Her Secret (The Empire: Book 3)

By Laura R Cole

The Empire has many secrets. From its mysterious potions brewed by the Alchemist, hidden away in a secret lab...to the much more conspicuous Nightwind, the beast that plagues the Empire's citizens, consuming their life force under the cover of darkness. But there is another secret yet to be revealed that will shake the very foundation of the Empire itself. Should the wrong people discover this secret, the results could be disastrous. While Empress Morvanna tries to contain the information, the leaders of the old houses, still seething with age-old rivalries, seek to use the knowledge against her. So intent are they at gaining the throne, they will stop at nothing to destroy the Empress, even if it means tearing down the whole of the Empire with her. Caught in the middle of this power struggle, Phoenix must discover the truth for herself and decide just how far a person should go in the name of the greater good.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Laura R Cole
• Release date: Sep 30, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310294303

Laura R Cole

Laura was a native Vermonter whose love of reading developed into a love of writing. When not creating her own fantasy worlds, she enjoyed losing herself in RPGs like Dragon Age, Skyrim, and KOTOR and collecting and making items to make the real world a bit more magical. She also loved to be outdoors and dabble in nature photography.

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HER SECRET

(The Empire: Book 3)

By Laura R Cole

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2014 Laura R Cole

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Chapter 1

Empress Morvanna watched the memory of the scene play out before her on the glowing wall.

Huntress, the Empress heard the echo of her own voice as she greeted her huntress, Thea, in the mirror. I was beginning to worry, her voice said, How went your hunt?

Successful, Thea responded simply, bowing her head.

Completely? the Empress pressed urgently. Even one left alive could be disastrous.

Thea's face showed nothing, but she hesitated a moment longer than she should have. Then the woman nodded.

The Empress saw the vision of herself sigh in relief she no longer felt.

Morvanna's eyes narrowed. She had been too relieved to have the cult gone to see what was so obvious now. Her own voice interrupted the thought.

When I hadn't heard from you, I feared the worst. I know this was a difficult task that I asked of you. The empire is a safer place for your loyalty. Thank you.

Thea simply nodded again, but the Empress could see emotions roiling behind her eyes. The huntress had been lying to her.

Safe hunting, the Empress dismissed her and watched as the woman took off the necklace of Her Favor and stared at it morosely for several long seconds. The expression she wore was one of guilt. Guilt that made her take off her necklace, same as she'd done when she accomplished the task - making it impossible for the Empress to confirm whether or not she'd actually gone through with it. The scene went blank as the necklace was stowed away.

Morvanna scowled. She'd replayed the scene many times, and it became clearer with every showing. Thea had been performing the rituals of purification of late, despite having already done so for the Ceremony of Her Favor. Morvanna had grown suspicious of her constant vigilance before the statue. The huntress obviously felt guilty over something. It was now also obvious that it was something to do with her mission to the shrine.

Flicking her fingers across the glowing wall, she called another of her hunters, one called Maul.

Your Eminence, he greeted her.

Maul, she nodded in acknowledgement. I need you to check up on a task that was performed by another of the hunters.

He raised an eyebrow. The hunters did not normally 'check up' on another's work.

I need to you travel to an area near the Void and make sure that the shrine there is no more. It was attacked by the Nightwind, and one of the other hunters was supposed to have taken care of the remains so that they did not disturb the locals, but they have not yet checked in. I'd like you to make sure that nothing has happened.

He nodded his understanding, and Morvanna gave the usual dismissal and brushed her hand across his image on the wall. Sighing deeply, she left the secret chamber. She had had her misgivings about Thea for some time now, and it seemed that the woman may really have betrayed her. The huntress couldn't possibly understand the danger of having not followed her instructions to the letter. Even one left alive could ruin everything.

It had been her husband, the Alchemist, who had recommended the huntress for the position, no, forced Morvanna's hand into accepting the girl's service. Morvanna sighed again and made her way to the Alchemist's lab. Sometimes she wondered if it wasn't detrimental that he spend all his time locked away with nothing but his potions and his own thoughts.

