Zandakar, Zandakar, how could you do this to me? She made herself smile. “The gods see you, Lilit. Are you ready for breakfast?” “Empress, the table is laid and waiting.” Her smile tightened. That accent, warping the pure tongue of Fiona like mold on honey. What had she been thinking, allowing Zandakar to keep this b***h? She heard his voice in the letter he sent her: Yuma, I love you, for my sake love Lilit . Aieee, love. What stupid fools it had made of them both. The piebald was staring. “Empress? Are you all right?” No. She was not. “Let us eat, quickly. We are expected in the godstheater for the public sacrifice.” The piebald nodded, looking away. She was pathetic, squeamish, she hated the blood. Zandakar, Zandakar, what have you done? They ate, they dressed, Vortka joined t

