Page 153 of Burn Her They Said
I blink back tears before dipping into another curtsy, displaying gratitude for her words in the only way His Majesty will allow. An effervescence fills my chest next, brimming with a deep, amber-tinged pink emotion. The signature of Varic’s love expels all else, taking up vacancy in my abdomen, and I fail to stifle the tears as my throat tightens with the wish to say something. To reach out and thank him for recognizing my need in this moment, without either of us having to say a word.
But I do something reckless, and perhaps even sinister. I allow my love for him to traverse the short distance between our bodies as we stand before the Annovian Court. His throat bobs noticeably in my periphery, and he swallows loudly enough to be heard. I am struck with the urge to try to find some way to make contact—to reassure him I sent it. To ensure he knows I feel this way about him. That all of it is real and torturous and exhausting and worth it all the same.
The Queen’s eyes narrow at the Emperor. “I am curious why you believe Annovia may be involved in the failed assassination attempts on Imperial Grand Witch Tasch.”
Shame tugs on my stomach from taunting Varic by sending him an emotion I have yet to voice or share with him in this way. It must be confusing, and the guilt of being selfish in doing so gnaws at me.
“The power of deduction, Your Royal Highness,” Emperor Aldritch says. “You see, our Imperial Army keeps constant watch on our border, making it impossible for anyone to have infiltrated our Empire, whereas your border has no need for the same since we are not at war.”
The Queen stares down at her hand, paying closer attention to her nails than any words the Emperor extolls.
“Seeing as it is impossible for any of the other bordering lands to have infiltrated, we seek verification of Annovia’s innocence or involvement. Once you refused our invitation, it was clear we would need to travel here to obtain our answer.”
“And you deigned to bring your pet.” The Queen stares at Raki with contempt, yet Emperor Aldritch turns to look at me when the Queen scoffs, “Your hybrid, Emperor.”
“Raki will pose no risk unless someone should try to harm me, or my—Imperial Grand Witch Tasch.”
“Fine. I presume you seek my permission to conduct an investigation, which will allow you to speak with our government and military councils.” His Majesty nods as she continues, “And in addition, you will require accommodation for your traveling party.”
“We will pay handsomely for your hospitality,” he promises.
Metal hinges screech as two Imperial servants strain while carrying a thick metal chest, with its lid wide open. Gold coins drop and scatter across the ground as the servants struggle to carry it—making a show of the gesture as any of our telekinetic sorcerers could easily set it before her.
A collective gasp sounds from every member of the Annovian court as the chest rises in the air, forcing the servants to release the handle. The Queen sits up straight with her hand held out before her while she whispers some incantation too low for me to hear. The heavy object moves through the air with ease, something many telekinetics could not do so smoothly.
“There is no need to compensate us for your stay here, Emperor,” the Queen says, magically setting the chest at her feet.
Her expression remains neutral as she peers down at the unnecessary display of wealth, then waves her hand to slam the lid closed with her magic. We all stare down at the trunk, awestruck as the thick metal lock clamps itself shut.
“We will accept your contribution to the commonwealth of Annovia.” A small smirk rises on one side of her face as she gestures for her guards to remove it from the throne room.
A young blonde witch wearing a form-fitting blue gown glides before us, then bows to the Emperor, Wyrth, and then to me. My muscles strain against the urge to mirror her gesture. Though I cannot chance enraging the Emperor by showing respect to someone he would claim I outrank.
“Your Imperial Highness, my name is Lanska, and I will be showing you to your rooms.” She waves a pale white hand toward the hallway leading in the opposite direction from where we came.
Her smile is kind as she folds the hand that indicated our path over her smaller one held before her lap. Warmth travels through my limbs at the fact this land does not require her to hide her limb difference. They do make her work in the shadows, but out in the open, where the act of covering her smaller hand is merely in following decorum. Tingles light over my skin as I can’t help but wonder what else might be different in the way they treat their citizens.
“You did well, my little witch,” Emperor Aldritch grits beneath a whisper. “Now make sure you maintain the Queen’s attention.” I let out a breath, assuming that was the end of the message, then my heart lurches as he leans in to add, “For the sake of the orphans.”
My pulse thrums heavier until it is all I can hear as Varic draws closer. His eyes cast over me, and I want to discourage him while my own scan our surroundings, seeking a darkened corner to pull him into so we can speak in private. But that’s just another fantasy I must keep from entertaining.
We follow Lanska’s white-blonde hair into the hall where His Majesty storms ahead with his Imperial Guards forming around him, leaving me with the sensation of Wyrth staring at my back.
Chapter Fifty-Three
Quarters
Dizziness and double-vision creep in the longer I siphon His Majesty’s ire, needing to keep him from making a scene after Queen Celine’s reception has rattled his nerves. I blink rapidly as I send him more calming than usual and try to remain upright now that Wyrth’s telekinetic Guard closes the door to his suite behind them.
“Here we are, Your Imperial Highness.” Lanska pries a large silver key out from her pocket to unlock the Emperor’s guest suite.
“Stay,” Emperor Aldritch intones without needing to indicate who he is commanding, since my Guards and I are the only ones who have yet to be shown to our room. Lanska glides in and gives His Majesty a tour, explaining the different features in every corner while his own Guards stand around him.
The Emperor turns in a slow, calculating circle while I push a sense of satisfaction and delight inside his chest, then let out a breath once his demeanor shifts. He nods, and a dozen Imperial servants march past us and through the open doorway, tandem-carrying Imperial black trunks with gold piping as well as a single wooden chest emblazoned with our gold sigil.
“If that is all, I will take my leave,” Lanska says to a silent Emperor. “A chamberlain will be sent to your room, should you have need for refreshments.” Lanska curtsies shallowly before turning to leave the guest suite.
Ice trickles down my spine when Emperor Aldritch crooks his finger to draw me inside the suite with more effort on my part than I hope is obvious.
