Page 19 of A Reign of Embers

“Somewhat harder when you’re avoiding showing youhave those gifts at all,” Aurelia points out. “But let’s think on that all the same.”

As she drains the last of the water, Marc ambles over. This once, he’s looking at me rather than her.

I’m not sure I like that better.

His cool gray gaze rakes over me, just as irritating as it was when a crown was sitting over it. At least he has enough sense to keep his own voice hushed. “Aurelia steadied a fair bit toward the end there. I don’t suppose you had anything to do with that.”

I gaze back at him blankly, but I can’t stop an edge from creeping into my words. “Isn’t that the point of practice—for her to get better as she goes?”

One of his eyebrows lifts at a skeptical angle. “The one time I had the chance to observe your full gift in action, I was distracted by other matters, like ensuring our empress didn’tdie. How exactly did Kosmel really bless you?”

I smile at him tightly. “I don’t see how that’s any of your concern. Hardly my fault if you couldn’t be bothered to take note when you had the chance.”

Marc’s eyes narrowed. “As our foster brother from Rione noted the other day, we’ll all have a much easier time supporting Aurelia if we know what resources we’re working with. He volunteered to demonstrate his gift.”

“Well, as fond as I am of Lorenzo, he and I don’t always see eye-to-eye. And I’m not all that interested in your version of ‘support.’”

Aurelia exhales with a note of exasperation. “Men?—”

“It was a simple question,” Marc breaks in, his voice hardening. “If your ego is that much bigger than your consideration for?—”

A thumping of footsteps breaks through his growled retort and brings all our eyes jerking toward the doorway.

Neven is just skidding to a halt in the hallway beyond,his face flushed. He gathers himself with a sharp breath and then appears to hesitate. His gaze darts uneasily over the gathered soldiers, many of whom have also glanced his way.

His attention settles on Aurelia with a twitch of his hand at his side that looks almost frantic.Come.

My stomach knots. What new catastrophe is about to crash down on us?

Aurelia knows better than to let any panic show herself. She glides over to the doorway as if she’s in full imperial regalia instead of a relatively plain training dress and aims a gentle smile at my younger foster brother. “Prince Neven, have you decided to train today after all?”

The simple question seems to put him more at ease. He bobs his head respectfully. “Not right now. There was something I wanted to mention to you. If this isn’t a good time…”

His beseeching eyes imply it had better be good.

Aurelia motions him back into the hall. “I was just finishing up. My late husband’s foster brothers should have my ear as they need it. What’s on your mind?”

As her guards trail after her, I decide no one will think it odd if I tag along to see what’s bothering my fellow prince. I follow at Marc’s heels, resisting the urge to wallop him in the back of the head. Not that he wouldn’t deserve it.

As usual, Aurelia’s guards give her space for her conversation while keeping a close eye on her surroundings. When I reach them, Neven is already partway through his hushed but urgent explanation.

“It’s just a feeling… Like she’s preparing me—and maybe any other dedicats she has around—for something important. Telling us to be ready to see… some kind of unveiling or reveal? I’m sorry I can’t be more definite.”

Aurelia pats his arm, a brief reassurance that’s all she canoffer as empress to subject. “It’s all right. The godlen are rarely explicit in their messages. I appreciate the warning.”

She steps back to the doorway. “Captain Evando, I may have need of additional guards this afternoon. If there’s anyone you feel could leave off their training for more immediate matters, please have them join me.”

The captain knows his place—he doesn’t question her request. With a few efficient gestures, he points out several soldiers and calls them over. “Get on your full uniforms and stay with Her Imperial Highness until she dismisses you.”

In a matter of minutes, Aurelia has set off with nearly three times her previous entourage of armed men and women. I watch her go, grappling with the tension coiling ever tighter in my gut, wishing I had an excuse to stay with her too.

“Signs from Sabrelle?” I ask Neven.

He nods. “I think so. I just didn’t like the feel of it.”

“Better safe than sorry.”

The words have barely left my mouth when a trumpet blare reverberates through the palace walls. My spine goes rigid.

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