The Empress of Xytae by Effie Calvin

Author:Effie Calvin [Calvin, Effie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: NineStar Press, LGBT, royalty, new adult, magic, paladins, gods, goddesses
Publisher: NineStar Press, LLC
Published: 2019-05-14T16:00:00+00:00

Back in her grandmother’s study, Ioanna stared down at the map of Xytae and the path marked upon it with little silver pieces. Nearly all of the places marked were locations Ioanna had never visited before, and she was a bit dismayed to see they would be avoiding every major city in the region.

“Orsina and Vel will accompany you on your journey, and serve as your bodyguards,” explained Knight-Commander Livius. “I will be returning to Ieflaria, to gather the rest of the Order and meet your forces in Nassai.”

Her forces. Even now, the term felt strange. She still could not imagine anyone swearing allegiance to her. What if she arrived in Nassai with only her guards and a handful of farmers? It would be mortifying.

“As for Princess Vitaliya, she may remain here, or I will have her escorted home,” continued Grandmother Irianthe. “I believe the latter would be the most prudent course of action.”

“I think it might be better if Vitaliya accompanied me, actually,” Ioanna said. “I discussed the matter with her, and—”

“Ioanna, don’t be ridiculous,” said Grandmother Irianthe, surprising her with how irate she sounded. “There’s no place for a girl like her in a military procession. At best, she’ll be an unnecessary distraction.”

“She may not be a warrior,” said Ioanna, fighting down her annoyance that, even now, her grandmother’s inclination was to dismiss anyone who could not swing a sword. “But I’ve seen firsthand what her blessing is capable of. She has Eyvindr’s magic—something our people have been forced to do without for far too long. I believe her presence will help us appeal to those who might otherwise be inclined to turn us away out of fear.”

Grandmother Irianthe was obviously unconvinced, but Ioanna glanced away from her long enough to see Livius looked very curious. Perhaps if she could win him over to her side, her grandmother would back down.

“There is no strategic advantage to be gained by bringing her with you,” said Grandmother Irianthe in a clipped tone, and the lie was so blatant that it nearly knocked Ioanna out of her seat. “Enough of this now. We have far more important—”

“You’re lying to me.” Ioanna pressed her hand to her forehead to ease the pain. “You don’t think that at all. I’m not going to turn away one of our few advantages unless you’re able to give me a proper reason.”

The atmosphere in the room shifted instantaneously, and Ioanna saw Vel’s hand go to his sword before Livius shot him a sharp glare. The paladins were on her side after all.

“I will not discuss this matter in front of an audience,” said Grandmother Irianthe. “And you may thank me for that.”

“What are you afraid of? Vesolda? You think they’ll turn on us if their princess is killed or harmed in a Xytan battle?”

“You’re only proving me correct,” said Irianthe. “Can’t you see it? She’s already become a distraction. A liability. Leave her here or send her back to Bergavenna. You can call her back when

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.