He sat before a large wooden table adorned with flasks and bowls and bottles, a vat of boiling liquid in front of him. He used a glass tube to carefully measure out a bit of liquid from a bottle and dropped this into the vat. It made a sizzling sound and green haze lifted from its surface. He took a ladle and dipped this into the potion, transferring it into several bottles already lined up for the task. When they were filled, he put the corks into place and sealed them with wax. He then took labels on which he'd already carefully scrawled the potion's contents and affixed these to the bottles. The Empress waited patiently for him to finish.

There, he said in completion and looked up. My Dear Morvanna, he greeted her, standing with difficulty. To what do I owe this pleasure?

Empress Morvanna went over to him and held out her arm to help him walk. I don't understand why you don't drink the potion with me to regain your youth. You were such a handsome man.

The Alchemist waved a hand. Too many other potions to make. The empire has your pretty face to gaze upon, they hardly need me.

Now, Husband, Morvanna admonished, helping him to sit in his armchair and perching on a seat next to him, you know that's not true. How would we get by without your potions? Who knows what the Nightwind would do then.

The Alchemist merely grunted. After a moment he lifted his gaze to her. How is our son?

He is well, Morvanna stated carefully, but that is what I came to see you about.

The Alchemist's eyes flashed. Did something happen?

No, no, she assured him quickly, but his medication doesn't seem to be working as well of late. During his stay in Elaeld there were a few - accidents - that resulted in missed doses, and he's been more agitated of late, even back on the regular schedule.

I take it you want me to strengthen the potion?

Please. I don't want anything untoward to happen. She smiled at him.

Of course, My Dear. The Alchemist bobbed his head in agreement. He smacked his lips together a few times and then leaned towards her, and she moved from her perch to accept the kiss on her cheek. He sat back with effort, letting out a puff of air. Anything for you, Love. Be well.

Empress Morvanna left the Alchemist's lab, and her wanderings soon took her back to her chambers where there was a looming pile of paperwork to address. Although it was exciting to have come across the finding of a new land, it increased her work tenfold. If only her husband wasn't so busy with the potions and could help her. On top of that, her researchers were still trying to determine the lasting effects of the Void being closed. Aside from the general disappointment that the Nightwind had not been destroyed with its closing, it was being hailed as a great achievement. Although they had been careful to keep the extent of the danger hidden from most of the citizens, those close to the project knew that previous to its closing they had been looking at a few decades at most before the Void overtook a large portion of the empire. While the loss of magic didn't sound all that frightening to the people who had come to live without talent, they didn't realize how much the natural magic effected everything around them. The Empress was extremely grateful to the Elaeld people for making it possible to eliminate this threat, and also intrigued by the magic they possessed in order to do so.

Of course, the closing had brought its own dangers as well. The people had almost immediately grown bold at the chance that the Nightwind may have been destroyed as well, and it was unnerving how many people had jumped to the conclusion that they no longer needed Her Favor. The Nightwind made quick work of reminding them how wrong they were.

The matter of the Nightwind was something else to consider. Would it have enough magic to satisfy it in the empire now that the Void was closed? The number of talents was slowly dwindling in the empire, only to have magic show up in unexpected places. It was almost as though the magic of the land knew it was being taken away and was evolving to compensate. The Empress feared it would no longer satisfy the Nightwind to take the few loners in the woods who refused Her Favor. Would it need to venture into the new lands to sate its appetite? How would the King and Queen - such strong talents - withstand its invasion? These were all questions that filled her head, but she had no answers for them.

As she strolled through the gardens later that week, she felt the hunter calling.

Yes, Maul?

The shrine was taken care of, Your Eminence, nothing remains.

Morvanna felt a rush of relief.

However, he said, and Morvanna's breath caught in her throat, there are two sets of footprints leading away. Looks like there may have been a survivor after all. Good thing they checked it out.

Yes, Morvanna whispered, her blood running cold, good thing.

*

Phoenix sat stroking the head of her wyvern friend, Wink. It still amazed her that she could actually feel the emotions, and occasionally even almost a thought, from the tiny dragon.

