I snuck, invisible, into the castle during the changing of the guard, slipping through the open gate, between groups of nobles, then through the front doors just before they closed. It was time to find Eujia and learn whether I’d need to bloody my hands tonight.

There was obviously a ball happening, and the hallways were hectic as fuck. Nobles loitered along the walls, gossiping away without a care in the world. Guards paced around, and servants almost ran me over a couple times, which kept me on my toes.

I hurried as fast as I could to the ballroom, passing through the open doors, a killer set loose on a deafening party. I moved to the left side, creeping behind the emperor’s throne, where he sat completely oblivious. I could have just taken out my knife and ended him here and now. It would be so easy, and over in a second. But also very, very stupid.

I looked over the room instead, searching for Eujia in the crowd. There, in a silver gown that was distractingly snug down to her hips, with a long slit in the skirt on each side showing off smooth, hickory skin. It didn’t seem very Chosen-like and drew quite a few eyes her way. Her dark hair was tied up in a little bun decorated with jeweled pins, and chandelier earrings dangled almost to her bare shoulders. As she turned toward me and the emperor, her dark red lips stole my attention. Her shifted disguise hadn’t done her justice, not even close.

She wore a diamond choker necklace to cover the sliver of a cut I’d given her, and I wanted to kick myself. It was just part of the job, but things like this were always part of the job. There was never any escaping it. I didn’t have to like it. I just had to survive. Rage swept up my veins, but I forced it back down. I couldn’t lose it here. I couldn’t lose it, ever. Not if I wanted to make it to the next day, and the next.

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I spotted Eujia’s twin glowering at her from across the room, looking like she wanted to stab her. I was surprised her wine glass didn’t shatter in her hand. But then Eujia stepped up to the emperor’s throne, asking him for a dance, and her sister stormed out.

Interesting.

The emperor didn’t waste a second, taking Eujia’s arm and leading her to the dance floor where the dancers made plenty of room. A slower song began, but with a quick drumbeat, and Eujia moved a hell of a lot closer to Lenan than whatever this dance called for. Her hips swayed side to side like all the other women’s, but hers nearly grazed the emperor’s cock. I wouldn’t have minded being in his shoes.

But what the fuck was she thinking?

Wait.

No.

Oh, hell no.

She’d changed the plan.

I shoved my Rage down again, gripping the hilt of my knife with white knuckles, watching every little move Eujia made like my life depended on it—because it did. Eventually, Lenan led her from the room, in full view of everyone. I trailed after them, dodging guards and servants clear to the emperor’s quarters.

The stubborn, scandalous little…

I needed to hurry, so I ducked into a nearby guest room a servant just left, sneaking through the gap in the door before the woman could rebalance the blankets in her arms to shut it.

So, Eujia wanted the emperor to die tonight? She’d get her gods damned wish. I just hoped improvising wouldn’t get me killed, too.