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“Ask her yourself,” I said, buttoning my black breeches and looking over my shoulder at Lily where she glared at Raenisa. I switched from Elvish to the common tongue. “Lily, this is Raenisa, my second-in-command.”
“Lily, eh? They’re really leaning into that flower business.” She said, studying her before I blocked her again. “What are you then? Probably a Wraith Remnant given the hair, huh?”
Lily didn’t respond, instead turning to me as I slipped on a black shirt, buttoning it quickly. “Where are you going?”
“To a meeting. Raenisa will stay here and keep an eye on you.”
“I will?” She raised her brows, taking another bite of her fruit.
“Yes.” I tossed her a bag of coins. “Order her some clothes, will you? And food and shoes. Whatever a woman needs.”
“You don’t plan on keeping her, do you?” Raenisa asked in alarm, and I nodded. “Are you sure that’s wise?”
“Not at all.” I grinned, “But the damage is already done. Might as well get some enjoyment out of it.”
“Theron—“ She began, and I cut her off.
“See you soon.” I stalked to the door before turning around once more. “And keep your eyes on her face and off her tits,” I added in Elvish, making Raenisa scowl.
I strode into the sultry night air, gripping my sword tightly as I made my way toward my mother’s suite on the floor above mine.
My heart pounded in my chest as I walked up the steps to the grand entrance, second only to the Emperor’s rooms. Two tall elves dressed in black stood guard on either side of the door, their eyes never leaving me as I approached. They nodded respectfully when they recognized me and opened the doors without a word.
My mother, Nyana Carxidor, was waiting for me in her chambers, a man-made cavern lined with gold and ivory furniture and draped in silken fabrics. A large chandelier hung from above, casting its shimmering light across everything below. She stared at me, her eyes a golden match to the Emperor’s, but somehow even more malicious. Her black hair was pulled back in a bun at the nape of her neck, accentuating her sharp features. She exuded an aura of power, one that filled the room when she entered it.
She held out a goblet of sweet wine to me as I drew near her and I took it without question, though I didn’t drink. If she thought it would benefit her or Rhazien, she would poison me in an instant.
We stood there in silence for a few moments before she spoke. “I suppose you’re happy that you’ve humiliated your brother.” She paused, waiting to watch my reaction. A minor victory, goading her to speak first.
I kept my face blank, something I’d learned young after she’d sent Rhazien to steal me from my father. “Rhazien isn’t capable of feeling humiliation; only different degrees of narcissism.”
The corner of her mouth lifted. Fuck, she was happy that I’d taken the bait.
“Clever,” she said, sipping from her goblet. It seems that you have some talent for a man who professes he doesn’t wish to be Varzorn’s heir.
“I don’t give a shit about being the heir,” I growled. “I just want to leave this fucking desert.”
She chuckled and shook her head. “And here I thought raising my children would make me proud. You always were so stubborn, Theron. Your father ruined you.” She took another sip of her wine and gestured for me to sit down on the divan opposite her. I did so grudgingly, though I still kept my posture erect in case she attacked me. “Adraedor is full of opportunities to grow your wealth and power. You had only to seize them. But now you need not bother. Rhazien will be Varzorn’s choice.”
“Then my actions don’t matter.”
“Oh, they do,” she said, her words laced with icy venom. “I’m working to make sure it is Rhazien who ascends the throne. And you’re going to help me.”
I snorted in disgust. I was well aware of what she was trying to do; use me as leverage against Rhazien, who had been favored by the emperor since my birth. They had always given him preferential treatment while they cast me aside like some worthless servant. But if there was one thing I knew about my mother, it was that she did nothing without a plan. They called her The Weaver for a reason. That ability was why she pursued my father initially. The Axidor words, ‘The Eye that Looks Ahead,’ had won her over before she’d even met the man. Had she paid more attention, she would have seen how ill-suited they’d been from the start. My father, Larion Axidor, had been a master tactician, yes, but didn’t have the same ruthless ambition as her. She wanted something from me and I had no intention of giving it to her unless it benefited me in the long run.
“So that’s why you summoned me here? To threaten me into helping your beloved son become Varzorn’s heir?”
“It is not a threat,” she replied coldly. “It is an ultimatum and an offer. If you help me, I’ll get you reinstated into the Niothe.” She watched me for a moment longer before adding in a softer tone of voice. “You are my son, Theron, and I love you no matter how much we may disagree.”
I snorted. “That almost sounded sincere, mother. Unfortunately, I’m not a child to fall for your lies anymore.” Her soft expression melted away, revealing her icy features once more. “So, what do you want from me?” I asked finally, folding my arms across my chest.
She smirked, clearly pleased by my willingness to cooperate. “First, I need you to watch your cousins. They’re a dangerous lot, and they would do anything to take the throne away from Rhazien if they could. You mustn’t let them gain an advantage over him.”
She paused, her expression calculating. “Second, I want you to get close to Tannethe.”
“The She-snake? I don’t think so.”
“Allying with the Vennorins is the best move.” She argued.
