“I’m not doing that kind of work.” Carla laughed. “Still, I need to do something.”
He was surprised at how easily they’d fallen back into the old repartee. Since her arrival at the palace, their friendship had resumed something of its former shape. Killian had told Carla his story—somewhat abbreviated, with his involvement with the primate left out—and Carla had told him hers.
After her father’s death, she’d finally joined another troupe, but had to leave when the troupe leader’s attentions became . . . forced. She didn’t elaborate much, and Killian didn’t ask her to. He’d kept his secrets, and he couldn’t blame her for keeping hers. The world was a harsh place for someone on her own, and Tingara harsher than most.
“Well, let’s see. You’ve been an actor, an acrobat, and more recently a merchant’s assistant and a helper at a school for spoiled children. Do I have it right?”
Carla grinned. “You do.”
“So you are a lady of many talents. Would you . . . do you want me to get you work?”
“No,” Carla said, lifting her chin. “I can do this on my own.”
“Well said,” Killian said. “Where are you staying?”
“With a friend,” Carla said. “But he says I have to move out. He wants his floor back. He’s been saying it for weeks.”
Killian frowned.
“The expression on your face!” Carla chuckled. “Don’t tell me you don’t like me living with a man. We haven’t seen in each other in how long? What about you? I’ll bet you have a mistress or two tucked away around town, and a special sally gate for sneaking out at night. The privileges of power.” She grinned.
Killian thought immediately of Ella. He banished the image of her heart-shaped face. He found he was getting good at that lately.
“Nothing like that,” Killian said. “To be honest, being emperor takes up all my time. I don’t know who thought of wrapping up high lord of Tingara and leader of the Empire into one position. So what are you going to do? You need to stay somewhere.” Carla sighed and Killian saw real concern cross her face.
Killian hesitated. He could see that Carla needed help. He’d lost a mentor when Marney Beldara was murdered. But she’d lost a father.
“What if I found you rooms here?” Killian said.
Carla glanced up. “You’d do that?”
Killian wondered what his mother would say. “Of course.”
“I’m glad I found you,” Carla said. “Killian Alderon, emperor of Merralya.” She shook her head; then, leaning forward, she kissed Killian’s cheek, and he smelled her perfume, rich and floral. “It would only be until I can find work.”
“For as long as you need it,” Killian said.
“I still can’t believe it,” Carla said, shaking her head. “From orphan of Salvation to emperor. Is it hard?” she asked him frankly.
“Yes.” Killian sighed. “It’s hard.”
“Everyone is talking about an invading army coming from across the Great Western Ocean. Is it true?”
“I’m afraid it is.”
“And there’s a new signaling system so the houses can request aid.”
“You’re well informed,” Killian said.
“It’s hardly a secret. What will you do with the Legion if someone requests aid—say, Altura?”
“Please, Carla, not you too. The fact is, I don’t know. I’m thinking about it.”
“I’m sure you’ll do what’s right. You always were a kind soul. We’re lucky to have you as emperor.”
“A kind soul?” Killian smiled. “I’ve never heard myself referred to like that before.”
“Look at what you’ve done for me,” Carla said.
There was space next to Killian on his sofa, and Carla stood up and moved to sit next to him, curling up on the seat so that her knees touched his thigh. She was very close, and Killian tensed when he once more smelled her perfume. Her raven-black hair shone, pulled back from her oval face but with a few loose strands falling past her eyes.
“Where do you sleep?” she said, raising an eyebrow. “Are you going to place me close by?”
“I’ll . . . I’ll leave that for the chamberlains to decide,” Killian said.
Carla moistened her lips, and Killian remembered how soft they’d once felt, a long time ago. “I’ll bet you have a huge bed.”
Killian grinned and stood up. “Stay here.”
He strode out of the room and called out, “Lord Osker!”
It didn’t take him long to find the officious steward. “Yes, Your Imperial Majesty? Can I be of service?”
Killian led Osker back into the sitting room. “Please find Lady Carla here some chambers. She’s going to be staying in the palace for a time. Please inform the rest of the staff, and have someone fetch her belongings from the city.”
Osker’s eyes flickered to Carla, who clapped her hands together. “Of course. I will see it done,” he said.
Lord Osker left the room, and Killian returned to Carla’s side, leaving some space between them as he sat.
“Lady Carla,” she said. “I like the sound of that.”