The Emperor's Betrothed Consort

Nineteen

T he room was entirely silent; even General Kacha seemed unsure about his footing. He shifted, just slightly, glancing at General Saxu before returning his gaze to us.

“I would never want imperial soldiers to go up against your consort, Emperor Tallu. He has just declared himself one with your house, has he not?” General Kacha tried for a pleasant smile, but I could see in the white of his teeth that he was hungry for northern blood. If he wasn’t going to get the war he so badly wanted, I was the next best thing.

“I think my consort will demonstrate the weapon’s use well.” Tallu turned his eyes to me, and I couldn’t read anything in his gaze but benign disinterest. “Unless you would prefer not to?”