Glad, Wink thought at her and from the emotions that came along with it, she could tell that he was happy to see her after several weeks of having been back home in Naoham without him. Rhys had caused quite a ruckus with the scheme of his to create a thieves guild to block out a similarly organized – though not like-minded – band of criminals coming in from the countryside. Phoenix had needed to consult with him and the Queen as to the eventual rules and regulations that this group would follow since it would be her reign most affected by it. Though it wasn't confirmed, Phoenix had a sneaking suspicion that her parents had also wanted her out of the empire long enough to determine if the Empress would change her mind about blaming the Elaeld people for the Nightwind's actions, but no hostilities had emerged.

Movement caught her eye, and Phoenix’s attention was drawn to a guard as he moved next to the window to peer out. Phoenix missed having Natalya and Alina at her side. Though their assignment to her had been brief, she had grown accustomed to having them around. They felt like old friends while her new guards were simply there as her protection.

The guard caught her staring and smiled at her with a brief salute. She smiled back and looked away. It had been the general consensus that Alina would not spend more time in the empire after the massive attack by the Nightwind at Old Hollow. It may have been that she was able to fend off its attack last time, or it may have been luck. Either way, it was clear that the empire was correct in protecting its citizens against the horrendous creature. There was no sense in continuing to test fate.

Phoenix was once again here as the envoy between the two lands as her parents were still not permitted to set foot in the empire due to their powers - and therefore the danger of the Nightwind. Even within the walls of the protected Adrwar Palace or Sanctuary in Brakton their power was still too great and posed too much of a risk. She was holding out hope that these new duties might be reason enough to postpone her coronation. Though she was feeling more confident of her eventual position, she still wasn't in a hurry to get there. The Empress certainly had a whole list of things that she wanted to accomplish. Phoenix hadn’t even had time to go and see the Alchemist yet – much to Wren’s chagrin. She wasn’t sure why the boy was so hell-bent on seeing the man, but he had a certain obsession with it. It had gotten to the point that Phoenix was actually avoiding seeing him because every time she did he would grill her on when they were going to go. She’d hoped that he could just go through the Labyrinth himself, but she had been informed that it would be inappropriate for someone beneath her status to go through it first, and that furthermore because of the Alchemist’s busy schedule it would be prudent of them to go together since they would be essentially cutting in line and given precedence over the empire's citizens.

A knock sounded at the door and her maid, Alisha, scurried over to answer it. Wink jumped down off her lap as Phoenix rose to greet the visitor. The wyvern ambled off to the balcony.

Alisha came back with two other women in tow. Phoenix took a second glance at the younger girl behind the other two. She looked vaguely familiar. The girl was angling her head away from the Princess and was clearly uncomfortable to be there. The other woman shooed her towards Phoenix. The girl did so reluctantly, curtsying before her prettily. At the last moment, she raised her eyes to just barely meet Phoenix’s before looking quickly away again. The split second was enough for Phoenix to make the connection. This was the young lady that the huntress had been hiding in the woods. What is she doing here?

This is Reema, Your Highness, the other woman that had brought Reema said in a matronly tone. She had a childhood illness which caused her to be mute.

I’m sorry to hear that, Phoenix said, a puzzled look on her face.

She’s been assigned to work for Lord Nathiwen, and you might see her around the palace. We didn’t want you to think she was being rude if you address her and she doesn’t answer you.

Thank you for informing me. Phoenix nodded her head to the older woman and locked eyes with Reema, who had finally looked up at her. She could tell that Reema read her recognition there and fear had spread plainly across the girl’s face. It’s a pleasure to meet you, she said, hoping that it would put the girl at ease. For the time being anyway. Phoenix had no intention of telling anyone about what she had witnessed in the woods just yet, but to have the girl suddenly show up in the palace, and on top of that be working with Nathiwen was a bit suspicious. She would definitely look into it herself.

