I’m surprised she knows my name. But then surely it’s already known among the protectors who took the leadership role of the Nactue. I’m flattered for a moment until she opens the door wider and I spot Councilor Herna. My elation plummets.
“Come in,” Councilor Herna says, not looking up from a document spread across the dark wood of her desk.
Thanking the guard, I slip past her and into the chamber. There are no other members of the Council present, and the still room echoes my every step. I stop before her desk and stand at attention with my hands linked behind my back.
Finally, she looks up. “How can I assist you, Protector Kaliope?”
Swallowing down my nerves, I lift my chin. “Protector Carina has appointed me in charge of training the Nactue.” I won’t out Carina for attacking me or abandoning her post. I’m not a rat, and from what I saw through the bond, Carina already has enough issues with the councilor. “I’d like to be informed of the happenings in Court, the situation in Perinya, and be given a detailed training procedure for the Nactue.”
Her pale, thin lips spread into a half-smile. “Very impressive. I was wondering how long it would take for Carina to shirk her duties and for you to step up. Not long at all, I see.”
My lips part, ready to cover for Carina again, but she continues. “Protector Carina is very head-strong, and although that’s a fine quality to have in a leader”—she eyes me sternly—“it can also be detrimental.” She leans back in her chair and crosses her arms over her chest. Her tan tunic hangs loosely at her thin wrists. “For now, I’d like you to keep up the routines you learned in the protectors. Honestly, there’s not much Carina can teach you anyway. Your Nactue will learn more by simply jumping in and doing.” She clears her throat. “As for Perinya, there is still no word.”
The room swallows her last statement, silence building uncomfortably between us. I nod once. “I will lead them in training, but I’d like to know when we will take charge of guarding Empress Iana.” This is bold of me to demand, but I can’t possibly learn my role any other way.
“Normally, there’s a two-week transition. But since Protector Carina has abandoned her station, it doesn’t seem as though you and the Nactue have a choice.” Her chair scrapes the floor as she rises, then she walks around the desk to stand before me. “Tomorrow, you will bring the Nactue to the empress’s quarters and join the former Nactue. With so many protectors watching over the empress, she’s assured much more protection in this uncertain time, and you’ll be able to learn your duties that way.”
Bowing my head, I say, “Thank you, councilor.” Then I meet her steely eyes once more. “And if word comes—”
“When the messenger arrives, you’ll be contacted to join the meeting.” She smiles. “Again, I’m very impressed. I think you’re already handling your position quite well.”
“I will do all that I can to protect the empress and Cavan.”
Her eyes scan my face, and their corners crinkle as she smiles. “You’re dismissed.” She turns her back to me and walks to her chair. “Take the rest of this day to explore the palace. Have the Nactue get acquainted with their surroundings.” She faces me before taking her seat, her eyes hard. “I fear it may be the only rest you’ll get for a long time.”
After I gather the Nactue, we set forth to explore as Councilor Herna advised. I glance at my transmitter, hoping an order from the councilor or someone else will flash on the screen. I feel as if I’m wandering aimlessly, the confidence I held earlier waning as my anger with Carina fades.
Why did Carina abandon me? Whatever is between her and the Council has nothing to do with me, and I’m floundering. Couldn’t she wait until after I’ve been trained to throw a tantrum? Or is this the norm for her—doing exactly what she wants when she feels like it.
Once we reach the top level of the palace, I lead the four women behind me toward the empress’s quarters. I want to know the area we’ll be guarding greatly in the future. Our rooms are on the opposite side of this wing. Close, but still far enough away that Empress Iana maintains her privacy.
The air is heavily scented with lavender and myrrh. Tiny tendrils of smoke waft up from a brass burner in the corner as we enter the rooms.
Kai, the former Nactue with the red eye makeup, stands guard before the empress’s chamber in the large, open receiving room. She nods her head to me as I approach.
“The empress is being dressed for her daily prayer ritual,” she says. “It’s at this time every day, and she requires three Nactue to escort her.”
“Thank you for this information,” I say, and I’m grateful that Kai’s expression doesn’t convey the annoyance Carina’s held. Maybe I can tag along with her and learn the empress’s schedule, at least. “Are the other former Nactue inside her chamber?”
“Lisa and Jordan are, but Cara monitors the palace temple, awaiting our arrival with the empress. Carina usually waits with her, but I’m not sure where she is today.” She glances toward the stained glass window, avoiding my eyes, and I wonder if Carina told any of her protectors about what transpired in the courtyard. I’m still unsure as to what transpired. Was that some sort of lesson? Was she testing me? Or does she simply go around randomly attacking people.
Turning to my Nactue, I place my hand on the pommel of my sword and straighten my back. “Lilly and Willa, you’ll monitor the temple while Van, Missa, and I escort the empress. This will be our regular routine at this time.”
Willa gives me a subtle wink, and I nod. She and Lilly have always taken their training and duties seriously, never allowing their relationship to hinder it. I trust them completely, and they work together to make an amazing team. The empress chose wisely when she selected them as her guards.
The Nactue all check their transmitters, marking the time, and then Lilly and Willa head toward the lift, already taking up their stations. I turn back to Kai. “I hope Cara doesn’t mind them joining her to learn their duties.”
Kai lifts one shoulder in a half-shrug. “She’ll probably welcome the company. Ever since the attack on Perinya, nothing has gone according to plan for the transition.” She checks her own transmitter quickly. “At this time, I should be receiving my vissa display and meeting with the Council to be welcomed into the Signaught. But maybe tomorrow, if all goes well.”
The chamber doors part and Jordan and Lisa lead Empress Iana into the room. The empress is dressed in white, nearly transparent garments. Silver beads dangle from the bottom of her silk choli, clinking together against her stomach. The front of her hip scarf reaches mid-thigh, and the sheer material flows to the floor behind her. Her arms, stomach, and legs have been painted with an array of colorful henna. It swirls over the canvas of her skin in ethereal beauty, as if the goddess Monique painted the empress herself.
The purity of her presence fills the room, stealing the air from my lungs, and my chest tightens. Even the incense stills as her perfumed sandalwood sweeps over me. The goddess’s bond must strengthen when she’s close, because my desire to protect her heightens, making it impossible to think of anything else.
I step to the side and the other Nactue line up beside me, making a clear path for Empress Iana to walk past. Jordan and Lisa take the lead, walking ahead of the empress, and I motion for Van and Missa to walk beside them. After Empress Iana passes, I fall into step behind Kai, guarding the back.
On our way to the palace temple, Kai relays that the empress doesn’t ride the lifts, as she dislikes small, enclosed areas, so we move in a large group down the spiral staircase. Once we reach the bottom after descending four levels, Empress Iana turns in my direction.
“Protector Kaliope,” she says, her voice tinkling and soft, like a melody. “Please walk beside me.”