Page 37 of A Reign of Embers

I suggested that everyone wear orange today in honor of Inganne and had shawls and tunics handed out for those who had no appropriate clothing in their wardrobes. But even garbed in the same hues, there’s no mistaking the division between palace and city folk.

I want to break down that barrier as much as possible by the end of this festival. Remind all of them that the people they rarely mingle witharestill people, with many of the same hopes and fears.

Just as all the people outside Dariu are.

If I can stir more understanding between the Darium nobles and the ordinary civilians of their home country, will they find more compassion for the plight of those in the conquered kingdoms as well?

Of course, the day is mainly about honoring Inganne’s love of children and play. I gesture to the court musicians next, and they strike up the lively tune Lorenzo taught them.

“Move with the music!” I call out to the players. “With every laugh and dance we can stir in our city’s children, we pay homage to Inganne.”

The nobles have at least loosened up enough after the playful games they’ve already participated in to swing the fabric with the rhythm of the music. The noble and commoner children spring forward with no shortage of laughter as they spin and tumble between the shifting silk panels.

Theyaccepted each other quickly enough. Someevaluating glances were exchanged to start, but as soon as they were called to a challenge together, they threw themselves into the simple joy of it.

As they bound on through the sort-of maze, Cleric Pierus comes over to join me. He takes in the revelry with a pleased sparkle in his eyes. “A festival of children. We might never have had one of those before, but the people appear to be taking well to it. Of course the regular Inganalia includes some activities for the benefit of the youth.”

“I hope our most whimsical godlen appreciates the gesture,” I say. “No matter what conflicts the empire faces, we can’t forget that our children are our future.”

The cleric nods. “I believe you’ve captured the spirit of that belief and our godlen well. Our deities do like to see reverence through action rather than mere words.”

Pierus helped me organize today’s events, but I haven’t touched on my larger purpose with him yet.

I pause before going on. “In the coming weeks, I’d like to show all our godlen how well my goals as regent align with theirs. Dariu should hold up every divine principle.”

The cleric rubs his mouth, his eyes gleaming even brighter. “I’m not sure any previous imperial ruler has approached worship in quite that way. But perhaps it’s what our empire needs after so much turmoil. Re-establishing ourselves amid all the divinities. Hmm.” His gaze slides in the direction of the palace. “I may need to venture beyond our own library to advise you fully.”

“I wouldn’t want to take you from your other necessary duties.”

He shakes his head with a smile. “Not at all. There couldn’t be a higher duty than ensuring the empire has the favor of the gods. It’s an honor to be tasked with such a quest. Thank you, Your Imperial Highness.”

He hurries off as if to get started on his additionalreading right away. Buoyed by his enthusiasm, I step down from the platform and drift along the edges of the fabric funnel game.

My guards stick closer to me than usual, their gazes twitching over the mass of people all around us. So far no one’s had anything but grins and cheers for their empress.

A day of celebration will do that. When was the last time any of these people felt they could really let loose in the presence of their ruler?

I’m not just encouraging them to collaborate with each other but to see how they can relax in my presence as well. How different an atmosphere it is when the leader of the country wants to share in their joy rather than hoarding it for himself.

Here and there where the parents and other adults who volunteered are clustered more tightly, I call away a figure or two and place them elsewhere along the path of silk. A couple of regular civilians find themselves amid a few baronissas. A viceroy and a baron end up among a group of commoners.

After an initial hesitation, they become absorbed back into their task. Voices holler encouragement to the children. Giggles and chuckles ring out alongside the music.

Coraya bobs her head against my shoulder, watching all the commotion avidly. When the activity shifts to painting the vast banner I’ll be displaying by the palace gate, I sit on a hastily procured cushion and help her pat her hand into the paint and then onto the fine linen.

Our joint host of guards hover over us, as if fencing me off from the other revelers who are adding their decorations to the banner all along its length.

I glance up at the soldiers, keeping my tone light. “I don’t need to be outright suffocated. Why don’t— Marc, you could make a few circuits of the square, see if you pick up onany signs of trouble that might head my way. Hilara, you too. I think six will be plenty to protect Coraya and me when we’re not even moving.”

Marc’s jaw tightens as if he’s offended that I’m sending him away, although I only picked him because he’s most likely to recognize a real threat to my security. He dips his head in acknowledgment all the same. “As you wish, Your Imperial Highness.”

He and Hilara stride off through the crowd in opposite directions.

Coraya burbles through placing another handprint and waves her feet when I add those too. One of her nursemaids hustles over, looking as if she’s restraining a disapproving tut and bringing a wet rag to wipe her off, but several of the other amateur artists nearby catch my gaze and grin.

It’s good for everyone to see that the empress doesn’t hold herself above her people, not when it comes to celebrating our children.

As the nursemaid fusses over her charge, I get to my feet. Bianca glides over to me, resplendent as always in a peach-orange gown. I’m not sure the vicerine ever met a color she couldn’t turn into a fashion statement.

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