No Solace (The Flames of Retribution - Book 1)

Chapter Thirty-Six - An Uncomfortable Dinner

Unfortunately, escaping the dinner was not possible.

Fortunately, however, I had been instructed to bring Ursula along, so at least I had moral support. She was dressed in a bright fuschia, gauzy ensemble, and wore a fox mask on her face. Looking at my expression, she put a hand on my shoulder. It was the most appropriate mask I'd ever seen on her.

"What's up?"

"I found out from the ambassador that Lord Tiberius might not be loyal to Calasha. He might have stronger loyalties to Sanfelton. I also found out that the ambassador might be a stumbling block to our plans."

I explained to her what transpired in his office.

Ursula sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "Great, just what we needed, another complication. Do you want me to break into Lord Tiberius' house and see what I can come up with?"

I shook my head, a small smile tugging at my lips. "No, Ursula. Breaking into Lord Tiberius's house is not necessary at this point. But..."

Ursula gave me an impatient look. "But what?"

"We should make a trip to the Lows as the priest and the nun. I think it's time to start stirring trouble with the church and the people. If the ambassador is going to stymie all our plans, then we need to start acting alone."

Ursula raised an eyebrow at my suggestion, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "Oh, I like the sound of that. Stirring up trouble with the church and the people sounds like just the kind of chaos we need. Count me in. When will we go?"

"Tomorrow. With the growing attention on me, we have to move more quickly than I hoped."

She gave me a small smile. "Okay, tomorrow. Now let's focus on getting through this dinner with the imperials."

I cast her a worrying look. She had her planning face on, and I was sure she was thinking of the chaos much too fondly. "Remember, not tonight, tomorrow."

She pouted. "Way to rain on my party. Very well."

While I eyed Ursula all the way to the dinner, sure she'd somehow disappear right under my nose and commit mayhem, we finally arrived at the grand Palace. The emperor and the imperial family were already in the dining room when we were led there, their regal attire shining under the chandeliers. I took a deep breath, reminding myself to stay composed.

As I approached the emperor, he stood and turned towards me with a warm smile. "Ah, welcome, Kaashif" he said, then he surprised me by extending his hand for me to take.

I bowed respectfully before taking his hand, feeling the weight of his presence. "Your Majesty," I replied, my voice steady but with a hint of nervousness.

Kohl, Altair, and the crown prince were all present. Kohl smirked as his gaze raked down me. The empress was stiff as she took a drink from her glass, her frosty pale turquoise eyes assessing me in a similar fashion as her son.

Kohl's smirk sent icy fingers down my spine. I could feel his gaze lingering on me, and it made me feel exposed and vulnerable. I tried to ignore his presence, reminding myself to stay focused and composed.

Because of him, Chevral had been ruined. As I looked at Kohl, the one who had manipulated Chevral and used him as a pawn in his own game, a surge of anger passed through me. Kohl seemed to notice, because his smirk turned into a delighted grin as he inclined his head. Kohl had taken advantage of Chevral's vulnerability and had ultimately destroyed him. It was a reminder of the darkness that lurked within the imperial family, a darkness that I was determined to expose and bring to justice.

Altair's gaze was intense, as usual. It seemed that there wasn't a single person in this family that had any measure of serenity. He raised his glass to me, and I was reminded of our awkward exchange at the embassy. My smile was stiff in return.