The large escort of guards led Aurelius and Cade away from the square. Apparently, that was the rendezvous Heilos and Tidas were supposed to lead them to.

  "The Emperor demands your presence," the lead guard had said.

  Heilos told Aurelius to follow them before leaving. The guards were all in white and gold cloaks with helmets on their heads that had plates blocking their noses. They kept the rowdy people at a distance as Aurelius and Cade made their way through the capital.

  "Where did those two go?" Cade asked Aurelius, almost having to yell in order to be heard. "What's the plan here?"

  "What plan?" Aurelius yelled back.

  "For fu—" Cade stopped herself, glancing at the children admiring all around. She sighed and shook her head.

  Aurelius patted her on the back. "Straighten up. We're among friends. Wave." Aurelius smiled and waved around at all the various faces that riddled the city streets, young and old alike.

  Cade hid her arms under her cloak and walked without drawing attention to herself. As they made it closer to the center of Alexandria, they passed castles and buildings with marble pillars.

  Then they came to a grand square where there was another large statue. Aurelius didn't have time to look at it as they made their way through a park into an area with large fences. The crows were left on the outside.

  Aurelius looked up to see the monumental building with rows and rows of decorated windows, balconies, and towers.

  "Welcome to the Royal Palace, my lord."

  Aurelius nodded absent-mindedly to wherever the dignified voice came from. He would've kept admiring the pristine white and gold building if he hadn't been led inside.

  However, there was just as much to look at inside. The ceiling was nothing but gold. Aurelius walked the halls with his head bent. Cade looked around and chuckled with a hint of spite once in a while. They walked up the stairs and took turns before coming to a pair of large doors.

  At that point, Aurelius was already desensitized to the luxury and focused his gaze ahead as the lead guard spread the doors open.

  Behind them, Aurelius found a throne room. He stopped in his tracks, swallowing. The guards furrowed their brows. He shook as Cade took his hand. Then she gave a nod to let him know she understood.

  Then they stepped into the room. It wasn't quite as large as that of Mircrest's Royal Castle, but they shared an discomforting resemblance. At the back of the room, sitting on a golden throne, was a man with long golden hair. His eyes were a lighter blue than those of Aurelius, his jaw was more square, and he had a slighter frame, but the resemblance was clear.

  "Nephew!" Alexander said, rising from his throne and righting his simple silk robes.

  Aurelius wasn't sure what to say as the emperor made his way to them. The guards left the room, leaving Aurelius, Cade, and Alexander all alone in the massive hall where steps and voices echoed manifold.

  "I've waited a long time to meet you," Alexander said. He spread his arms. Aurelius extended his hand, and Alexander took it into both his hands with a smile.

  "It's an honor," Aurelius said. The meeting was not quite as expected. Aurelius scanned the room, yet there was no trace of anybody. Alexander was completely unguarded.

  Cade seemed amused. Alexander turned his gaze to her. "I see you've brought a companion."

  On edge, Aurelius caught a hint of familiarity in his voice. That's when he figured out Heilos and Tidas had left to bring Alexander a quick report before they met. Why? So that Alexander could better appeal to them?

  While Aurelius wracked his brain, Alexander kissed Cade's hand. She didn't seem especially charmed, though Aurelius had to admit Alexander was possibly the most beautiful man he'd ever seen.

  "I'm Alexander the 6th, Emperor of Zalfari," he introduced himself to Cade. "And you are?"

  "Cade," Cade said, and pointed at Aurelius, "his partner."

  "I see. You have a striking name. You must be from Mircrest," Alexander paused, winking before asking in fluent Miran, "Is that right?"

  "Right you are," Cade said, relieved to be able to talk Miran.

  Aurelius poked her with an elbow, giving her a warning look. Alexander was acting friendly, but he was the emperor and demanded respect.

  If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

  Cade glanced around, continuing to speak in Miran, "I apologize for my manners. But let's cut the shit. We're here because you have a Kendrick problem."

  Alexander's friendly appearance didn't flinch. "The whole world has a Kendrick problem, young lady." Then he turned and began walking back, shoes clacking on the pristine floor, before turning again some distance away. "Aurelius, what exactly were you doing in Calipeidos of all places?"

  Aurelius was ready for the question. "My path of discoveries led me there." Alexander pursed his lips at the answer. "I have a question for you as well, uncle," Aurelius said, knowing that he was playing with fire. "What made you break the promise your father made to mine?"

  Alexander went quiet. Then he turned and began walking again. "You know a great many things," he talked common, having already noticed Cade understood it better. "We can satisfy each other's curiosities later. All I want to know now is if you intend to help me." Alexander spun on his heels. "That is, are you capable?"

  So that was why Alexander had cleared the room. Aurelius knew what he was asking and glanced at Cade. She seemed to disapprove, but it was going to come to light regardless.

  Aurelius put a hand forward, and essence in the air started to gather all around. It flowed like a wave from behind Aurelius to behind Alexander. The emperor turned in wonder like a child, watching the formless essence coalesce at his feet.

  When Aurelius ended the demonstration, Alexander seemed in awe. "You're like him. Exactly like your father."

  Aurelius made no expression. The words referred to his way of using essence. That's how he decided to interpret it. "I'm capable."

  "Of course, of course. There was no doubt," Alexander said, waving his hands.

  "So," Cade said to Alexander, "please tell me at least you have a plan."

  When Alexander was about to answer, the doors burst open.

  "Well, hello, hello, my good men!" A man with a darker shade of golden hair waltzed into the room with black garments. "And woman? Who is this?"

  "Excuse me,' Alexander said, walking past Cade and Aurelius. "This is Xeoveras, my younger brother."

  Despite Alexander holding him back, Xeoveras pushed through. Cade stepped back and looked like she'd murder him if he tried something so Xeoveras put his focus on Aurleius.

  "The son of Ares," he said, stopping in front of him with his hands on his hips. "No love for your uncle?"

  The name Xeoveras has been mentioned once or twice in The Side of Ares, but all Aurelius really knew about him was that he conceived his first child at 15.

  "The Ender of Reigns, they call you," Xeoveras said. "I wonder," he stretched the word mockingly. "How does one live with all that blood on one's hands?"

  Aurelius glanced at his hands and then looked Xeoveras over. "I had gloves."

  Xeoveras burst into laughter. Aurelius noticed Cade squeeze her fists.

  Alexander came to mediate. "Give Aurelius room, Xeoveras. He has come a long way to Alexandria." He addressed Cade and Aurelius. "I'll have my servants escort you to your quarters so you can rest."

  "Our quarters?" Aurelius asked.

  ***

  The quarters were massive, consisting of a living room, bedroom, bathroom, and more. All on the highest floor of the Royal Palace with a view overlooking the grand square and the bustling city below.

  Once the servants were gone, Cade slumped onto the humongous bed with silk sheets. "Ugh, those insufferable." She sat up quickly and looked around sharply.

  "There's nobody spying," Aurelius said with a sigh, putting his bag down. "I would've sensed them if there were."

  "Oh, then you must've sensed that your uncle is scum."

  "Which one?"

  "Both of them!" Cade snapped. "They set you up. I could see how Alexander watched for your reaction when Xeoveras insulted you."

  "Calm down," Aurelius said, sitting beside her. "He's an emperor. It's just that he has to know exactly who he's dealing with."

  "Tch. He sees you as a weapon, and he broke the promise that was made to keep you from being treated as one." Cade leaned her head against him. "Can't you see that?"

  Aurelius sighed. "It's not that simple." He stared ahead at the overwhelming luxury they'd entered. "It's never that simple."