling in her own right, she’s still a pet of the empress, just with a slightly longer leash. I won’t allow Theo’s future wife to be a prisoner inside this palace.”

Vasilisa smiled and steered her to a small parlour decorated in blues and devoid of other occupants. Taisiya sat down on a stiff chair.

“I’ll find some food and drink for you,” Vasilisa said before ducking into the nearest shadow.

Faster than Taisiya would have thought possible, Vasilisa returned through the door with a rolling tray, full to bursting with teas and delicate foods.

“Where-”

“Took it from a servant. Chloe and the others are too busy gossiping to notice its absence.”

Taisiya took the proffered cup of mint tea and sipped. Vasilisa pushed a small, hot bun towards her.

“I don’t think I can.”

“Eat. Before you turn into one of those silly ladies who faint from self-inflicted stupidity.”

Taisiya took a bite, her stomach protesting.

“You might not have heard it, but the prince wanted to reward you with a favour,” Vasilisa said.

For killing a man in cold blood. The bun turned to ash on her tongue. She swallowed past a hard lump in her throat. No, not for murder. For protecting Theo’s heart. For protecting his happiness. Protecting her family. Taisiya let out a slow breath. As long as it was for family, there was no task too dark, too cruel or too unreasonable. She would swim in shark-infested filth for them if that’s what it took.

“I’ll have to think of something suitable.”

Maybe an end to this sword hanging above her head? Zoe’s anger might be a problem, but only if she outwardly stopped introducing bride candidates to the prince. It would mean leaving herself dangerously short of potential candidates, but if he married Chloe without too much delay, she might be able to placate Zoe while still garnering the support of Emerald.

“Shall I bring him here?” Vasilisa asked.

“Yes.”

“Then finish your tea and eat your bun.”

Vasilisa’s hard smile left no room for refusal. Taisiya did as she was told. She was, after all, fortunate to have such a good friend.

“Is Domina Emerald to your liking, Prince Mereruka?” Taisiya asked.

Mereruka considered her for a long moment. Though she had her mask in place, she was ragged around the edges, blood drained from her face and her eyes rimmed by dark circles. Had Djaty’s death shocked her?

“She fulfils my requirements.”

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