I hadn't really thought it through when I left the Emperor's magnificent Villa behind me.
As I continued to walk away, I felt rather foolish. I was wearing a dress that was so expensive it made me an obvious target, and I had stormed off without knowing where Cal even was.
I was alone, with no horse, no companion, no bodyguard, and…
I groaned, and sank to the floor in a patch of shade near some trees as I realized that there was no point in continuing to walk. The Emperor knew exactly where I was, and he would be watching me closely now to see where I went when I needed help.
He was testing me, and if I carried on moving he would be able to work out my support network and weaken it to leave me more vulnerable.
I waited, instead, for him to come and join me in the shade.
I had w
