Page 44

As usual, Captain Evando leads the exercises, with his chosen soldiers walking among us to advise on our positioning and provide sparring partners as need be.

The movements of my body and the effort rippling through my muscles grounds me.

When I pause to get a drink from the table the palace staff have set up, my head does feel clearer.

Bianca laughs with Baronissa Hivette and lowers her sword. A memory tickles at the back of my mind—something she said not long ago brought me to the verge of inspiration.

I move to beckon her over, but before I can raise my hand, her gaze lands on me—and darts away, as if she’d rather not meet my eyes.

I lower my arm with a matching sinking sensation in my gut. I won’t force her company if she wants her distance right now. Perhaps between the gossip of the court about her husband and my precarious status, she’s starting to question whether her closeness with me actually works in her favor.

I’d hate for the friendship she’s offered me to end up harming her.

Thankfully, there’s another party I can nudge for some kind of answer.

Kassun has joined the training before it’s time for him to return to guard duty. I carry my glass of the watery juice usually presented on hot summer days over to where he’s standing farther down the refreshment table.

The soldier snaps to stricter attention at my approach. “Is everything all right, Your Imperial Highness?”

“We have no additional troubles to face, as far as I know. But I was thinking—you’re dedicated to Creaden, aren’t you?”

I’ve become rather thoroughly informed of the dedications and gifts of most of the palace military staff. The godlen of leadership is the most popular choice after Sabrelle.

Kassun nods. “I’m sorry I didn’t earn a gift so I could help you with that too.”

I wave off his apology. “It isn’t gifts I’m looking for right now but insight. Creaden deserves to be honored just as much as the other godlen I’ve appealed to. But…”

What Bianca said the other day, about Creaden appreciating what I’ve built—her words still niggle at me, not feeling quite right.

Kassun waits patiently until I go on.

I look around at the sprawling lawns and gardens, the vast palace grounds that could hold the imperial buildings ten times over.

All of which existed before I arrived. “I haven’t constructed anything for him to approve of so far.

Whatever contributions I’ve made to the empire, they haven’t been all that concrete. ”

And in some cases, as with the canals, I’m un -making what other emperors have built.

What if it’s impossible to please even most of the godlen at the same time?

Kassun’s warm smile soothes my nerves. “I wouldn’t worry yourself about that, Your Imperial Highness. Creaden appreciates all kinds of construction and leadership. It isn’t as if most of us dedicated to him can go around erecting monuments or whatever.”

“No, I suppose not.” I cock my head. “So what do you do to feel as though you’re meeting his expectations?”

“I, well…” The guard appears to fumble a bit at my interest, but recovers quickly enough.

“I figure as long as we’re helping see the world run well and on solid foundations, we’re supporting his goals.

I mean, he’s not just the patron god of emperors and empresses but all kinds of other rulers, right?

Mayors and captains and the lot of them. ”

I have to smile back at him. “I suppose you’re hoping for tribune someday. Or perhaps even high commander?”

Kassun ducks his head with a trace of shyness. “If I can earn it.”

“I have no doubt you will.”

His words have stretched out the uncertainty that was itching at me, spreading my misgivings into a clearer picture.

The imperial family claimed Creaden as one of the empire’s primary godlen alongside Sabrelle… but he’s just as much the godlen of the royals of the conquered countries, isn’t he? Does he really approve of seeing those leaders’ authority squashed so the empire can have more?

Past emperors have gone as far as to erect their own sorts of monuments right on the grounds of the various royal palaces, traveling residences so they can pretend they’re still in Dariu no matter where they go. If we ever bothered to invite the kings and queens to enjoy our hospitality here?—

The spark flickers to life so abruptly I have to catch my breath.

The imperial grounds do have room to accommodate several more palaces…

Why shouldn’t they? There’s one very concrete way I could pledge my commitment to increased collaboration between Dariu and the other countries.

To have the flow of culture and ideas move both ways instead of it always being Dariu imposing on the others.

To meet with their rulers as equals rather than underlings.

And perhaps I should be thinking beyond physical travel. The royal families are more important in their kingdoms than the governors are—or at least they should be. Why couldn’t they?—

Across the lawn, Bianca lifts her arm to wave to another noblewoman—and her stance wobbles. A deep flush washes over her face, ruddying her smooth brown skin.

I set down my glass and start toward her. “Bianca? ”

She stumbles with a sway of her legs. I leap forward, too late to catch her before her body hits the ground.

Her head lolls against the grass. When I touch her cheek, I flinch.

She’s burning up. And a strange mottling of tiny red blotches is forming across her face.