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Danato’s vision is to be taken seriously, and if it is, how we can alter it. I have always felt powerless before him and his demands on me. In his presence, I feel like a little girl, awkward and angry and unable to speak my voice.
    I must go. Our armies are leaving for the day. Please give Ilario my best and tell him I look forward to seeing him. I am sure you are growing even closer now. I hope to be the first to welcome you both to our camp. Together, we will watch a golden history unfold.
    The light will come.
     
    By Ysa's Grace,
    Lucia
     
    She exhaled a heavy sigh and lowered her chin to her chest. The sense of defilement still plagued her body.
    The clamor of soldiers came from all directions. A guard said through the doors, “Your Grace, the army is gathering.”
    Lucia glanced again at Ysa’s sword and shield. “Tell the Strategos I’ll be there soon.”

 
    Chapter 6: An Apple for the Fairest
     
     
    Kannauj, Pawelon. The same day as the Dux Spiritus ceremony.
     
    NARAYANI LAY SUPINE, nude on the mattress made for a prince. Her mind wandered the maze of the high eggshell ceiling with its curving olive, grey, and purple flourishes. With one hand beneath her head, her other fingers slowly traced patterns over her brown chest and thighs, occasionally touching her lips and long neck. She imagined it was Rao’s mouth and tongue circling sweetly, so that by his mysterious powers each pattern he etched tied their hearts and souls together for all eternity.
    She rolled onto her side and squeezed her knees to her chest, staring longingly out the window at the cloudy sky.
    At least I can feel at home in your world .
    The walls, built from the rich, dark wood of the southern Pawelon forests, helped the enormous chamber feel warm. Bookshelves filled with rare and costly treatises lined the room and, though she had no interest in the philosophy, history, or religion in Rao’s prized collection, the books and scrolls gave the room a comforting touch. They reminded her of him.
    When she finally heard the sound of the countless soldiers outside the room coming to attention, she sat up, making sure her hair was still pulled back neatly. She crossed one shaven leg over the other while pointing her lightly oiled chest at the door.
    Rao stopped as soon as he saw her. His new saffron-colored sage uniform showed off his tall shoulders and athletic build. He looked over her body with an amorous smile. His dark hair had been neatly combed, but she’d have it tousled again soon enough.
    She patted the bed. “I have something for Pawelon’s youngest ever sage. His initiation ceremony lasted all morning. It’s been so hard for me to wait.”
    “I should inspect this present for him to be sure it’s safe. It could be a Rezzian trick. An assassin!”
    “Right. They would do anything to get to him.”
    Rao slipped off his tailored leather shoes and glided to the bed. He sat, still and quiet, gazing into Narayani’s eyes.
    “All the girls have been saying our prince is ravishing in uniform. I couldn’t agree more.”
    “Your beauty shines, as always, like a Sravasti diamond.”
    She smiled. “I hope you’re happy because of what you see in front of you, not because of your accomplishment.”
    Rao’s chest rumbled as he laughed. “Well … it’s only due to you, my love.”
    “That’s what I want to hear.” Narayani came forward on all fours and stopped with her lips in front of his, waiting. She received his hungry kiss, and her world disappeared.
    Rao stood and removed his tight uniform. Narayani stretched out on her side. Rao pressed his warm body to hers.
    “You know I would do anything for you,” she said.
    “Then let me hold you.”
    But I don’t want to wait.
    Their bodies were more than ready. She flicked her tongue at his neck. He held her close, kissing her sweetly around her face. She ran her nails down his back and grabbed his tight buttocks.
    “I want to bear your child, Rao. Your father would be