Page 144 of The Winner's Kiss
“You want news of your father, I imagine. Let me tell you. He doesn’t mourn you.”
Kestrel heard the emperor as if from far away.
Doesn’t miss you.
He never did. You remember how little time he spent at home. How awkward he became in your company. You had to beg him to stay in the capital. Oh yes, I heard. And here, a secret for you: he was relieved when you were sent north. I saw how a burden had been lifted from his shoulders.
He looked lighter.
Younger.
Free.
The emperor looked from her to Risha to the Dacran soldiers, dead on the bloody floor.
“You’re resourceful, Kestrel, I’ll give you that. You’ve survived the mines, the tundra, the war . . . thus far. You’ve made”—his gaze flicked again to Risha—“interesting allies. But my guard outnumbers you both, and it will take an instant for me to rouse the entire house. I don’t have many regrets, but my decision to imprison rather than kill you smacks of squeamishness . . . or, shall I say, an unnecessary concern for your father’s well-being. Do you know, he hasn’t mentioned you once since he told me of your treason?”
“He wouldn’t, no matter what he feels.”
“Regardless,” the emperor said softly, “I could have you killed right now and he’d never know. And if he did, why would he care? What would the life of one dishonorable would-be assassin mean to him?”
“I didn’t come here to murder you.”
He bit back a thin smile.
She said, “I came to challenge you.”
“Oh?”
“One game of Bite and Sting. If I win, you’ll end the war. Leave. Cross the sea with every last Valorian. Never return.”
The emperor made a surprised half laugh of a sound. He lightly traced the deepest line of his brow, then unfolded his hand in a flourish. “What would I gain, should I win?”
“What you like. What ever I can give you.”
He tapped one finger to his lips, considering. “That’s not much.”
“I’m sure you can think of something.”
“And if I agree, and lose? You’d trust me to keep my word?”
“A Valorian honors his word.”
“Yes,” he said, drawing out the word. “He does.”
“Risha goes free, no matter what the outcome.”
“I’ll wait here,” said the princess. “With your guards, if you like.” She gave them a disdainful look, making clear that she thought little of their chances of survival if she chose to finish what she’d started. “Until the game is done.”
Kestrel said, “We play in private.”
“You set quite a lot of terms,” the emperor said, “but this particular one I wouldn’t have any other way.”
“So you agree?”
“I confess, I’m curious.”
“Do you agree?”
