His heart skipped. “Excuse me?”
The queen tittered. “Somewhere remote, somewhere secure. My darling emperor, of course we should host the wedding on Luna.”
Kai paused, waited, then exhaled slowly, keeping his expression neutral. Another moment, and he remembered to even be skeptical. “Are you sure? We already have everything set up on Earth. All the transportation and accommodations, the catering, the announcements—”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” She fluttered her fingers behind the veil. “I don’t know why I didn’t think of it sooner. We will host the ceremony here in Artemisia. We have plenty of space for accommodations, and I have no doubt you will be pleased with the hospitality we can offer.”
Kai pursed his lips, worried to dissuade her from the idea, and equally worried to appear too enthusiastic.
“Is this a problem, Your Imperial Majesty?”
“I don’t doubt Artemisia is … lovely. But now that I’m considering it, I’m concerned this might alienate those guests who would have been privileged to attend the wedding here on Earth. In particular, the leaders of the Earthen Union.”
“But of course the invitation will be extended to all Earthen diplomats. I would be disappointed if they didn’t attend. After all, our union will be a symbol of peace, not only between Luna and the Commonwealth, but between Luna and all Earthen nations. I can extend the invitation to each of our Earthen guests personally, if you think that would be appropriate.”
He scratched behind his ear. “With all due respect, there may be some … hesitation from the Union leaders. If I may be blunt, how can you guarantee that we—they won’t be walking into a trap? You’ve made no attempts to disguise your threats against Earth and there are suspicions that you might still use your status as empress as a launchpad for, well…”
“World domination?”
“Precisely.”
Levana tittered. “And what do you fear, exactly? That I might assassinate the heads of the Earthen Union while they’re here, as a way of paving an easier path to taking control of their silly little countries?”
“Precisely.”
Another giddy laugh. “My dear emperor, this is an offer of peace. I want to earn the trust of the Union, not alienate them. You have my word that all Earthen guests will be treated with the utmost courtesy and respect.”
Kai slowly, slowly let his shoulders relax. Not that he believed her for a minute, but it didn’t matter. She had acted how he’d hoped she would.
“In fact,” continued Levana, “as a show of my goodwill, I will agree to your request of an immediate cease-fire throughout the Union, and that cease-fire will be upheld in every Earthen territory whose leaders accept our invitation to attend the wedding here in Artemisia.”
Kai flinched.
That was one way to increase attendance.
He rubbed his palms down the wrinkled fabric of his shirt. “I can’t argue with the point that Artemisia is more secure than any place we could choose on Earth. I will discuss this with the leaders of the Earthen Union immediately.”
“Please do, Your Majesty. As I’m sure the change of location will not be a problem, I’ll begin making preparations for your visit, and our matrimonial and coronation ceremonies.”
“Right, and … on that note. When would you like—”
“I suggest the eighth of November for our wedding and celebratory feast, followed by both coronations on the day following the new moon. We can schedule it to coincide with our sunrise—it is a beautiful time here on Luna.”
Kai blinked. “That’s … my days might be a little off, what with the whole hostage thing, but … isn’t that only a week away?”
“Ten days, Your Majesty. This alliance has been deterred for too long. I do not believe anyone wishes to see my patience tried further. I do so look forward to receiving you and your guests.” She dipped her head in a courteous farewell. “My ports will be ready to receive you.”
Sixteen
The audio feed disconnected with a soft click, leaving the cargo bay in silence. Sitting atop one of the now-empty storage crates, Cress glanced around, taking in Cinder’s tense shoulders as she stared at the blank netscreen, the way Wolf was tapping his fingers against his elbows, and Iko, who was still focused on the portscreen on her lap, trying to figure out her next move in the game she and Cress had been playing for the last hour.
“He did it,” mumbled Cinder.
“Of course he did,” said Iko, without looking up. “We knew he would.”
Turning her back on the screen, Cinder scratched idly at her wrist. “The eighth is a lot sooner than I’d expected. I bet Earthen leaders will start departing within the next forty-eight hours.”
“Good,” said Wolf. “The wait is driving me crazy.”
No, the separation from Scarlet was driving him crazy, Cress knew, but no one said anything. Maybe the wait was driving them all a little crazy.