Reema bowed her head low, and as she raised her head again, her doe eyes looked at Phoenix with such sincere thanks that for a moment Phoenix wondered how this girl could ever do anything wrong. She shook the irrational thought away. She had certainly been betrayed by her own blind trust before. Gavin had pretended to be her friend and had ended up almost killing her. The two women hurried away, obviously having other errands to attend to.

Alisha clicked her tongue. That poor little thing. How horrible to not be able to speak!

Yes, Phoenix agreed distractedly. She thought back to the exchange she had witnessed in the woods. What had Thea said to the girl?

Do you want the next pile of documents, Ma’am? Alisha asked, clearing away those that Phoenix had already gone through. The Princess’s attention was reluctantly drawn back to the task at hand.

Please, she answered, holding back a sigh. She spied Wink leaning precariously far out on the balcony railing in order to watch the movements of a nearby bug. All of a sudden he leapt towards it, but his foot missed the railing, and he went tumbling downwards. Phoenix let out a gasp and rushed forward, her arms outstretched, though she was too far away to do anything.

A terrible rush of panic tingled through her veins as her memory flashed back to when Gavin had made her jump off the edge of the battlements. The helpless feeling of the ground rushing towards her, knowing that she was about to die…

Missed! Came his voice in her head as Wink flew up, snorting smoke in frustration. Phoenix laughed out loud in relief and forcibly shoved the memory out of her mind. She’d forgotten that he had wings. She held out her arm for him to land on and was once again impressed by his weight. She had to use her other arm as well to hold him up. He was definitely getting heavier, perhaps she'd been spoiling him a bit much. She put him back on the railing and reached out a hand to scratch him behind his tiny horns.

Here they are, Alisha’s voice came from inside the room. Phoenix did sigh this time and made her way back to the desk. Plopping down into the chair, she read the first document. It outlined the new protocols that would go into effect regarding the gate between their two lands. As a result of the massive Nightwind attack, the Empress was asking that any visitors coming from Elaeld either be already completely devoid of magic, or that they submit to the laws of the empire and go through the ritual cleansing to remove their talent and receive Her Favor.

A surprising number of citizens in Elaeld had expressed their desire to do just this. For many, their talent was so close to nonexistent that it would hardly make a difference in their everyday lives for the chance to see the new world. Phoenix was torn. She hated to allow her people to give up something that she knew all too well they could regret someday, but she also didn’t want to take away their privilege to choose for themselves. It was something that bothered her about the empire’s laws. While she understood the Empress’s reasoning that it was putting everyone around them in danger as well, it felt so wrong to Phoenix to take away their talent with no choice whatsoever on the citizens’ parts. Even if the choice was exile, at least it would be a choice.

Phoenix and her parents had toyed with the idea of agreeing to the Empress’s terms for those visiting the empire in exchange for allowing any of the empire’s citizens who chose to keep their talent and leave the empire to come to Elaeld. This posed a few problems, however. From the empire’s point of view this could be sending potentially dangerous talents to an opposing country – not that there was any hostility between them at the moment. And from Elaeld's point of view, there was no telling how many citizens of the empire might choose this option and nowhere near as much land to house them. The chaotic lands to the north were slowly being tamed and occupied, but progress could only go so quickly. If they suddenly had a huge influx of people, there would be much unrest. The Tribes were already uneasy about even Elaeld citizens migrating north.

So far, not too many had been let through. Mostly, it was Phoenix and her entourage and a few select ambassadors of the Empress on the other side.

The capital city of Naoham was still reeling from the attack of the bandits. The attempt had been swift and unexpected, and it was only by sheer luck that Rhys had implemented his plan moments before their infiltration began. He had also had the cleverness to see that they were using a prophecy of a bleeding snake to recognize one another and was able to use this against them. One of the factions of crime within the city had turned against Rhys as a result of the bleeding snake – giving him the idea – and had unfortunately been killed during the chaos. His second-in-command - Phoenix was extremely surprised to find out - was Natalya’s childhood love. In a heartbreaking story of sacrifice that began when Alina unintentionally killed his brother, he had followed Natalya to the city and been trying to get in contact with her ever since.

