Page 8 of Esperance

“You can’t leave.”

Rix stiffened at Carver’s words. “She’s been attacked. She’s clearly distressed.”

Cregon Vincetti frowned, and in that chiseled expression she could see an echo of Carver. “He’s right,” the high general said. “The emperor was attacked. No one can leave the room.”

“Is the emperor still alive?” a new voice asked.

Amryn twisted, and Rix released her so they could all face one of the newly married couples. She recognized Tam at once, and she was relieved to see the woman standing, though dark bruising had already started on her cheek. Her husband was the one who had spoken.

Amryn hadn’t heard his name yet, though she guessed from his lightly toned complexion that he was from one of the central kingdoms. He looked to be Carver’s age, and he was nearly as tall, but he had a thinner build. His dark brown hair matched his eyes, and he had a prominent nose and high cheekbones. While he was handsome, Amryn immediately disliked the feel of him. It was hard to know exactly why, especially with such high emotion in the crowded room, but just the fact that he had a constricting hand clasped around Tam’s upper arm made Amryn stiffen.

“The emperor will be fine,” Carver’s father said. “The bolt hit near his shoulder, and his guards attended him immediately.”

The man’s shoulders fell a little as he released a sigh. “That’s fortunate.”

A sudden wave of loathing made Amryn shiver, and she glanced toward Carver. His gaze was fastened on Tam’s husband, and the remoteness on his face was as telling as any glare.

Carver hated this man.

Cregon Vincetti glanced at his son. “We should assist Argent.”

Amryn looked over her shoulder and saw that the empirical prince was issuing rapid orders to guards, as well as a physician who had been rushed in for the emperor.

Carver’s deep voice brought her attention back around as he addressed Rix. “Will you stay with her?”

Surprise filtered through her, and that was all her own.

Rix’s eyes narrowed. “Of course.”

Carver nodded once, then strode toward Prince Argent.

The high general lingered, his gaze on Tam’s husband. “Rivard, why don’t you make sure all of the couples are all right?”

It was phrased as an invitation, but the air of order couldn’t be missed. Rivard dipped his pointed chin and released Tam.

None of them missed how she rubbed at her arm as he walked away.

Anger flared from Rix.

Cregon’s concern was just as potent. He made an effort to moderate his voice as he addressed Tam. “My dear, are you all right?”

Her eyes shined with moisture, but she nodded. “Just a little bruised.” Her brown eyes darted to Amryn. “You saved my life. Thank you.”

Before Amryn could respond, there was a piercing shout. “Kian!”

They all turned, and Amryn saw several guards had forced three men to kneel on the dais.

One of the brides darted forward. Fear, confusion, and grief hit Amryn as the bride was held back by a guard.

“Kian!” she gasped.

The man who knelt in the middle lifted his head. His features were too similar to the bride’s for coincidence. Based on their ages, Amryn guessed they were siblings. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, and his eyes were sharp. “Stay back, Cora.”

The young woman’s entire body shook as the guard held her back. “What have you done?” she cried.

Kian didn’t answer, and his expression didn’t alter. Not even when Prince Argent stepped forward and the entire room quieted.

The prince’s face was a stoic mask, but his eyes betrayed his rage. “You attempted to kill the emperor. You failed.”