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Father wanted her to marry. He obviously wished to hand her over to the king this instant. And, legally, he could. Her heart hammered and her breath caught. How might she escape? Desperate, she looked Akabe in the eyes and whispered, “I love someone else! Kien Lantec. He’s asked me twice. . . .”
    Father gripped her wrist and made her look at him. “ What? When?”
    She hesitated, remembering. “Before Siphra’s revolution. And after the fall of Parne.” The heat of a blush worked over her face. The last time she’d seen Kien, he’d kissed her and promised he would never give up asking her to marry him.
    Father’s color also heightened, but with obvious frustration. “And you refused him?”
    â€œI felt I should.” Taking courage, she said, “I’d be a difficult wife—a burden.”
    His voice low, Akabe said, “I disagree. It would be an honor to marry you, Ela. And if you had said the name of any other man, I’d argue with you. However, disappointed though I am, I could never speak a word against Kien Lantec.” He offered her a sad smile and clasped her free hand. “He counts himself as blessed, I’m sure.”
    To Father, Akabe said, “Please do not be angry with her, sir, and do not believe that I am angry with either of you—I am not. I’ll greet you both at the temple site.”
    He left them quietly, through an amazingly concealed side door—its contours vanishing within the ornate wall carvings as he shut the door behind him.
    Father glowered at Ela. “Because of your stubbornness, you’ve embarrassed that good man! I’m grateful he’s kind. Any other king would have punished us, I’m sure!”
    â€œI’m sorry.”
    Dan hadn’t mentioned his own mortification, but Ela saw it in his eyes. In the way he rubbed a hand over his face. Oh, she’d humiliated Father. Badly.
    Ela longed to crawl away and hide. Finally, Dan straightened, seeming to brace himself. “Let’s go. Chin up, Ela. We need to walk past all those courtiers again.”
    She could not allow herself to cry. Would not. Akabe’s look of hurt . . . Oh my.
    Infinite, I wish I might have been warned. Kien . . . Ela ached to think of him.

    Finished telling of his rejection, Akabe sat back in his chair and waited for his council members’ reactions. Their shock manifested in widened eyes and gaping mouths. Lord Faine shook his head. “How could she refuse you?”
    Trying to cover his disappointment with humor, Akabe said,“I’m in excellent company. She refused Kien Lantec—Lord Aeyrievale.”
    Lord Piton huffed, “Aeyrievale! We’ve seen no hint that she’s communicated with him!”
    â€œReally?” Akabe frowned at Piton. “My lord, how long have you been spying on the prophet?”
    To his credit, Piton blushed. “Er, about three weeks, sir. A mere precaution. Nothing to discredit the young lady. We’ve decided to keep watch over all of Siphra’s prophets—the Parnian and her lesser acolytes—scattered as they are while proclaiming the Infinite’s will throughout Siphra. You know from experience what chaos one prophet can provoke.”
    â€œYes.” The most profound spiritual and political chaos. Not to mention personal misery.
    He’d been refused. For the best of reasons, but still refused. Akabe planted his booted feet against the tiles. He would not resort to kicking something, but would deal with the humiliation and proceed. Straightening, he slapped his hands on the gleaming table. “What next, my lords? Have you created a list of potential prospects?”
    Faine sighed. “No, sir. We were convinced the girl would accept you—and are shocked that she did not. I suppose that will be our next task.” He paused, clearly choosing his words with care.