4. FOUR
FOUR
Mina
Ashiver runs down my spine as the emperor grabs my hand. Every nerve ending is warning me against his touch, but I can’t seem to pull away. His carefree demeanor is still firmly in place, but there is a gleam in his dark eyes as he assesses my every word, my every move.
The moment he learned about the coup, his aura completely shifted. A quiet rage sits between us, burning hot enough to temper any blade, though I’ve yet to fit together how my family’s tragedy would ignite his anger.
He is nothing like I expected. In all the gossip I collected, most painted him as a violent, battle-hardened old man, yet the young viper in front of me can’t be much older than Astrella. Not a single wrinkle graces his lightly tanned face; his cool white complexion is marred only by a few scars.
His suit stretches across a broad chest, highlighting the corded muscles of a lethal predator. Ruggedly elegant, yet deadly.
A perfect weapon for my revenge.
A strand of brown hair falls over his brow as he glances down at me. I’m taller than most women, yet the top of my head only reaches his nose. If he thinks his height will be an advantage over me, I’ll happily prove him wrong.
My traitorous heart flutters as soft lips graze the back of my hand; his callused fingers elicit another shiver.
He continues my introduction, “Mina Nasrin Ardeshir, Crown Princess of Kalisham.”
The soldier’s jaw drops in momentary awe before snapping shut. “Forgive my forwardness.”
He pulls his sword free and points it an inch from my throat. I glance down at the blade tip and roll my eyes. “What proof do you offer that your words are true?” he asks.
I wait for the emperor to punish the soldier’s boldness, for overstepping and threatening his future queen. Instead, Emperor Gilchrist rocks back on his heels, the corner of his mouth lifting into a humorless smile. “I’m most interested in your answer.”
The arrogance of these two. I swallow my annoyance and take a deep breath. I have no reason to lie, but if the situation were reversed, I suppose I would be cautious as well.
“The royal family of Kalisham possesses a unique trait,” I explain, omitting that many of my people can use the same abilities. The royal line’s connection to the elements runs deeper, and we don’t need prayers to summon the elements like others.
I prefer the emperor not know the extent of my abilities. At least not yet.
Reaching my hand toward the window, I let a simple prayer to the wind fall from my lips. Words as old as the sands themselves dance in the air to summon a ravenous gale. It beats against the window until glass shatters across the floor and a gust circles the room.
Papers fly from the desk, scattering like jasmine petals thrown at a wedding.
The soldiers from the hall burst through the door, swords at the ready. They glance around, failing to locate the invisible enemy. I drop my arm, and the wind returns to its natural course with my whispered gratitude.
The emperor glares at the guards. “Did I call for you to enter?”
They exchange a frightened glance before the nearest swallows, his voice as tattered as the room. “We heard a commotion. We wanted to make sure you were safe.”
“You think I need you to protect me from a threat? Or Staefan?”
They study the ground, wise to be silent. But such fear is not true leadership. Before the emperor can further cut his men down to size, I step between them. Staefan lowers his sword, allowing me to pass.
“Well, I for one feel much safer knowing your soldiers have such quick reflexes. Palace guards tend to get lazy with the lack of threats.” A fact that cost me dearly.
I have no attachment to these men, but they do not deserve to be punished for carrying out their duties.
“It’s comforting to know the Empire of Veloria trains its soldiers so well.
” The man on the left risks a glance up, and his shoulders relax when he meets my smile.
“Would you mind waiting outside while we finish our discussion?”
They hesitate, waiting for the emperor’s orders.
“Dismissed.” At his command, they flee to their positions on the other side of the closed door.
“Well? Do you require more proof, or is your curiosity satisfied?” I ask, turning to face both men.
They share an unreadable glance. Staefan sheathes his sword but rests his hand on the hilt, ready to redraw at a moment’s notice. He’s not as tall as the emperor but just as battle-hardened, with thick muscles and a wicked scar running through his brow. Quite the intimidating pair.
“I believe you are who you say you are, but my curiosity is far from satisfied.” The emperor steps forward and the moonlight reveals his hungry eyes are dark brown, not black pits like the rumors said.
“For now, keep your powers a secret. There are those here who won’t hesitate to gut you for science, even if you are the queen. ”
“Fair enough. I prefer to limit the number of people who know as well. Does this mean you’ve accepted my proposal?”
