The Reluctant Empress by Teresa Howard

Author:Teresa Howard
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: young adult fantasy, coming of age, teenage heroine, surrogate, handmaids tale, young adult science fiction
Publisher: Champagne Book Group
Published: 2018-07-15T16:00:00+00:00

Twenty-Three

Hanoree struggled with a problem. Varick was becoming too powerful and was beginning to try to direct policy. His strategic plans were sometimes brilliant, and he had made himself indispensable by providing a source of drugs and women. On the down side, he knew all of Hanoree’s secrets, and that made him very dangerous. Worse, he failed to bring in the girl and her baby or kill them.

“How may I serve you?” Varick said.

“Bring me this woman who claims to carry the late emperor’s child or bring me her head.”

“I am doing the best I can. There are new leads coming in. Unfortunately, no one knows her location,” Varick explained.

“What new leads?”

“She has fled the Empire and is in a southern kingdom awaiting the birth of her child.”

Hanoree looked up. That was something he might do. Which kingdom would he choose? Who would help him if he were this girl?

“You took care of the assassin?” Hanoree asked for the umpteenth time.

“Yes, my Emperor.” Varick’s voice lowered on the last.

It was forbidden anyone be called emperor before being officially crowned. Hanoree smiled. He loved the title. The sooner it was his the better. The drug took effect. He relaxed, feeling magnanimous. “You have been a loyal servant and advisor. What would you desire if I choose to reward your service?”

“I ask for my life, my Emperor, and to serve you. I would also ask my estates be protected for my children.”

Hanoree almost blasted Varick for false modesty, but realized the man knew his days might be numbered and was asking for his life. “I shall grant your request. You shall live and prosper as my servant. You will be the next First Minister of the Empire.”

Varick blinked. Hanoree hid his smile. First Minister was the highest rank an emperor could bestow on a non-royal. The head of the Council of Nobles was higher but was always of noble blood.

Varick bowed low. “I am not worthy.”

“Are we any closer to getting a date for our ascension to the throne?” Hanoree asked as Varick straightened.

“No, and I do not understand it. There is no reason to delay. Even the people have begun to get restless for a decision.”

Hanoree’s voice grew thoughtful as he said, “Perhaps someone is trying to delay the matter.” He was not generally a pensive man. The drugs made him calm, and his mind was sharper when focused.

“That is a possibility. Someone may know the girl carries the late emperor’s child.” Varick strode to the table where a bottle of the best wine was standing in a bucket of ice. He picked up the bottle and pulled the cork.

“Join me,” Hanoree said. “If the late empress had a confidant, someone who helped her arrange things with Madama Ector, who would that be?”

Holding a glass of wine to his lips, Varick turned. He took a slow sip before answering, “Someone we would not suspect. None of the court ladies comes to mind. They could not keep the secret. This person would have a vested interest in helping the empress.

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