She bit her lip. Suddenly feeling sick again and wishing she hadn’t eaten.

  “That’s… That’s fine.”

  She ignored Todd’s look.

  This was far, far more important than a stupid dinner party. Even if Eileen yelled at her or hit her for missing it.

  “Miss Em?”

  “It’ll be fine,” she whispered as they entered the backyard.

  “But-”

  Todd stopped, gritted his teeth, and glared at the ground as they finished the journey to the shed. Where she stopped and stared at the door. Unwilling to open it yet.

  “Have you heard anything from your uncle?”

  It had been a little over three weeks, no, about four weeks, since the first time she helped Asher recover. And a little over three weeks since she sent the message to Ben. So much has happened since then…

  “No.”

  She clenched her fists. Wishing she could go back to the euphoria she experienced right after Loki first came back. The food she’d eaten wanted to come back up, and she swallowed twice against the urge.

  Without another word, she adjusted her veil, took the bag from Todd, and went inside.

  ***

  Eileen sat in tense silence. She was afraid her fury would get the better of her training, not because she couldn't speak.

  That little rat! She’d give that girl a lashing she’d never forget.

  Inwardly, she continued to seethe, but she regained her composure under the amused eye of her guest.

  Her smile was brilliant from years of training, not sincerity.

  “I’m sure they’ll find her soon. More tea, your Majesty?

  Thiago sat with arms and legs crossed. His smile was amused.

  “Does your niece do this often?”

  “I- I’m afraid she’s a little wild. Generally, she keeps her wild ways at bay in Elyana, but I’m afraid she has her days.”

  “Indeed. That’s an unfortunate trait for a consort of the Emperor.”

  Eileen’s smile faded and she winced. Then she realized what she’d done and quickly composed herself. The whole thing happened in mere seconds, but Thiago’s smile grew even more amused.

  Ten lashes. That girl was getting ten lashes below the neckline. Let’s see her climb out the window when her skin is burning!

  Eileen’s hand shook, and she carefully put down her teacup to hide it.

  “Have you visited your sister lately?”

  Eileen started. The question was so far from her thoughts that, for an instant, she felt like she’d been pushed into a fountain.

  “P-Pardon, your Majesty?”

  “Your sister. Have you visited her lately?”

  “I- I wasn’t aware that I could.”

  Flustered, she picked up her cup, only to remember her trembling hands and put it down again. Perhaps her handkerchief would serve better. She pulled it out and began twisting it, avoiding the Emperor’s eyes.

  “I don’t see why not. Perhaps you can persuade her to be more cooperative?”

  That little wretch! If she’d just been here like she was supposed to be, Eileen wouldn’t have to have this conversation. She twisted the handkerchief harder.

  “I’m sorry, your Majesty. My sister and I have never been on good terms. She’d never honor a request of mine.”

  “Hmm. What about my dear Emmaline?”

  “Pardon?”

  “Does she exhibit any of the traits that your sister does?”

  This question was even more surprising than the first. Bewildered, Eileen opened her mouth. Her mind caught up to her soundlessly moving lips three seconds later.

  “As far as I’ve seen, no.”

  “Pity. I’m afraid the woman is getting to the end of her life. I’ll need a replacement soon.”

  Eileen bowed her head. “There is always me, your Majesty.”

  He laughed. The sound was loud and grating, making Eileen flinch.

  “You? Hardly. I can barely get a glimpse of anything out of you.”

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  Eileen barely held back a scowl. Keeping her head bowed, she said, “I was the one who told you who to watch. And I’ve been watching for you.”

  “Yes. I appreciate that. Sometimes twins have their uses, but often it is simply work that gets the job done.” Casually, the Emperor picked up his own teacup. Swirling the liquid around without drinking. “About your watching. I think it was a mistake to leave it entirely to you.”

  “Your Majesty?”

  “If you can get me a new glimpse, I’ll take it. But as for Emmaline, I believe I need to keep a closer eye on her from now on.”

  Eileen looked up. Forehead wrinkled.

  “Your Majesty?”

  He smiled. “I think it’s time I take better care of my future consort. What do you think?”

  ***

  “I brought you a new book.”

  Em pulled it out with a flourish. It didn’t settle her nerves, but it made her feel better to hand Asher the thick volume. It would last him longer than the previous book she left him.

  He opened it. “The History and Theology of the Gods.”

  “Is that alright? I also brought poetry, economics, and political science.”

  She pulled three more books out as she talked. Plopping them on the bed between them. He picked up each one.

  She didn’t know why, but watching him go through the same routine was fascinating. Read the title page and then open to the middle of the book. Twice, he opened the one book randomly in the middle, scanning the page before moving on.

  He looked so much better than the first day. And his appearance continued to improve with each visit. His cheeks were fuller, and the various scars were disappearing. Even his hair was gaining more luster.

  Healthier. He was steadily looking healthier. Even without her being here and helping as much as she wanted, he was still recovering beautifully.

  It made her smile in satisfaction.

  Privately, she was relieved she hadn't shared any of her observations with anyone. Loki would tease her endlessly (literally until he turned blue), all while claiming she had a crush.

  Ha!

  She didn’t have time to have a crush. And Thiago would kill anyone he suspected-

  She stopped her thoughts there.

  Thiago didn’t need to suspect one of his concubines had eyes for Asher to want to kill the lycan. All he needed to do was find out who Asher was…

  My eyes were never on him to begin with.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Huh?” Her chin snapped up.

