Chapter Seventeen

Aranren led me up, out of the lower levels of the fortress, and down brighter corridors adorned with art and thick rugs. As we walked, he spoke of how happy he was that I had finally accepted Death. We would rule the world together. I watched him with cool calculation. I wasn't sure if I wanted to share my throne. Yes, he could help me conquer Varr, but then he would want to run things his way. Maybe I would kill him after he helped me win the war.

I smiled at the Corrupter.

He smiled back. "Here we are. Your suite is right next to mine." Aranren opened a tall door and preceded me into an immense room swathed in luxury. The palette was deep blues and golden yellows, with hints of the heavens thrown in. Gold stars glittered from the indigo ceiling and were embroidered on the bed curtains. The bed itself was even bigger than the one I shared with . . .

A scream tore through my mind, and I stumbled.

"Ember?" Aranren steadied me.

When I lifted my head, the terror vanished. "I'm fine."

He stared at me for a second, a flicker of sympathy in his eyes, then asked, "Is the room to your liking?"

"Yes, it's lovely. Thank you," I said. "Now, show me your latest experiments."

"Patience," Aranren purred and drew me through a doorway. "Look at what I've prepared for you."

We stepped into a dressing room full of beautiful clothing. Aranren let go of my hand to walk the length of the room, pointing out the silk robes that he favored but also the velvet tunics and linen pants that were more in the style that I wore. There were fine boots, slippers, and cashmere socks. Delicate undershorts filled one drawer, and rows of leather belts another. In the center of the room was a glass case with precious jewelry on display.

"Thank you," I said. "This is very thoughtful."

Aranren flowed back to me, his robes making it appear that he floated. He took my hand and lifted it to place a kiss on my knuckles. "You can have whatever you want now, Ember."

"I'd like some breakfast. I haven't eaten yet."

He chuckled. "I'm hungry as well. Come." He tucked my hand into the crook of his arm and escorted me out of the suite. "What would you like to break your fast with?"

I considered this. "Meat, preferably sausage, with biscuits, cheese, and eggs. Perhaps a cake as well."

"You!" Aranren pointed at a soldier who was escorting us. "Tell the chefs to cook all of that."

"Yes, Master!" The man ran off.

I frowned and looked behind us at the three remaining soldiers. How strange that I hadn't noticed them. But then again, they were mere lackeys, below my notice. It didn't matter that they were human. I wasn't one of them anymore. I had never been one of them.

Aranren escorted me into a vast dining hall whose ceiling surged up into dramatic peaks adorned with beams. Those beams were carved and set to form arches that came down into points. From those points hung glittering lanterns of crystal and gold. Below those lights were a few sitting areas, one warmed by a fireplace large enough to roast a cow. A fire crackled there but instead of being comforting, it felt ominous. I scowled at it as we passed.

There was only one dining table in all that space. It stood before the far wall, with sixteen chairs gathered around it. But there were only two place settings. One of them was in front of the grandest chair in the room, more of a throne, really.

Aranren took me to the dining table, passing all the empty couches and a gaming table with a chess set atop it. I couldn't imagine why he'd have one. Who would he play with? Perhaps it was yet another of his preparations for me.

He went to the chair beside the throne and pulled it out for me. "Please, have a seat."

I laid my hand on the chair. Irritation filled me. My chair should be as grand as his. With this thought, Air Magic surged through me, blasting the chair against the wall. It hit so hard that it splinted into pieces.

Aranren flinched, then grinned. "Ah, I see. My apologies, Ember. We are equals." He motioned at one of the soldiers. "Bring us another chair like this one." Then he pulled out his chair and slid it over to me. "Here. Take mine for the time being."

"Thank you." I sat down.

The Corrupter took one of the simpler chairs, spreading his robes elegantly around him. I stared at him, seeing his beauty again. He should be mine. At least for now. Why hadn't I fucked him? Oh, right. I didn't feel the urge. Maybe later.

Aranren clapped and soldiers streamed out of a door in the left wall. They bore platters of sausages, bacon, biscuits, scrambled eggs, and cakes. There were also tureens of gravy and little pots of sauces. They laid the food before us, bowed, then went to stand against the wall.

I served myself immediately, starting with a piece of chocolate cake. As I did, a man returned with a new chair for Aranren, nearly identical to the one I sat in. He stood, shifted the chair aside, then sat down as the soldier slid the throne in behind him. It was so graceful, almost a dance between him and the soldier. I couldn't look away.

Aranren grinned at the cake on my plate. "It's always best to start with what you want the most."

I made a purring sound of agreement. "Yes, indeed."

I ate my cake, groaning through every bite, then moved on to the savory items. I especially enjoyed a buttery sauce that I saw Aranren pour over his eggs. I covered my eggs with it and dipped the biscuits in it. Something inside me growled for more so I had another piece of cake—strawberry cake this time. Then I pulled the entire cake over and pushed aside my plate.

"I'm glad you're enjoying the food," Aranren said.

"What have you accomplished?" I asked between bites of cake. "How much further have you come with the undead?"

Aranren frowned. "Let's wait until after breakfast to discuss such matters."

I shoved the cake away and stared at him.

But Aranren wouldn't be rushed. He ate with pleasure and elegance. Slowly. Then he cut a piece of strawberry cake from what remained before me and set it on his plate.

I refused to let him get to me, so I went back to eating my cake. As I did, I ruminated over the past few hours. I hadn't forgotten the lust and longing Death had filled me with. But after analyzing it, I understood. Aranren and I could become the greatest power on the planet. If I fell in love with him. I needed to bring the Corrupter into a bond, and then I could magnify his power.

But I wasn't sure I wanted that. First, love was a weakness, and there was no guarantee that I'd win Aranren's love in return. Without an exchange, I'd be weaker than him. Second, I would be empowering him, not myself. And lastly, I didn't want to be bound to him forever. So it was lucky that Aranren had put a stop to our sex.

No, I wouldn't be fucking the Corrupter.