Page 76 of A Reign of Embers

Somehow he’s become something other than a prick.

If even the imperial asshole can reform himself in my eyes, surely I can get my family to see me as more than a fuck-up?

When I speak again, the steady tone comes more naturally to me. “I apologize. The urgency of the situation is weighing on me, but of course you need to take your time considering her terms. It is a gamble—neither of us would deny that. But I feel it’d be an even greater gamble to stand back and see what becomes of us if the empire falls into Valerisse’s hands. You saw how she handled the rebels last year.”

Mother doesn’t let any discomfort show on her face, but her grip on the letter tightens just enough to crease the paper. “Obviously I’d prefer not to witness such a slaughter again. I’m simply unconvinced that sending our people to a different slaughter is the answer.”

“That’s understandable.” I hold her gaze, keeping mine as firm as I can. “I realize I sprang this idea on you out of nowhere, and it’s a decision that must be considered with all due gravity. But please do take time to consider it. I risked my life coming here because I believe this is the best thing forour kingdom. If you need more reassurance, think on what that would look like so I can tell Aurelia when I return. Is that fair?”

My mother considersmefor a longer moment than is really comfortable, but I manage not to squirm. “I suppose it is. Although I assume the empress would prefer an answer as soon as possible.”

“She wouldn’t want to rush you. It isn’t her way to force capitulation.”

“What will you do in the meantime?”

My lips curve wryly. “I have a few old texts I think the palace librarians will be overjoyed for you to return to them on my behalf. Otherwise… it’s best if no one other than you two catches wind that I’m actually here. I could hide in my old bedroom if one of you can contrive to get food to me there. Or I have a safe house I can go back to with arrangements to return in another day or two to discuss the matter further.”

Mother hums. “I think we can see that you remain in the palace unstarved. I may very well have further questions once I’ve given the matter more thought. Let me retire to my chambers to do just that now.”

Fernam and I stand as she does. I can’t tell whether she’s softened at all to the proposal. She sweeps out of the room without another word.

Was this whole journey pointless? Or worse, did we put ammunition in my family’s hands that they’ll use against Aurelia rather than taking her up on her offer?

Fernam’s smile slants. “Well, you’ve certainly caught her attention.” He casts a provoking glance my way. “I’d heard you’d made quite a ladies’ man of yourself in the Darium court, but it never occurred to me you’d have weaseled your way into the empress’s drawers.”

I don’t think he actually believes I’m fucking the empress—even though Iam—but the heckling comment brings my temper surging back. Whatever he thinks of me, he shouldn’t talk about Aurelia as if she’s a whore.

A sharp retort springs to my tongue. I’m sure my anger shows on my face. But at the same time, the sensation of the silk cloth binding Aurelia’s hand to mine whispers over my fingers.

I swallow my rancor.

What are older brothers for if not to heckle? He probably feels off-balance when I’ve arrived with such a major proposition, and he’s trying to reassert himself as the more important prince in the room.

I don’t have to let him.

I cock my head to one side and match his tone. “I hope you never let Mother hear that you think women who rule make their decisions based on who they’ve taken to their beds.”

Fernam blinks at me. Then he lets out a fuller laugh. “You know, maybe Her Imperial Highness has had a good influence onyou. I’ve never seen you like this before… but it’s good. It was about time you grew up.”

It’s easier to stifle my annoyance when I can’t say he’s entirely wrong on that point. And when he steps around the table to cuff me fondly on the shoulder.

“Thank you for coming all this way to give us this opportunity,” he says. “I know Mother is being cautious about it, but she has to see it could be the best way forward for all of us. And if Empress Aurelia truly offed Tarquin, we owe her a heap of thanks already. I’ll do what I can to sway Mother.”

It’s my turn to stare. Fernam doesn’t seem to notice my shock, simply giving me another pat and heading out with apromise to secret some extras from the kitchen to my room. I watch the door swing shut behind him, my throat closing up with an ache that’s more sweet than bitter.

I brought him around. If I could accomplish that… then Mother shouldn’t be impossible after all.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Aurelia

By the time the carriage draws to a halt near the Prospirian temple, impatience is gnawing at my gut. This was the closest site dedicated to Prospira I could find that fit the impressions my gift gave me, three hours’ trek from the capital.

The farmlands that surround the temple seem the perfect setting for a place of worship dedicated to growth and abundance. Even this early in the season, a few crops are poking up in tidy rows, while other fields have been recently plowed to churn the soil. A rich, loamy scent drifts in the breeze.

The temple sprawls rather than looms, its wooden walls still sprouting leaves. As I approach the entrance, a warbling sound reaches my ears from the river coursing past the back of the building. Thick strands of grass wave along its banks as if beckoning me over.

I head into the temple instead. The cleric hustles over to greet me before I’ve made it halfway down the entry hall.

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