  “You seem off today.”

  Off? How so? She wrinkled her forehead. Was she acting differently? Wasn’t she always a mess when she came here?

  She shrugged and looked away.

  “Does it have to do with the newspaper?”

  “News-” She flushed. “Sort of. It doesn’t matter.”

  “Hmm.” He put aside the book he was holding and reached under the thin mattress. With them both sitting on it, it must’ve been a tight squeeze. But he pulled out a folded newspaper and handed it to her. “Fourth page.”

  Baffled and afraid she was reading the same stupid article as before, she unrolled it.

  It wasn’t the same article. There was no picture of her at the ball or a continuation of the announcement on page 4.

  Instead, it was basically gossip.

  Gossip about her.

  She clenched her fingers, wrinkling the paper as she read.

  The writer of this article had the privilege of attending a tea party hosted by the esteemed Countess Penelope Gammell, where the distinguished guests discussed the personality and merits of Emmaline Grimshaw, soon to be the newest member of the Palace.

  “Honestly, I’m astonished. With a brother so accomplished in the Emperor’s service, you’d expect his sister to be equally worthy. Perhaps the Emperor assumed as much when he selected her,” Lady Penelope remarked with a casual shrug and a laugh.

  “To be frank, the young lady can put on a good show at a party, but we all know she has a wild streak. Her frequent visits to the bookstore have practically become a scandal. Perhaps our Emperor was misled, or his choice was driven by strategic politics.”

  The consensus among the attendees was clear: while Emmaline Grimshaw’s beauty was undeniable, her ability to uphold the dignity of the Palace remained highly questionable.

  Em threw the paper, then glared at it. Wishing she was a fire mage and able to burst it into flames.

  “Insulting, isn’t it?”

  “How dare they!” she spat. Standing up, she slapped her hands to her hips and stomped her foot.

  What she really wanted to do was destroy the surgical table. But she didn’t hate Sager enough to break bottles and harm his equipment.

  “They don’t know a thing. Not a damn thing!”

  “Language, Lady Emmaline.”

  She rounded on him. Furious. “Don’t you dare-! Not even you can tell me what to do! Or pass judgment. I’ll punch you if you try.”

  “Is that so?”

  Asher was grinning now. Casually leaning against the back wall, supporting his head in his hands.

  Her shoulders slumped. “Probably not. And Todd says I hit like a girl, so it probably wouldn’t do any good, anyway.”

  “You are a girl.”

  “I’ve been training! I should hit a little better than that.”

  She sighed, resting her hand against her cheek. Then she felt the veil and frowned… then her jaw dropped. She pinched the veil, looked at the newspaper… and looked at Asher’s smug expression.

  “How-?”

  He raised an eyebrow.

  “Dang it! How long have you known?!”

  He tapped his nose. Which probably would have told her something if she wasn’t already flustered. Her neck, cheeks, and throat were burning.

  She looked away. Clenching her fists, she seriously considered running out the door.

  “You’re very excitable, aren’t you?”

  “Shut up.”

  With her throat closed up in shame, she could barely grate it out.

  “Why don’t you take that thing off and come sit with me?”

  She glared at him. Now unable to talk at all.

  With a cheeky smirk, he leaned over to pat her usual spot on the bed.

  Slowly, Em sat down. But she didn’t remove the veil. There was a long, looonnng awkward pause. During which her blush reached her ears, and she tucked her chin in and folded her arms.

  She couldn’t have felt more exposed if she’d been walking around naked.

  After a moment, her throat loosened a little.

  “Seriously, how long have you known?”

  “I think the second visit? Maybe the third?”

  She slumped. Then stiffened when she felt the bed shift. Warily, she eyed Asher as he cautiously scooted closer. He paused whenever she flinched, then continued again when she relaxed.

  It took way too long for him to scoot the three feet between them.

  She stiffened again when he pulled the veil off her face. Her cheeks had been cooling off, but now they reddened even more.

  “So, you’re engaged.”

  She looked away. “Not by choice,” she mumbled.

  “You’re also the seer from eight years ago.”

  “So? Does that change anything?”

  He shrugged. “I’m bored. I have nothing to do but theorize. It does make your presence here more understandable.”

  She tilted her head. Not realizing that her cheeks were cooling down now that she had something else to think about.

  “In what way?”

  “Assuming what you told me back that was true, you want me to kill the Emperor.”

  What did I tell him back then? Honestly, it had been too long. She couldn’t remember.

  “And if I do?”

  He smirked and picked up a lock of her hair. Rubbing it between his fingers, he locked eyes with her.

  “I thought it was strange that you kept inserting yourself into my recovery like this. A noble lady playing doctor. It’s not a normal hobby for someone like you.”

  “You read that article. I’m well known for being a little wild.”

  “Really? Because you like to read and tried your hand at business? That’s ridiculous.”

  “I’m glad someone around here is reasonable.”

  He laughed. “Why do you want the Emperor dead?”

  Em didn’t realize she’d been smiling again until it faded at his question. “Because he deserves it.”

  “So does Marquis Grimshaw, but I’m betting you’ll defend him to his last breath.”

  Em clenched her fists and narrowed her eyes. “Marquis Grimshaw did what he had to. To survive.”

  “I’m sure the Emperor would say he’d only done the same.”

  Bewildered and annoyed, Em stood up. Her hair tumbled out of Asher’s fingers as she moved.

  “I thought you wanted him dead, too. Why are you defending him?”