The tight knot in Magnuss chest finally loosened just a little. Good.

He saw relief in Cleos eyes as she nodded. Thank you, She said.

What is this magic in Basilia that could help me? Gaius asked as Selia grabbed a canvas bag and started shoving some of her belongings into it.

Magic that once belonged to the immortals themselves, she told him. An object of great power that very few know exists.

And what object is that? Magnus asked.

Its called the bloodstone. We will find it together, and when we do I am certain it will fully restore your father to his former greatness.

That sounds like a valuable treasure, the king said. One youve never mentioned to me before today.

I didnt tell you everything I know, Gaius.

No. Im quite sure you didnt.

Their voices became distant echoes as Magnus considered the existence of this bloodstone . . . another rock imbued with great power and magic that could allegedly heal even someone who already looked as if they had been dead and buried.

Forget his father, Magnus thought. That was magic he wanted for himself.

CHAPTER 9.

AMARA.

LIMEROS.

Since childhood, Amara had enjoyed taking long walks in the tropical splendor of the Jewel of the Empire, relishing in its vibrant colors and warm weather, often with Ashur by her side. The kiss of sunlight gave her renewed hope when her father had been particularly cruel or her brothers Dastan and Elan ignored her very existence. In Kraeshia, no one had to wear heavy fur-lined cloaks or huddle close to fires to keep from freezing.

Yes, she missed her home desperately and longed to return there when she finally had what shed come here for. Then she would say farewell to this frozen and unforgiving kingdom once and for all.

She turned from the main halls large windowpane, framed with ice crystals, which looked out at the villas snow-covered grounds, to regard Kurtis. Hed entered the hall to bring the daily news, and he currently kneeled before her, his arms full of papers.

Rise and speak, Lord Kurtis, she commanded as she moved toward her small throne.

Preparations are under way for you to move to the Limerian palace tomorrow, your grace, he said.

Excellent. Gaius had suggested the move three days earlier, before his departure, and shed rather not stay at the villa any longer than absolutely necessary.

She strived for patience as Kurtis struggled, one-handed, to sort through his armful of papers.

Have my men reported anything on my husbands current whereabouts? she asked.

He scanned a few more pieces of parchment before replying. No, your grace. Not yet.

Really? Nothing at all?

No. He gave her a thin smile. But Im sure hed be pleased to know that his wife is so eager to have him return to her side.

Yes, of course. Amara regarded him for a moment in silence, still trying to decide whether or not shed come to value his presence over the last few days. According to Gaius"and Kurtis himself"this young man had been a worthy grand kingsliege, one whod held command of Limeros for months before Magnus arrived and tore his power away.

Amaras gaze drifted to the stump of Kurtiss right arm. Despite the dressing of fresh white bandages, a blotch of blood had begun to seep through.

What other news is there? she asked, taking a sip from her goblet of cider that Nerissa had provided earlier.

My father, Lord Gareth, has sent a message.

Read it to me.

He unrolled the parchment, dropping several others pieces of paper to the floor. Great Empress, first, my deepest congratulations on your marriage to King Gaius, a true and dear friend of mine. He sent word to me about the current situation in Mytica, and I wish for you to know that I understand the situation and embrace this chance to serve my glorious new empress in any capacity you may require.

Yes, Amara thought wryly, Im quite sure he does, given that the alternative is death or imprisonment.

For now, Kurtis continued, unless you command my services elsewhere, I will remain at the Auranian palace in the City of Gold. Please know that I shall welcome any and all Kraeshians as friends and allies.

Very good. Amara gifted Kurtis with a small smile when he finished. Your father sounds a great deal like you. Very amenable to unexpected changes.

Kurtis returned her modest grin with a simpering one of his own, telling her that he took this wry observation as a compliment. We both have a knack for recognizing greatness in a leader.

Thats very wise of you, she said through teeth made to ache by Kurtiss cloying comment.

In her periphery, she saw Nerissa enter the room with a tray of food and wine. The girl quietly placed it on a table. When Kurtis immediately gestured to her to leave, Amara turned toward the door.

Stay, Amara commanded her. I want to speak with you.

Nerissa bowed. Yes, empress.

Lord Kurtis, is that all the news for the day you have to share with me?

Kurtiss back stiffened. I have many more papers to read to you.

Yes, but do they contain anything important? She raised an eyebrow and waited. Vital? Any news of my soldiers on the brink of a revolt against their new ruler? Or news of Prince Ashurs imminent arrival?

No, your grace.

Then you may leave us.

Yes, your grace. Without another word, Kurtis bowed his head and left the room. In the few days shed known the kingsliege, shed realized one important thing: He took commands very well.

Nerissa waited by the door.

Amara stood up from her throne and smoothed her skirts as she approached the girl. Bring the wine and come with me.

Nerissa did as instructed, and Amara led her to her living chambers, a series of rooms that were more comfortable and much less formal. Please, sit, she said.

Nerissa hesitated for only a short moment before taking the seat next to Amara, who had chosen an overstuffed velvet armchair positioned in front of the vanity mirror.

Cleo had known a great deal about the Kindred. There was a chance her attendant might have overheard something important that might help Amara, especially in terms of Lucias importance in the matter. Amara planned to coax out whatever Nerissa might know.

