Shadow War - Deborah Chester [66]
“Yes.”
He bowed to her, frowned dreadfully at Caelan, and vanished, closing the door with a Firm snap.
She found herself alone with the gladiator. He eyed her like a predator, wary and dangerous. For a moment she felt afraid again, but she refused to show it.
“As for you—”
“My lady, let me speak,” he said urgently. “What I have asked from my cousin, now do I ask you. Have mercy and help me reach the emperor. This is important.”
“I’m sure you think it is, but I cannot do as you ask.”
His face hardened. “You mean you will not.”
“Do not censure me!” she snapped. “There are protocols and procedures. I cannot rush up to the emperor and demand he give you audience.”
“Not even when the safety of the empire is at stake?”
She refused to be flustered and eyed him coolly. “How would a slave know whether the empire is in jeopardy?”
He went pale, and for the first time his eyes seemed to show realization of what he faced.
“You have pushed your way into the palace in a clandestine manner, like a thief. That is a grave offense,” she said, making her voice curt and harsh. “You have come here without the permission of your master. That is another offense. You have dared attack my person. Now you make demands that cannot be met. How do you answer for yourself?”
“My lady—”
“Address me as Majesty,” she snapped.
He bowed his head, chastened. “Majesty,” he said in a low voice.
She did not like his deplorable manners. He had been too much indulged. It often happened to slaves who acquired fame. They found it difficult to remember how unimportant they really were. Yet he was an uncommon man, with uncommon qualities. It must be hard for him to mute that with deference and humility.
“What was your master doing on the Forbidden Mountain?” she asked.
Caelan’s head snapped up, his eyes wary once again.
“Answer me!” she commanded. “What was he doing there?”
“Indeed, my lady—Majesty”—he corrected himself— “I cannot say without betraying him.”
“Is that not your purpose? Haven’t you come seeking audience with the emperor in order to betray and denounce your master?”
Again his eyes widened. She felt her irritation rise. Did he think her incapable of guessing the truth?”
“Majesty, I stand before you a condemned man,” he said finally, his voice low with pleading. “I have attacked you, insulted you, acted in all ways wrong. I will die for it. I have no defense to offer, save these circumstances.”
She stared at him. This was a man of rare courage, far more pragmatic than she’d expected. His qualities had held her from calling her guards. They intrigued her enough now to give him a nod.
“Speak,” she said. “And tell me the truth of this matter.”
His blue eyes were grave. He hesitated.
“If I judge it sufficiently serious, then perhaps I will go to the emperor on your behalf,” she said. “Mind, I make no promise. But in the interests of the empire, I will listen to what you know.”
“No,” he said wearily and turned away.
She stared at him in disbelief, unable to comprehend that he was refusing the opportunity she had just granted him. Was he mad?
“Will you die in silence?” she asked him in open exasperation.
In return he shot her a look that made her flush. “Majesty, if I may speak freely, to denounce the prince is a punishable offense. Why should I confide my knowledge in you, expecting you to then denounce him for me? Why should I request that you endanger yourself on my behalf? Can a slave ask this of his ... queen?”
She felt both hot and cold. Her feet were rooted in place. Her heart was suddenly pounding in embarrassment. She had completely misjudged this man, from his first appearance at her throat, to the brutal accusations Agel had hurled at him, to his stubbornness in not obeying her commands.
Only now did she understand that he was trying to protect her. Not to gain her favor, but because doing so was natural to him. What kind of man was this, to think of others beyond his own terrible predicament? It was obvious that Tirhin had been plotting treason, and that this man, this gladiator champion