Golden by Joely Sue Burkhart Read Free Book Online Page A

imagined that I would be the Crown Prince’s wife!”
    A very true statement, delivered with an overabundance of youthful and foolish vigor. The Empress inclined her head, but she couldn’t hide the faint sneer marring her carefully painted lips. The words I did not say were just as blatant and dangerous to her cause. When the Crown Prince takes the throne, I shall be the next Empress.
    Oh, but I didn’t want to be his Empress.
    I picked up my cup. Her lips curved and a tiny glint of satisfaction brightened her eyes before she smoothed her brow and nodded.
    I gave her a small, secretive smile like a child holding a surprise behind her back. “To think that such a poor girl of no consequence shall be the mother of the next Emperor!”
    Her eyes flashed daggers at me, but as soon as I took a long sip of tepid, bitter tea, she smiled like I’d pronounced her the most beautiful and wonderful woman ever to grace this earth. “Indeed, dear girl. I think we shall get along very well together.”
    I set the cup back on the table, refusing to allow my hand to tremble. I prattled on about silks and embroidery and other nonsense, while I frantically listened to my body. If I had poisoned my unborn son, I deserved a thousand cruel deaths in twisted agony. I would never forgive myself.
    As moment by moment passed, the Empress’s anxiety betrayed her.
    “Do you feel well, child? Your eyes are overbright.”
    Only joy made my eyes shine so brightly, and relief that I had not made a terrible mistake. I smiled and popped the delicate pastry she’d given me into my mouth, devouring it in one delicious bite. “I’ve never felt better, Your Majesty. In fact, I find myself extremely hungry.”
    Frowning, she jerked her head toward the doorway, and the silent, unseen attendants immediately rushed inside. Before they could remove the tray, I snagged another pastry from the plate.
    She must have treasured the little cakes, for she glared at me for daring to eat another. “Well. We shall have to do this again sometime.”
    “Of course. You are always welcome, Mother. Thank you for visiting to share the boundless wisdom that can only come with age and experience.”
    Another blow, for now her own attendants heard me referring to her age as though she were an elderly grandmother. She sniffed and refused to look at me.
    Sharper yet was my final blow. “I will express my delight to His Majesty this evening.”
    She hissed at me like a venomous serpent. “I hope your stomach doesn’t suddenly rebel. I’ve heard several ladies complaining about ailments this morning. I hope you don’t disappoint him and miss your little visit.”
    I smiled more genuinely, letting her see more of the Jin I’d hidden away for so long. “Only death could keep me from answering when His Majesty calls.”
     
    Now that the Empress had shown her hand, my vigilance must be ceaseless. I tucked vicious little knives inside my sleeves and beneath my sash. I would not last long against a warrior in a fair fight, but I would not give an assassin enough time to kill me fairly.
    Even seated with the Emperor in his private chambers, I couldn’t relax completely. His guards would protect him without question, dying if need be to save his royal life. I could not count on such loyalty. I had no powerful, ancient family behind me, no army willing to stand against anyone, even the Emperor, to keep me safe. The Empress had these and more. She could surely find assassins willing to creep into the imperial bedchamber to silence me. If nothing else, she would relish the embarrassment such an “accident” would cause him.
    “I hear that Empress Lei visited you today.”
    Keeping my face smooth, I nodded. “Her Majesty was very kind.”
    “Few would say that Lei is a kind lady, my love. I hope…” With narrowed eyes, he searched my face. “Did you by chance eat or drink with her?”
    “I did, Your Majesty.”
    His face tightened and he reached out to grip my wrist, his