Selection 2. Two on New Frontiers

— Your Imperial Majesty!—
— I’m listening, Vereya, what happened?— the emperor growled irritably, turning away from his papers.

He didn’t like the young court witch, but he was forced to tolerate her in the palace under a contract with the coven.

— Fate cards warn of danger from the south. It’s unclear whether this is a threat specifically for you personally or for the empire.

— It’s about time you understood that I and the empire are the same thing,— Theodore said viciously.
— Is that all? Because of your mythical prophecy,— he spat out with sarcasm,— I have to start fussing as if someone has set fire to my ass?! Or what, do you want me to do something?!

— My business is to warn,— the witch said sharply, turning around and leaving.

Beatrice appeared silently from a dark corner of the study. She now often sat in her husband’s office for hours. She had gotten the idea that Theodore might love her now after the shamanic influences they had endured together. In youth he hadn’t loved her, but now that they’re alone as a couple, maybe he will finally notice his Beatrice?!