Page 70 of Up In Flames
“I love him, Sarthares,” Ara said in an almost apologetic tone. “Even if there was no war, I would gladly bind my life to his.”
The Emperor straightened, his shoulders especially seemed to harden. He lifted his chin, then nodded. “I understand now.”
“The Goddess led me to him,” I said. “I know this is how I will end the war, Your Imperial Majesty.”
The Emperor's lips twitched at the title, probably because it had taken me so long to remember to use it. “I think you may be right, Ember.”
“Really?” Keltyr asked. “I mean, do you really think so, Your Imperial Majesty?”
“Yes, Lord Keltyr, I do. I believe and I have faith in the Goddess.” The Emperor looked at the rest of my lovers. “This must be difficult for all of you. It was wise to bring Aranren here instead of the citadel. I can protect or imprison him if necessary. But I'm hoping that I won't have to do either of those things for long.” He looked at me. “I will have Agal prepare a room for your use, Lord Ember.”
“Thank you, Your Imperial Majesty.” I bowed.
“May the Goddess be with you both.” He kissed Aranren on the cheek. “And congratulations on finding love, my friend.”
“Thank you . . . Your Imperial Majesty,” Ara said. Then he asked, “And congratulations to you as well. When did you become a father?”
The Emperor's grim expression transformed immediately. “Thank you. And it was very recently. Sally is . . .” he hesitated.
“One of the children Death forced me to take,” Ara finished. “Yes, I know. I assume her parents were among those murdered.”
“Yes,” the Emperor said. “But I have her now, and I can't help but feel grateful and blessed, no matter how she came to me.”
“Fate is strange,” Aranren whispered, his stare sliding to me. “Sometimes it gives us exactly what we want, but not in the way we envisioned it.”
The Emperor followed his stare, smiled, then turned away, heading back to his Sally. “Yes, indeed. I will fetch Agal.”
“Your Imperial Majesty,” Ara called after him.
The Emperor paused in the doorway. “Yes?”
“You need to be prepared to act immediately if my fate is not so sweet as yours. Ember will not have the strength to do what needs to be done.”
The Emperor's jaw clenched, but he nodded before entering the room.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Moments after the Emperor left us, Agal reappeared. I was still in the middle of assuring Ara that I wouldn't have to act; he'd be fine. Ara just nodded and waved toward Agal. The Emperor's manservant stared at us as if he couldn't believe we were still there. As if maybe we were a nightmare that should have vanished by now.
Agal said, “Wait here if you please.”
As we waited, Xaedren paced, his head swinging toward Aranren often. In contrast, Taroc stood like a statue with his arms crossed and his stare never leaving Ara. Rath remained close to me, his hand on my back in support, but Kel leaned against the wall, trying to look casual about it. I could see the strain in his face, though, and the tension in his shoulders. There was no casual in that corridor.
“Oh, fuck,” I cursed. “I didn't even ask about the others. Did any of you tell them we needed to retreat?”
“Yes, of course,” Taroc said. “We faded out of the room, then I found Ranor. I imagine the other lords are back at the citadel by now.”
“Good,” I said.
“I can hardly believe I'm here,” Ara whispered and stared around at the opulence. “It's funny. In my moments of freedom, when I was myself, I was so happy for Sarthares. I know he became Emperor to fight me, but he's a good man and the perfect one to lead the world. It comforted me that he was the one who would defeat Death. But I never thought of how he'd be living.” He squished up his face. “This is a bit extravagant, isn't it?”
Keltyr snorted a laugh while I grinned. The others frowned at us.
“What?” I asked. “He's right. This is a lot. Does one man really need this much?”
“He is not just one man!” Agal, with perfect timing, returned. “He is the Emperor of Varr and this castle houses his court and army as well as His Imperial Majesty.” He glared at us, as did the contingent of the Emperor's soldiers in formation behind him.
“That man is annoying,” Ara whispered.