Unfortunately, her high position made her very hard to see. It had taken a clever plan of arranging to have Rhys steal a ring he had given Natalya from Alina’s finger. Phoenix was a little jealous of Natalya for having someone care for her so deeply to go to such lengths, but mostly she was just happy for her. She was pleased that the woman seemed to have finally found her happiness in him. Even Alina seemed more alive in his presence. Though after the death of Ronan he had been named head of the gang, there was still the problem of him having committed murder to get there. There was only so much Phoenix’s mother could take. Though technically there had been an ongoing battle, the fact that no one was actually fighting at the time and that Ryker was not a guard, made the crime viewed as murder rather than a casualty of war. There was still an on-going investigation into the matter, but Phoenix secretly hoped that Ryker would be cleared of the murder and allowed to be with Natalya. With so much else happening, Queen Layna just may be inclined to let that one go and focus on bigger matters.

Phoenix smiled to herself. Her poor mother must be at her wit’s end with all the commotion. As her thoughts strayed to the topic of other matters, her mood darkened. The biggest mystery was still that of the men who had been attacked during the crisis caused by Gavin and Noam. Those two were still rotting in jail and poor Lady Alina was at home, retired. The men that had been attacked had finally been roused out of their comas by mind-healers of the Tribes. They described their conditions as though their consciousness had been pushed down by a far stronger presence in their mind. When Phoenix had confronted her parents that she had heard them speaking, and she knew that they had lied to her about the real investigation into the attacks, they had confessed the truth. This testimony of the victims added further evidence that it was not, as the story was commonly spread, a faux-potion-gone-wrong that had caused it. It was indeed a talent. It was unknown who in Elaeld would possess such a talent and therefore her parents were still wary of her being home while the threat was still a mystery. Phoenix did not mention to them that after speaking with Thea, she was more concerned about who in the empire might be able to do such a thing. They were already nervous enough about the Nightwind; she thought it better to allow them some peace of mind.

Her disturbing thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. Alisha hurried out from the adjoining room to go answer it. Ah, Lady Regina, Phoenix heard her greet the newcomer. How lovely to see you!

Alisha bustled back with Regina in tow to the room where Phoenix was lounging. Wink immediately hopped down to investigate the new person, and Regina stopped short to stare at him in awe.

Oh my goodness, she whispered. Phoenix watched in amusement as Regina bent down to pet him without hesitation. He just gets more and more adorable! she gushed to Phoenix. The girl dragged the wyvern with difficulty onto her lap and began petting him in earnest. And heavy! she exclaimed.

I know, isn't he? Phoenix laughed. Alisha gave them both disbelieving expressions. Though she couldn't deny that the resemblance to dragons was amazing, she still thought of them as over-sized lizards.

Regina stopped her petting and came over to give Phoenix a hug. How are you?

I am very happy that you decided to come back, Phoenix answered. When the girl had expressed an interest in joining her as a lady-in-waiting, Phoenix had happily obliged. Her first visit, however, had been more stressful than Phoenix had anticipated. Her first day into the empire there had been a panicked stampede in the streets when the mob mistakenly thought that Phoenix touched the power. Phoenix had hoped that it would give the girl a chance to become more accustomed to the station and remove a few of the walls that were between them. That first encounter hadn't helped matters, but since then she did seem to be warming to it. It didn't hurt that the girl clearly had her eye on the imperial guards currently assigned to Phoenix either.

As though reading her thoughts, Regina asked, Where are those handsome guards of yours? I didn't see them on my way in.

Phoenix poked her. Is that the real reason you wanted to come here? They're off-duty at the moment, so if that was your only reason for coming to see me, you're out of luck. She fake pouted.

Phoenix was happy to note that Regina didn't simply start apologizing but rather returned Phoenix's fake pout with a fake glare. Oh yes, I traveled all the way across the world to follow a man. Then she giggled. "Or in this case, two men. They both are gorgeous, though, aren't they? In their own ways. I suppose you would know better than I." This time there was a trace of something uncertain in her voice.