I cross my arms, praying I appear relaxed and not desperate. I need him to say yes. I need his army.
“We still need to discuss the logistics of the arrangement, but yes, as I’m sure you surmised...” He continues sardonically, “You already speak to my soldiers as if they’re yours to command.”
I return his honey-dipped words, our irritation mutual. “I simply showed them kindness. I believe treating soldiers and attendants with respect garners more loyalty than acting like an ass.”
The emperor’s brows shoot up.
Staefan covers his laughter with a cough, fighting to regain his composure. “Well, at least she’ll have no trouble dealing with the council,” he says.
“So, it would seem,” Emperor Gilchrist replies tightly, as if trying not to laugh himself. The crinkling of the skin by his eyes betrays his amusement. “Shall we go and meet them, Princess Ardeshir?”
He nods at Staefan, who disappears behind the door.
No time to waste, I suppose. The rumors of tonight’s goal to find a wife must be true. Not that I mind the pace. The sooner we get this pageantry over with, the sooner we can discuss my return to Kalisham.
“Please, Mina is fine.”
“It’s not. Acting casually in front of others is an unnecessary show of weakness.”
Interesting. Affections are a sign of strength in Kalisham. Fear and formality have their place as well, but the backbone of what defines my people couldn’t be more different than the man in front of me.
My home differs from this strange continent in so many ways, my head spins as I try to catalog them all.
“Noted.” I arch an eyebrow. “What would you like me to call you then?”
His gaze travels the length of my body again before he offers me his arm. I wore a dress that complements my figure, but his perusal holds more than just appreciation; he is assessing me as a threat.
I bite back a smile. At least some men have the good sense to be cautious of me.
He ponders my question for a few beats. “Your Majesty. Emperor. Whichever seems appropriate for the situation. As a princess, I’m sure you’re well-versed in what I’m talking about.”
“Naturally,” I reply sweetly. I stomp out the little spark his gaze ignited inside of me. Egotistical ass. If he wants to be indifferent and detached, two can play that game.
I place my hand in the crevice of his jacket sleeve, trying to ignore the flex of his bicep.
I let him lead me to a gray stone room with a fire burning in the hearth despite the summer heat. Large windows loom above the party below. The only door is the one we came through.
I file away the layout and smile as five sets of eyes narrow at me.
The emperor escorts me to the far side of a large table in the center of the room. He motions for me to take a seat and stands behind me, resting his palms on the back of my chair. His nearness makes my skin prickle.
From this angle he could kill me with little effort, and I wouldn’t have time to defend myself.
I force my shoulders back and down, relaxing into the chair as I cross my legs.
The men track the movement with mixed reactions, from mild interest to open resentment. They vary in age and build, yet all appear to be older than the emperor. I wonder if his council functions similarly to advisers back home—to teach him various aspects of ruling.
“Peace and glory to Emperor Darius Lucian Gilchrist, long may he reign,” they say in unison before taking their seats.
“My council. Lord Barista, Lord Pascal, Lord Weisman, Lord Baueman, and Lord Duponte.” The emperor motions to each man, starting at the right. “Gentlemen. You so desperately wanted me to find a queen tonight, and while your recommendations were noted, I’ve made my selection.”
Each of their smiles are distilled poison.
“Allow me to introduce Princess Mina Ardeshir of Kalisham.”
“Surely, we aren’t to believe this woman is truly a princess of Kalisham. They’ve never opened their borders, let alone traveled to ours,” the man closest on my right says.
His neatly trimmed salt-and-pepper beard lacks the artistry of Father’s soft stubble. The reminder is a slap in the face. I work to keep my body neutral, and my grief firmly secured behind a mask of royal indifference.
From what I gather of the emperor’s body language, he does not fully trust these men. I doubt very much that he even respects them.
I won’t either then.
The emperor raps his knuckles against the table and leisurely walks toward the man. “She proved herself to be true. Do you doubt my judgment, Lord Barista?”
He glances at a bouquet of bright red flowers at the center of the table with an audible swallow, his brown cheeks blanching.
“Of course not, Your Majesty. I’m simply shocked and excited by the news.
She will surely bring even more prosperity to Veloria.
” He bows his head as the emperor moves past him.
The man to my left unclenches his fair, meaty fists. “A man of your stature deserves no less than perfection. She’s quite the prize.”
Prize? A woman is no prize to a man.