Sacrificed by Jéssica Macedo

Author:Jéssica Macedo [Macedo, Jéssica]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Grupo Editorial Portal
Published: 2023-07-06T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

The afternoon passed quickly while I isolated myself in a corner watching them bathe in lotions, fragrances or fix their hair. It was a day like any other when the expectation of being called by the emperor continued.

I sat by the window, watching the sky turn orange until the first stars began to appear.

I would remain quiet, let the other women fight for a place in the emperor's bed as if it were the best prize they would ever receive. I felt there was something more important, latent, about myself that needed addressing.

Why couldn't I manipulate the elements but still be immune to fire like someone from that nation? It didn't make sense.

“What are you doing?!” I was startled when Maxtom appeared beside me with a frown, recriminating expression.

"Waiting for time to pass." I remained motionless, hugging my knees and watching the sky through the windowpane.

“You should be ready.”

“For what?”

"The emperor sent for you."

“Me?” My tone was one of surprise.

After what had happened this morning, I figured he'd go back to avoiding me.

I had frustrated him, but I had an uncanny ability to do that to everyone around me.

"Get up quickly!" He yelled. “The emperor will be furious at your delay.”

Maxtom pulled me off and pushed me toward the fountains. He basically knocked me into one of them, not caring that I was still dressed.

Rory came over to me and tried to help, dressing me as the eunuch hurried us impatiently.

"He waits for you once more!" She was excited, while I carried many fears that I preferred not to share.

Rory did the best she could in short order, preparing me for my meeting with the Emperor, and Maxtom grabbed my forearm, dragging me out of the women's wing and back to the Emperor's quarters, where he was sitting at long wooden table again.

He opened the door and pushed me inside, making me stagger a few steps; I almost tripped over the huge rug that covered the floor and looked like it had been extracted from the skin of some animal.

"What happened that took so long?" Arden's tone was one of deep impatience.

“She wasn't ready, my lord.”

“How difficult is it to take a shower and put on a dress?”

"I thought you were having fun with another women today, and I was doing something more productive with my time than dressing up for your presence."

Arden snorted, slamming his hand down on the table, and the utensils rattled.

"You seem to enjoy your insolence, finding it amusing to challenge me, as if it were a pleasure."

“If that's your theory.” I shrugged.

Arden got to his feet and in a few steps had closed the distance between us. His firm hand wrapped around my neck and I heard a crash as I collided against the side of the table. I felt the heat of his fingers and realized that his hand was on fire. I held my gaze steady on his as the glow of the flames crept over my hair, which didn't move, as well as my chest.

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