The Bound (Ascension #2)(88)

“Yes,” he said, folding himself back into the chair.

“Thank you, Your Highness,” she said, not forgetting her manners.

“How are you feeling?”

“Horrible,” she admitted.

“I’m sorry to hear that. I’ve had a tonic prepared for you so that you can get more rest.”

“Thank you,” she repeated.

She was waiting for him to say something else. Surely, he wouldn’t have stayed here that long for nothing.

“How did you do it?” Prince Kael leaned his elbows against his knees and intriguingly looked at her.

“Do what?”

“The explosion. How did you harness the black powder you’ve been working with?”

“You’ve been following my work?”

“Yes,” he said.

“I…I don’t know,” she lied. “It was the first time it had ever succeeded.”

“You are friends with Cyrene, are you not?”

Rhea tried not to react to that question, which was so out of nowhere. “I was. We grew up together.”

“You do not seem to be in despair over her kidnapping.” He gave her a toothy grin that reeked of madness.

“I have been for months, Highness,” she whispered.

“Has anyone else told you that you are a bad liar?”

She swallowed. She was nervous now. She fidgeted under his gaze, wondering what he was getting at. “Yes. I’ve heard that before.”

“I would suggest that you do not continue to lie to me. You and I both know that Cyrene was not kidnapped.”

Rhea gulped.

“But that will be our little secret.”

“Why?” she asked helplessly.

“Because you are going to help me militarize this black powder.”

Rhea’s eyes widened. “I can’t.”

“You will create it and teach me how to use it, and in exchange, I will keep the insufferable Captain from bothering you about it.”

“I can’t,” she repeated helplessly.

“And I will not report you for withholding information from the King during a murder investigation.” He drummed his fingers together and stared at her with his piercing gaze. “I’m not sure your friend Eren would appreciate that either.”

Rhea sank further into the bed. Checkmate. “All right,” she breathed. “But the King and Eren must never know.”

He grinned with victory. “I’m very good at keeping secrets.”





“Is that the last one, Consort?” the demure Affiliate Bitta asked.

Daufina pushed the last piece of paper away from her and nodded. “Yes, I believe so.” She stood regally and surveyed all of her hard work.

The Eos holiday was exceptionally important in Byern festivities. It was the day the Creator had first walked the earth and blessed Emporia and also the day of Byern’s independence from the dreaded Doma. Each year, they would have a celebration for the entire country. People would travel far and wide to see the famed Bursts go off overhead and to eat, drink, and be merry.

It was also significant for all the Second and Third Class children who had turned seventeen that year, officially coming of age in Byern. For those individuals, a Presenting ceremony would be held at court to determine their Class as well as to be assigned to their Receivers. This day would determine their entire future. Since so many children came forth, it would be slightly different than for those children of the First Class, who could afford an entire ceremony for one person, but it was still held to much importance.

Part of her key duties as the Consort was to work with the King on placement for all of these children. It was a long process, and many advisors would be brought in to lessen the load. They still had a country to run after all.

“Shall I deliver these to His Majesty for the arrangements this afternoon?” Affiliate Bitta asked.

“Yes. All, save for the First Class ones,” she instructed. She glanced over at High Order Ceron, who had been patiently awaiting orders. She passed a small stack of papers to him. “Take these to High Order Garrison. He’ll know what to do with them.”

“Yes, Consort.”

He procured the paperwork and left at once.

There were so few this year. Even less than last year. But Presenting letters would need to be written for those who would change into First Class. It was tradition.

Affiliate Bitta retrieved the rest of the letters and carefully filed them to be delivered to the King for the ceremony.

Daufina left her work behind and strolled leisurely to her chambers to get ready for her part in the ceremony today. After a good, long soak, she changed into a tiered purple dress woven with diamonds. Her hair was arranged into silky waves that flowed down her back, and her face was artfully painted. The Presenting was a big show, and she needed to look the part.

A contingent of guards escorted her to the chamber where Kaliana and Edric were already waiting. Kaliana was practically glowing in her blue dress. She had even let her hair hang loose over one shoulder instead of wearing it in the sharp bun she usually preferred. Edric looked as regal as ever, and it was truly shocking to see him standing by Kaliana’s side with one hand on her shoulder. Kaliana adoringly gazed up at him.

“Are we waiting on Prince Kael?” Daufina asked.