They returned to their residence and bided their time. Adriana used the time to formulate plans for the next round of sittings which wasn’t easy with Maximus questioning every step of every plan. She was at the point where she’d put her in a mood where she needed to put her foot down literally. Several times she wanted to put her foot into his face. If she hadn’t the good sense to work, her aggressive tendencies out in the gym George created in the basement for the security staff. So, when she couldn’t run outside there was some place she could train. “You can’t limit the trade between the Empire and any other faction, it’ll harm us as much or more than us.” Maximus always had an objection about all of her decisions. “Maximus this is to make a point and it won’t last long. Also, it doesn’t harm us, it inconveniences us there’s a major difference. It hurts them because we aren’t the only using this tactic to bring them in line. Why am I explaining this to y
Ana couldn’t believe it was happening already. This meant no one bothered to inform her of an attack on her family. She didn’t want to go back, because it meant the worst for her. If anything went wrong, she could end up dead for something she didn’t do.'Tell Mr Atwood, I need to see him immediately. Now, it’s an emergency.” Ana pushed the guard that delivered the letter out the door with these instructions. Her mind raced trying to remember exactly what the timeline was for her. She’d been warned that she needed to go home, or something important wouldn’t happen. “Ugh! Why are these visions and fortunes so vague?! I need details. Details would make a world of difference in my decision making.” Ana spoke to no one in particular. She didn’t know what she could do or not do. How could her hands feel so tied while there’s no rope or chains in sight? It took several minutes for George to appear, and when he did Ana was at a loss for words. He’d clearly been training his men and had
George left Ana after he had her calmed down and reminded her of the instructions she needed to remember. There was so much, and she was still trying to find her identity. Right now, George saw her at his weakest and strongest. He knew he was falling in love with both sides of her personality. But this would be the make-or-break test. Could she live without contact with her family or be at the wrong end of their society? Would she survive being on the run? Sure he knew she could defend herself, and stand up against those who opposed her interests. But he worried she’d cannot survive in the most basic manner. Eating, working, and even hunting. He wasn’t sure she knew how to hunt to survive. That’s where his fears for her lay at this moment. Once the important things were packed, he personally took it to the warehouse where it would wait for the dragons to pick up, or for him to pick up. Either way, only a handful of people knew where it was. An hour before they wo
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