Empire of Seduction

peror. She knew the emperor was up to something but h

r your highness," she said, tryin

ying the gardens," he said. "But I think

than before. As Karen's

e, Alexa kept wondering what he had plan

ll, private chamber deep in the heart of the building. The ro

or said, gesturing to

But she knew that she had no choice

he said. "I know all about your past, and I do hope you know the reason why

nds her thoughts filled with doubt and a

at I care about is your... potential. You have a certain... spar

d filled with suspicion. What

id, his eyes locked on hers. "I want you to work for me and

in her thoughts. She knew that the task wasn't goin

aptured her attention. A symbol that connect to the sha

ential," Alexa said, her voice in a subdued t

der. "Ah, Alexa," he said.

ation. She knew that she had to to

ked, her voice sh

ke yourself comfortable and i do h

mber, her mind raced a bit. She knew

to hushed corridors and dim candlelight. The scent of wax and perfume lingered in the air,

hair, and the necklace the king gave to her, a knock on her door broke the silence.

ce steady, though her heart

ed inside, his eyes scanning the

ited?" Alexa asked, arching an eyebrow, trying to keep her

id and deliberate. "Only when the lady in question seems intent on p

as she removed the last pin from her hair. "I don't need

tone sharper now, his breath whispering against her ear. "Because whoever sent you that note at the gala 'b

gaze in the mirror. The gravity of his words was

ve no business with any Shadow Concord or whatever you call them" she turned towards Karen l

their own tactics against them." Karen said. "We'll use their own tact

she knew that she needed his help. She was caught in betwee

y a cold, calculating gaze from Karen, a

rying to keep her voice steady, tho

heir game, of course. But thi

ng eerie shadows on the walls. Alexa felt a b