Chapter 56 #2
“Apologies, your majesty. I will recover every piece of information my people gathered on this group and provide it.” His tone is cool and unbothered, his performance of the charming lord flawless as usual.
“Good. And when we’re done here, some of your people will lead my guards to the camp, just in case faces can still be recognized. Every man, woman, and child related to them is to be burned.”
In this heat, it’s unlikely any flesh would hold up. And of course, there are no bodies to be found.
“I will ensure they do, your majesty,” Alaris says smoothly. “My company is supposed to arrive early this evening.”
“That’s right. You made incredible time from Sophys.” My father sits back in the chair now, ember eyes blazing. “I hear you have quite the horse in my stables. Leave it in the capital a season, for breeding.”
The emperor isn’t supposed to demand property from the provinces, above the annual tithes. I suppose this skates around the treaties because he only told Alaris to let him borrow the horse.
Still, it turns my stomach. Alaris saved his daughter’s life, and the emperor rewards him by taking the horse he brought her back on?
I used to believe in Belzas’s divine right to be on that throne.
That despite his tempers and his bloodthirst, his power, the power I so desperately wanted to spark in me, kept this land thriving.
Now I see the small man beneath all the brilliance, who won’t even let the air cool to stop people from dying.
He’s half as divine as Alaris, but far less than half the man.
It makes me stand up straighter. I’m glad I don’t share his blood. I’m glad I’m not of sun and consumptive flame.
“Consider the horse a gift.” Alaris bows again.
“To honor what I hope will become a closer relationship.” He turns to me.
“And I do hope our relationship will become closer. I’ve only been in the presence of your beautiful daughter for a few days, but I admit I find myself smitten.
So much so that I would like to make a request of you, Emperor.
” Alaris kneels. “I would like to request your daughter’s hand in marriage.
With your blessing, I intend to make her the Lady of Arastos. ”
I hold my breath and fix my eyes on the floor in front of me. I can’t look at Alaris, or the throne. I wait in agonizing silence for my father to speak.
Instead, at the top of my vision, I see him stand.
He starts down the stairs, each foot landing with an echoing thump. The heat presses stronger and stronger on my face, intensifying with every footfall. He lands on the bottom step, and a wall of scorching air washes over me, a clear and intentional expression of power.
I look up at the two of them facing each other. My father simmers, his burnished skin radiating heat that makes the air shimmer, while Alaris’s skin and dark clothes seem cast in a cooler light, completely unaffected.
Orso clutching the side of his head flashes through my mind.
“A surprising request.” My father’s voice is controlled. “After only days together.”
I think what he really wants to say is for a sovereign.
“My advisors would tell me that I’m too quick with my passions, but what can I say? I follow my heart.” Alaris cups his chest. “And I promise to keep your daughter in mine and treat her well.”
My father steps off the marble that gave him a height advantage over Alaris and strolls over to me. The heat rolling off his skin feels like an open furnace door. I try not to cringe as he puts his palm between my neck and shoulder, his touch both dry and burning.
“Did you hear that, daughter? The man you just rode in with has asked for your hand.”
If I show too much eagerness, he might keep us apart. He wouldn’t like to feel a decision was made without him.
I meet his gaze, fluttering my lashes. “I’m…I’m surprised to hear Lord Alaris’s interest. I will do whatever you wish me to.”
I know you want this. I see you clearly now.
We’re only two months away from spring, when he’ll seat me beside him, sending suitors into a frenzy. Why wouldn’t he accept the best proposal he’s ever going to get a little early?
He considers me another moment, then he lets me go.
I breathe for what feels like the first time in minutes as he climbs the steps and settles back into his throne.
“I’ll consider what you’ve proposed, Lord Alaris.
When your men arrive this evening, we’ll welcome them with a banquet.
Seran, escort our guest and the princess. ”
Alaris and I both kneel on the marble, then stand as Seran comes forward to usher us out.
He walks us halfway down the hall and pauses. “The crown would appreciate your assistance in keeping Princess Lysandra’s tribulations completely private, Lord Alaris. Please let me know if there’s anyone who needs to be dealt with to ensure it.”
Dealt with. Even in Seran’s mild tone, it still sounds exactly like the threat it is.
“The people who rode with me are my most trusted few. I will stake my life on their silence.”
“Excellent. Then a footman is waiting for you beyond the main doors. Princess, this way.” Seran guides me to the side door.
“Oh, and Lysandra,” the voice from the throne booms out.
I pause and look back.
“Cover that up until you’re announced back at court.”
It takes me a second to realize he means my hair.
A wave of cool air washes over me, and I glance toward Alaris, noting the small tic in his jaw as he stalks away from the throne.
I do my best to wrap my hair back up as I follow Seran out of the hall.