Page 88 of A Reign of Embers

However Lorenzo contrived to get her to the connecting mirror in the Rionian governor’s residence and willing to negotiate with me, I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity. After I’d shooed Axius and my guards out of the room, I confirmed my commitment to seeing her regain proper rule over her country, and I think… she might have believed me.

In any case, she tentatively agreed to an alliance. She’ll prepare the local army to cross the strait and join my forces by the palace, and she’ll know it’s time to send them when I call to the governor to let them pass.

I don’t want to play that hand too quickly—as soon as they move, Valerisse will know I’m making deeper alliancesand crack down on the conquered countries closer to her that much harder.

In answer to my question, Axius nods. “I have a token I carry on me that’s influenced by the mirror’s magic. If I have to leave the palace without you, I’ll pass it to one of your other advisors who’ll remain here. Although I don’t foresee abandoning you in the middle of this crisis.”

“If you did, it wouldn’t be abandoning—it’d be carrying out some plan to my benefit.” I study the mirror. “So, each of the governors of the conquered countries has a mirror connected to this one. Are there any other portals of communication I haven’t been informed of yet?”

Axius’s mouth twists. “I apologize. None of our previous plans required your communication with the governors. I have the authority to use the mirror to convey military orders you’ve agreed to, and it didn’t occur to me you’d need to know the means.”

“It’s typically reserved only for members of the imperial family,” Marc puts in, his tone slightly wry. “Our high commander doesn’t quite consider you of that line, even though he’s farther from it himself.”

Axius looks chagrinned, shooting his former emperor a wary look. I think he’s still processing the idea that my guard with the mottled face was once his ruler.

“And fair enough, since I’mnotof that line.” I smile reassuringly at Axius. “And it’s true that I haven’t had any need to speak to the governors before now.”

“My oversight is corrected.” His brow furrows. “Other than the governors… I believe there have been smaller mirrors placed in key forts during long campaigns in the past, but that hasn’t been necessary for some time.”

Marc shakes his head. “They’re probably collecting dust in the basement of the most recent forts now. There’ll be records somewhere to determine where they are.”

They won’t be of much use to me if they’re that far out of my hands anyway.

I gaze at the mirror a little longer, fighting the longing to reach out to the governor of Accasy. What message could I ask him to pass on to my parents, even if he wouldn’t think it highly odd for me to use him as a messenger?

Accasy has less of an army than any other conquered country, with mountain passes to tramp through to get anywhere near Valerisse’s forces. Would Father even agree to send our people if I asked? He was hesitant to get involved in imperial politics even when they were playing out right on his doorstep during my coronation visit.

I’ll decide what other uses I can make of these blessed devices later.

I smooth my hands over the skirt of my gown and turn away from the mirror. “All right. We’re honoring Prospira as she deserves, and I hope that Inganne and Estera continue to look favorably on me. May they shine on our efforts with all the abundance, creativity, and wisdom they can offer.”

There are still four more godlen I haven’t determined a way to appeal to. The knowledge itches at my skin.

I need to move faster. Sabrelle’s omens keep haunting the city, and Valerisse has gathered all the might she can.

Our time is running out.

Axius clears his throat. “There’s another matter—the estates of the two noble households who defaced the palace. We’ve turned up no sign of either of them, but their conduct makes their property forfeit. Vicerine Saldette’s should pass to her nephew, who’s remained in court and shown no sign of sedition, but Marchion Syrus has no line of succession.”

Because his one heir died while competing against me for my husband’s hand. I swallow thickly. “What would typically happen in such a case?”

Marc answers for the high commander. “Either theimperial family would take over the estate and hire staff to oversee its business and taxation, or you’d grant it to another party, perhaps a worthy member of court with little inheritance of their own.”

Little inheritance. A quiver of exhilaration passes through my chest. I might have the perfect use for that.

“I’ll think on it,” I say.

Axius tips his head and then motions to the door. “Then we’re finished here. I believe many of the nobles were expecting you to join them for a combat training session shortly?”

Yes. The physical exertion might help clear my head—and it’s always good for my court to see how determined I am to fight in every necessary way.

I swipe my hands together. “Let me change into my training gown.” My gaze flicks over the lantern with its magical glow. “And let’s get some fresh air. It’s warm enough to train on the lawn, isn’t it?”

“I’ll have everyone gather there.”

By the peal of the next bell, I’m standing on the lawn where I once played mindless games under Emperor Tarquin’s watchful eyes, now armed with a practice sword and surrounded by other noble ladies similarly equipped, as well as our military instructors. It is heartening to see I now have a dozen noblewomen interested in improving their fighting ability alongside me, as well as the few noblemen refreshing their skills.

The glances and murmurs cast our way from the rest of the court cavorting in the nearby gardens don’t feel entirely relaxed. Everyone is watching their empress even more anxiously than before two of their number smeared defiance across the audience room.

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