Ana and Dionysius didn’t have a throne. Only Tatiana, as the heir apparently did. But she couldn’t hold court without the emperor and the empress in attendance. She was there to learn how to do her job in the future. But Tatiana loved to lord her seat literal over both of her sisters, and she hated it did nothing to illicit jealousy in Ana. “Sister, can you tell me why I’ve been summoned back early, or will we be playing guessing games? Where is everyone?” “As if you don’t know already.” “Actually, I wouldn’t waste my breath if I knew. I’ll ask again Tatiana, what is going on?” Ana tried not to wince, she shouldn’t be showing this part of her personality. Tatiana would take it as a direct threat. Ana needed to be careful. “I am the heir apparent and as father is recovering from your attack. I am the one here to greet the offender.” “Tatiana, what attack? When did this happen? What happened? I don’t know what
“Adriana, hold up a moment. I thought you were going to not call attention to any false connections between you and whatever happened around here?” George chased after her with several guards hot on his heels, but when he spoke with her, they kept a respectful distance from the couple and observed them closely. “George, stop right there. Have you forgotten it’s Princess Adriana here?” Ana needed to remind them of where they were and how to address her. If he messed up too much, it could harm them on so many levels. She prayed it wasn’t too late now. “I’m sorry.” George acted properly chastised for the guards, because truly Ana didn’t care about that. “As for that outburst there. I’ve pointed everyone’s eyes in several directions, not just Tatiana. Well, maybe most of the arrows are pointed in her direction, but any of those who have any brain in their heads can see I’ve pointed them to look for someone who’s trying to not only kill us but dr
Franco let Tatiana sit in the throne room and receive people. She wasn’t allowed to preside over any official business, and he wasn’t pleased with her recalling Adriana as she had. He would have to deal with Adriana and her safety in his own time. Though it pleased him greatly to have Edger inform him of how she’s thrown Tatiana’s accusations back into her face and stood her own. Adriana definitely had his temper, and it was now clear to everyone in court who was clearly his daughter and a chip off the old block. Tatiana had something to fear of Adriana. That was the backbone of steel Adriana had that went along with a mind that saw ten steps ahead of Tatiana’s. The encounter all but confirmed to Franco that Tatiana may sit in his left hand, but she didn’t belong on the throne. Now he only needed to find evidence she played a part in her mother and sister’s death. He didn’t need it to worry about the attack on himself. He was almo
Franco watched the young soldier leave after having a private audience with him. The poor man didn’t understand half of what Franco asked of him. But at least he was loyal enough to do what needed to be done. He worried he was letting his guilt and his face lull him into trusting him with his daughter too quickly. Maximus Lioness’ concerning reports were pause enough, but Franco knew how Maximus exaggerated most things and filled in the blanks with juicy speculation and touted it as fact. His methods may fool Tatiana, but Franco was too old to be blinded by that. “Emperor, are you truly sending the princess into danger like that? What if he can’t find safety for her?”Eva asked of him. He smiled indulgently into her face and realized this woman may not be Adriana’s mother, but she cared about her more than her mother ever had. Half of the reason Franco hid in his suites right now was to hide the fact he wasn’t as
Maximus couldn’t believe his luck. His reports didn’t cause the princess to be recalled. That’s the issue Maximus had. His contacts hadn’t contacted him in weeks, and his attempts went unanswered. What was happening and what was his next job? He needed to know what his next goals were. The Blood Traitor Network didn’t give out their plans to just anyone. They spoon fed the faithful only what they needed to know when they needed to know it. He knew that he’d have to be patient, but he was becoming antsy again. He needed to cut loose again and get what he was owed. Maximus needed to go out and find another sweet young thing and enjoy himself by availing himself of her virtues and everything that went with it. Adriana was too difficult to manage, and he deserved a reward for putting up with her horrid temper and rude behaviour. Just thinking about how she questioned everything he said and didn’t do what he told her. Her father should discipline her for her wilful n
Ana didn’t have much of anything in her rooms. But little Xavier and his things arrived in one piece. He’d decided her bed was a far better place to sleep than his own. Ana’s thoughts were accented by puppy snores. What would she do with Xavier once they trapped her in the dungeon? She couldn’t send him on to Ragnar or Edith herself. There couldn’t be any connection between them if this was to work. She knew Xavier couldn’t be left behind here. Ana would have to get George to slip Xavier out of here and to Ragnar or his people. She hated to do it. In the past months, she’d grown attached to Xavier and his energetic moods. He was loud and excitable, but he was also sweet and affectionate. Xavier fit Ana perfectly. He was great at hunting, too. Well, hunting squirrels and cats, at least. It appeared if the animal was smaller than him; it was fair game. Though George now claimed Xavier hadn’t killed the cat in her dressing room. So w
“You can’t be serious. Those were the emperor’s words. I knew he didn’t like me because I’m sure it has everything to do with my behaviour. He’s punishing me like that, but Tatiana is allowed to be footloose and fancy free. How is that fair?” Ana couldn’t believe what George was relaying to her. “It’s not publicly. Not how Tatiana tried to make a scene. He’s ensuring you are where they believe you’d be if the emperor was unaware of her connection with the plot against your family. He’s allowing her to try again to kill him so that he can catch her.” “I’m still unsure if she is guilty. What if she’s innocent and, like me, they’re setting her up to look guilty, too?” “Who would that be? The Blood Traitor Network? If that were the case, why wouldn’t they kill Tatiana as well?” George had his theories, but he wanted Ana to see them for herself in the information they had. “I don’t get it.” Ana distractedly shook her head from side to
George couldn’t stop himself. He had to touch Ana and make sure she knew it may appear that she was alone, but she wasn’t he’d been there for her. He didn’t know when he moved, but at some point, they were standing together mere inches apart. He could see her large green eyes and smell her alluring scent. George wanted to eat her up, but he relegated himself to holding her shoulders, and leaving a lingering kiss on her forehead. “I promise I won’t let you rot in the dungeons. As soon as I can get you out of there, I will have you free, then we’ll continue with the plan. Okay?” She nodded. “I don’t want you doing anything that will get you killed.” “Too late for that, Ana. I’ve some sketchy things in my past. There’s no time right now to give you the intimate details of that. I’m sure we’ll have plenty of time to talk about it later. Now, you have an audience with the emperor. Then things will be set in motion.” Ge