They most definitely are, Phoenix agreed and quickly assured her friend, And all yours.

Regina beamed. She stood and took Phoenix's hand, urging her out the door. "Come on, last time we hardly had a chance to explore. You have to show me everything!"

*

Thea perched on top of a massive boulder and looked out across the water. Waves crashed into the rocky shore below. The tumultuous sound mirrored her thoughts. She kept replaying the Nightwind’s attack wondering if there was something she could have done differently to save all those people. The Empress said that there was a massive underground movement in the city hiding the talented, and yet Thea had had no inkling that they were there. Perhaps if her huntress had been more vigilant in her task, the Empress would not now be burning the corpses of hundreds of people in the streets of Old Hollow. Thea had also had the sickening thought that perhaps the girl Reema had been part of this movement and was caught up in the slaughter. The thought that her unfinished task to the Empress might have been carried out by the Nightwind itself might have, as a huntress, filled her with relief. However, even if the girl had chosen to betray Thea's trust and not had her talent cleansed, the thought of her death only filled Thea with dread. And this, in turn, further fueled her guilt. The Empress's command to have the shrine wiped out still weighed heavily on her, and even more so that she had betrayed the Empress by not doing so. The woman had spoken to her about the incident and Thea was sure that the Empress knew what she had done.

Thea drew out the journal from the cult shrine and held it before her. Its spine was broken from her reading and rereading its entries many times over. She felt guilty over having defied the Empress, and yet couldn't shake the feeling that it had still been the right thing to do - and that only made her feel all the more guilty to doubt the Empress's judgment. The Empress had been adamant that every trace of this shrine be wiped out of existence, and that included Reema and the journal. And yet, Thea hadn't been able to let either of them go. She glanced at the journal once more. Perhaps something in all the crazy rambling held some truth and could help her understand why it was so important that they be wiped off the face of the planet. The Empress would not have ordered her to murder innocent people unless it was paramount for the empire's safety.

Her thoughts drifted again to the girl, Reema, whom she had rescued from the shrine. She didn’t know what the Empress’s true reasons were for sending her to stop them, but the cultists were anything but innocent. The rest of the contents of the journal outlined horrendous crimes against the real innocents. Innocents like Reema who had had her tongue cut out so that her tormentors wouldn’t have to hear her pleading with them to stop. She felt the stirrings of her other half, Talos, welling up inside her. She pushed the anger back down before it over-took her. She glanced back down at the journal once more before snapping it closed and replacing it in her pouch. She was sure that whatever the Empress's reasons for destroying the shrine, they were what she felt needed to be done to protect her people. The good of the empire was always foremost in the Empress's mind.

Thea leaped off the boulder and sprinted back towards the capital city of Brakton. By the time she had reached the gates she was panting with the exertion, and she reveled in the feeling of the air burning in her lungs. The city was slowly clearing from the hordes of people who had gathered here for the Ceremony of Her Favor a few weeks ago. The celebration took place every year to cleanse the people of the potentially dangerous ability to touch the magic to keep everyone safe from the Nightwind. The influx of such masses of people for the event of course drew others hoping to profit off of them as well, so the city had been filled to the brink. Now, however, it was beginning to return to normal, though there were still a few stragglers.

Instead of going back to the House, she took the familiar path to her friend Mikael's inn. He had come to Talos's rescue during the massive Nightwind attack and traveled back to the city with Talos after inadvertently poisoning the hunter. Since the potion ring the Alchemist had given him to locate his daughter had lit up in the court, Mikael was convinced that she was somewhere nearby. During his time here, Talos and Mikael had grown into close friends. Unfortunately, even Talos's connections hadn't helped find the missing girl. So far, both of their attempts to locate her had come up dry. No one had heard of her. At least the ring lighting up had given Mikael hope that she was still alive.

Thea changed into Talos and knocked on the door.

Mikael's smiling face greeted him. Talos! What a surprise! Come in. Talos was ushered into the small space, a curtain the only thing separating a bed from the rest of the room. Mikael hooked a chair under his hand and swung it around for Talos to sit. Then, seating himself, he watched Talos expectantly.

