Chapter thirteen
I displease the Emperor of ValliaThe interview with Delia’s father was short and sharp.
“Where is my daughter?”
“She has gone about her own affairs for a space.”
“That will be the Sisters of the Rose. She’s worse than her mother. I shall have this monstrosity you are building torn down. It means nothing and wastes resources and slaves. The new bagnios will be built.”
“More slaves!” I shouted at him.
“Aye, son-in-law! You have served me well in the past, I own that. I don’t damned well like you, at least not much, and—”
“And you can believe that sentiment returned!”
“Do you forget I am emperor?”
He sat up in his lenken chair with the gold and scarlet cushions, and the gold cup shook and spilled his wine. It was his purple wine of Wenhartdrin. We were alone in that
