Page 77 of Up In Flames
“Keep the peace?”
“Yes, between the races.”
“But you have governors in place with officers who police the cities.”
“And sometimes, they need help,” the Emperor said. “I've often sent my soldiers. But now, the Wraith Lords will take that role. The summoning crystals can still be used, just in another way.”
“Very good, Your Imperial Majesty,” Ranor said. “And if this . . . situation is not permanent, the Lords will be ready to defend Varr.”
“Not permanent?” I couldn't help crashing the conversation and slipping away from Caleb with a pat on his shoulder. “Why would you think this isn't permanent? I assure you, General, Death has no hold on Aranren. I felt that connection shatter.”
“And I believe you, Lord Ember,” Ranor said. “I believe that's what you believe. But this has all happened so fast, and I need time to know for certain that it's real.”
“Lord Ember, the General is only being prudent,” the Emperor said. “He's a military man who has fought this war from the very beginning. You must not scorn him for his wariness, but instead, appreciate his caution. He has great wisdom in these matters. It's why he's the General of the Wraith Lords.”
“Yes, Your Imperial Majesty.” I bowed to him. “Sorry, General. You have my utmost respect. I'm just touchy about Aranren.”
“I understand,” Ranor said. “You've gone through a lot very quickly, Lord Ember. It has concerned me, seeing you carry such a weight. I know you had help to ease the burden, but I'm glad that's over now. And, if it really is over, I wish you the greatest happiness with those you love.”
“I already have it, General,” I said. “But thank you. I hope you can relax soon and maybe retire.”
General Ranor's silver eyes widened in horror. “Retire?! Bite your tongue!”
I laughed. “Don't you want something more than a soldier's life?”
The Emperor lifted a brow as we waited for Ranor's response.
It took him only ten seconds to form one, “More than a soldier's life? I don't know what that is, and I certainly don't want it.” He bowed to us, then turned on his heel, and stomped away as if I'd insulted him.
I chuckled and looked up at the Emperor. “Was it something I said?”
The Emperor's laugh was more subtle than mine, a mere movement of breath, but his smile made it clear. “He's a good man. Honorable and true.” He lost his smile to add, “I wish more for him as well. But we cannot force what we believe is best for people upon them, Ember. That would make us no better than Death.”
I made a pensive sound. “You're right. True freedom is the ability to fuck up your life in any way you want.”
This time, the Emperor didn't hold back, he burst out laughing, slapping my back as he did.
“Daddy!” Sally came running through the crowd, courtiers and Wraith Lords drawing out of her way with indulgent grins. “Daddy, I had ice cream!”
She leapt, her arms extended, and the Emperor didn't fail her. He crouched and caught her as if he'd done so thousands of times, and lifted her to settle on his hip.
“Yes, I see that, my darling,” the Emperor said as he wiped a smear of chocolate from Sally's cheek. “Did you eat anything beyond sweets?”
Sally licked her lips and looked guilty. Then she spotted me—the perfect diversion. “Uncle Ember! Are you having a wonderful time? I'm having a wonderful time.”
I grinned at her obvious ploy. “Yes, I am. But I know that I need to eat more than chocolate ice cream if I want to continue having a wonderful time. Otherwise, my stomach will get sore.” I made a face at her. “And that will lead to lower parts of me getting sore. I don't want that.”
“Ewww!” Sally exclaimed, then laughed. But as her giggles died down, the more serious expression of comprehension hit. “I think I should have a meat pie, Daddy.”
“Yes, that is wise,” the Emperor said. “And maybe some vegetables.”
“I want broccoli.” Sally looked at me to add, “Broccoli is my favorite.”
“Mine too!” I exclaimed. “I like it steamed with butter and salt, that's it.”
“My Sally likes hers smothered in cheese and buttered breadcrumbs.” The Emperor grimaced. “But at least she'll eat it.”
“Cheese, eh?” I squished my face at Sally. “But then you barely taste the broccoli. Have you tried it with butter and salt?”