I don't suppose you're here with news of my daughter? he asked hopefully when Talos remained quiet after a few moments.

I'm afraid not, no one seems to know anything about her. I've already exhausted my contacts and asking about new people coming into the empire this time of year is pointless. We'd be wading through names until next year.

Mikael sighed. Well, after all this time I finally have hope. I'll just keep trying.

You'll find her, Talos assured him, resting his hand awkwardly on the man's shoulder. After a moment of uncomfortable silence, he cleared his throat and removed his hand, changing the subject. What do you think of the Alchemist having invited the Elaeld party to come see him?

I suppose they deserve it for having closed the Void for us. It was a great risk for them to have brought so much magic here. Not that they didn't endanger the citizens of the empire as well, but I suppose that part would be on the Empress for letting them. He pondered a moment. It is highly unusual for the Alchemist to involve himself in any matters, though. I can't remember the last time I thought of him as an actual man and not just some intangible being that creates potions.

I hadn't ever seen him before. He's older than I expected...given the Empress's youth, I would have thought that her husband would look similarly young, Talos commented.

Even you hadn't seen him? He must really be a recluse.

Talos just nodded. After a few moments he asked, What do you suppose the Princess will ask for in a potion?

Mikael was thoughtful. I have no idea. You would know better than I.

Talos stayed for some time, downing two mugs of mead and laughing easily with the older man. Eventually, Talos had to leave, and he felt the reality of the outside world closing in around him once more. With Mikael, he could forget about being a hunter and his duty to the Empress. He could forget all the oaths he was breaking simply by questioning her.

The door shut behind him, and Talos felt a profound weight settle over him. The very air around him seemed to be pressing in on him. He felt the sudden urge to run and immediately burst into a sprint. He slowed only to nod to the guards in the gatehouse. Once past the guards, he picked up his pace again, not slowing again until he was inside the House. Here, finally, he allowed himself to stop before the towering statue of the Empress. Morvanna's stone face gazed down at him with disapproval, the stony eyes boring into him.

He knelt before it, his knees protesting the agony of his weight dropping to the hard floor with such haste. Bowing his head, he recited the verses of the Hunters. The verses that reminded him that Her Favor was the only protection the citizens had.

He pushed the unclean feelings from his mind, reveling in the pain of his knees against the stone floor, punishing him for the traitorous thoughts. He wasn't sure how long he stayed in that position, chanting the verses again and again, but when he finally stood he was so worn out that no thought whatsoever was on his mind as he stumbled back to his room.

*

Wren waved his hand frantically, trying to get Phoenix's attention, but she didn't look his way. He tried to shove his way past a woman who was blocking his path, but the book in his hand caught on her massive billowing skirts, and he was hindered. The woman turned around and glared at him.

I didn't - he began, realizing that she thought him to have touched her on purpose, but she turned up her nose and stomped off before he could explain. Wren turned back to where the Princess had been and sighed. She'd disappeared into one of the many hallways heading back into the main part of the palace. Slumping his shoulders in defeat, he walked along the balcony a moment before spying an empty chair. Taking this, he cracked open the book and resigned himself to reading.

Without Rhys here to distract him with any schemes, and his own plans to see the Alchemist put on hold until Phoenix was ready to do the Labyrinth, Wren had used the time to catch up on his research. He'd further delved into the depths of the empire's history and found more than he'd expected. It was quite fascinating, and there were several things that he wanted to share with the Princess, but she was intent on avoiding him. He supposed he had been rather insistent about visiting the Alchemist, but who could blame him?

He'd been back and forth through the newly established gate in order to visit with Ketharly regularly, and he was more than ready to have the potion to turn her back into a human. She was beginning to act strangely about the whole thing, as though she was having second thoughts about wanting to rejoin human society. He could understand her reluctance after so many years away - it would be a difficult adjustment - but he would be with her every step of the way.

He sighed and wound his way back to his guest rooms in the palace. They were lonely without Rhys; he'd grown fond of having the other boy around