We havent had a chance to speak privately since you were assigned to me, Amara said. There is much about you that makes me curious, Nerissa Florens.

That you would be curious about someone like me is an honor, Nerissa replied politely.

Florens . . . Thats an unusual surname for a Mytican. Yes?

Quite unusual, yes. But my family isnt from Mytica. Not originally. My mother brought me here when I was a little girl.

And what of your father?

Killed in a battle when the city of my birth was invaded.

A small gasp escaped Amaras lips. You speak so bluntly and without emotion. Its as if youre a Kraeshian like me.

The corner of Nerissas mouth twitched, almost a smile. My origins arent any more Kraeshian than they are Mytican, although your father did try his best to change that. My family was from the Gavenos Islands.

Ah, yes. That made perfect sense. Florens did sound very much like the surnames common in the Gavenos Islands, a cluster of small kingdoms that Amaras father had easily conquered when she was just a child. Im surprised youve chosen to reveal this to me.

Not at all, your majesty. I have no ill feelings about something your father did more than fifteen years ago. Nerissa sighed. According to my mother, our home was a horrible place before it became part of the Kraeshian Empire. The war gave us a reason to leave.

But your father . . .

He was a brute. He beat my mother regularly. He did the same to me when I was a mere toddler"though thankfully I dont have any memories of that. No, it was a blessing, not a curse, for us to be forced to start a new life in Mytica.

Your mother must be a very brave woman to take on such a challenge all by herself.

She was. Nerissa smiled softly, her light brown eyes distant in memory. She taught me everything I know. Alas, she passed away four years ago.

My condolences for your loss, Amara said, sincerely. I am curious to know what specifically such a formidable woman chose to teach you.

Nerissa raised a brow. Shall I be honest, empress?

Always, Amara said, and she had to force herself not to lean toward her new companion too eagerly.

The most important thing she taught me was how to get anything I want.

What a valuable skill.

Yes, its certainly proven to be.

And how did she suggest you do that? Amara asked with curiosity.

By giving men what they want first, Nerissa said with a smile. After we fled the islands, my mother became a courtesan. A very successful one. At Amaras look of shock, she shrugged. During my childhood, a normal day for her consisted of activities that would make most people blush.

Amara had to laugh. Well. That is rather unexpected"but, frankly, admirable. I would have liked to know your mother, I think.

She also would have liked to have known her own mother, the one who gave her life for Amaras. Strong, brave women were meant to be celebrated and remembered, not discarded and forgotten.

Amara noticed this sort of strength in Nerissa. After all, she must have done something right to get this far unharmed. I must ask, assuming that you were at the palace during the siege, how is it that you came to be here at the villa? Did the king bring you here immediately?

No, his guard Enzo did, Nerissa said matter-of-factly. He was concerned for my well-being.

Beyond that of any other attendant at the palace?

Oh, yes. Nerissa gave her a wicked smile. After the occupation, Enzo brought me here to work elsewhere in the villa. When the king noticed this, he chose me to attend to you. Making Enzo believe that we are much closer than we really are has benefitted me greatly, wouldnt you say?

Indeed, I would say that. Amaras smile began to spread. We have more in common than Id have ever thought.

Do we?

Amara nodded. Id like you to use this very special skill you have to get to know my soldiers, to find out what they say about me. Specifically, if they have any intention of defying a command from an empress rather than an emperor.

Nerissa pursed her lips briefly before speaking. Yes, Kraeshian men are not as open to such a change, are they?

I suppose Ill find out if they are or not in time, but Id much rather have prior knowledge of any uprising.

I will certainly do what I can.

Thank you. Amara studied Nerissa, waiting for any reluctance, any flinch at what shed asked for, but there was none. I see why men like you, Nerissa. Youre very beautiful.

Thank you, your grace. Nerissa raised her gaze to meet Amaras. Shall I pour you some wine?

Yes, please pour us both a cup. Amara watched her do as she asked, while imagining the girl doing the same for Cleo and Magnus. How many attendants did Cleo have?

In Auranos, several Limerian girls were assigned to her, but they werent to her liking. After I arrived, she needed no one else.

Im sure. Tell me, is she in love with Prince Magnus? I would have thought no, given that he was her enemy not so long ago, but now Im not so sure, given the direction of her recent speech.

Nerissa handed Amara a goblet of wine and sat back down in her chair, sipping at her own glass. Love? Im not so sure. Attraction, surely. For all her innocent looks, I know the princess is an excellent manipulator. She looked away. I shouldnt say such things.

Amara touched her hand. No, please. You must speak freely with me. Nothing you say will be held against you. All right?

Nerissa nodded. Yes, your grace.

Tell me, did the princess ever mention to you what she knew of the whereabouts of Lucia Damora? Have they been in contact at all since her elopement?

Nerissa frowned. All I know is that Princess Lucia ran off with her tutor, and it was quite the scandal. No one, to my knowledge, has seen her since"unless you believe the rumors.

Amara lifted her gaze from her wine to the lovely girls face. What rumors are those?

That the king has concealed the truth all these years"that his daughter is a witch. And there have been tales in recent days of a witch whos been traveling across Mytica, killing anyone who stands in her way and burning down entire villages.