38 True Imperial (2/2)
”Fallani's Reflections. Excellent book. The woman had a breadth of vision unmatched in the present day. Nonetheless, those bound by the Compact retain traits of the ancestors, it's why we're referred to as True Imperials, but only fragments, not the full suite of abilities.”
”What abilities?”
”Our Ancestors were stronger, faster, smarter and held a host of innate magical skills. If you search carefully, you'll see most Imperial Mages are True Imperials.”
”If it was a curse on our Blood why isn't everyone afflicted? And why are the skills fragmented among people?”
Nikolai looked proud at the questions and held her hand again, lost in the fragments of History.
”Have you seen Heaven's Spire?”
”The crystal monument rising from the centre of the Imperial Palace? I've never been allowed close enough.” The thing was so tall the top half could be seen even miles away from the Capital, purple crystal twisting into the sky, like a hand clawing at the Heavens.
”It is said, as the First Emperor lay dying, he cursed the Gods.” Nikolai whispered, eyes glittering mysteriously, flashes of purple lightning deep within his pupils taking her breath away. ”Their gifts were warped, his greatest descendants falling in crusades to break all bonds, his people dying by the thousands as they clashed against the Theocracy in madness. With his last breath he summoned the Illyri and crafted a great spell, giving his soul to protect the Empire, purging the Compact from his people with a crystal spire to drive away the Gods. He gave his people reason in place of strength, wisdom in place of intelligence, character instead of magic. His soul flickered, and he cried at what he had wrought, taking away our gifts but he could sense the hunger of the Gods, their eyes locked on a vulnerable people. Fearing the worst, he cracked his own great magic, letting some of our gifts remain, fragments of the ancestors divided among the masses.” His voice trailed off and the power in his eyes slowly faded. ”At least, that's what they say.”
Drawing a shuddering breath she tried to shake the images which formed in her mind during the story. His hypnotic recitation made her feel like she'd actually been there and she asked ”Is it true?”
”Who knows Elya? I haven't found any proof either for or against but it fits with the effects I experience and in the end it doesn't really matter. The Gods lost interest in us long ago, even the Theocracy has trouble contacting them these days and I can't even tell what boons if any I'm meant to have alongside the curse.”
”It doesn't matter to me Nikolai.”
He searched her face looking for something, maybe sincerity or maybe deception. Whatever it was, he smiled and reached out to pat her cheek. ”I hope so. I try not to think about it much but my parents are always on edge. Especially after Galicia.” Both their faces twisted at the mention of that horrible city.
”You lost control there?”
”I wish. Would that I have such a simple excuse to unburden myself.” He refused to comment further, returning to their dinner but neither of them had much appetite now.
”I could really go for an egg right now.” Elya mumbled under her breath, picking at the food which seemed so dull in comparison. It was one thing when hunger gnawed at you, but knowing something so tasty existed dampened your mood for anything else. Startled, Nikolai sighed and reached into his shirt, taking out a single hard boiled egg which he placed into her stunned hands.
”You keep boiled eggs on you all the time?” eyebrows twitching, she caressed the egg lovingly.
”A few for snacks.” He shrugged.
”How many do you have?”
”Just the one. I gave the rest to Jarek earlier in the day.”
Elya's shoulders slumped but carefully tried to crack the egg. Unfortunately a wave of exhaustion passed through her and the egg almost fell from her hands. Seeing her predicament, Nikolai cracked the it open and fed it to her. She closed her eyes and devoured the morsel in quick bites. Lost in the flavour she stuck her tongue out to lick the juices from his fingers and froze, realising what she'd done.
Her eyes fluttered, taking in Nikolai's red face and shocked expression. His finger reached towards her, gently brushing across her lips, a flush of excitement rushing through her at the touch. She leaned into his hand, letting him run his fingertips gently down her cheek.
He leaned in, breathing raggedly, eyes lit with a deep desire. She grabbed his collar and pulled him closer, almost out of control. A part of her mind reflected how strange this sudden flush of desire was, but all she could feel was the heat of his breath and the flames burning within.
She licked her lips, leaning in and closing her eyes when the door burst open, making them both jerk back in surprise as Natalia wheeled herself in.
”What in the name of the Fates is taking you so long?” she roared, waving her cane dangerously and sending Alexis who'd followed her in scurrying in retreat.
Nikolai cursed under his breath and glared at the woman. Elya's heart still raced, the touch of his fingers on her lips still burning.
They'd almost… kissed.
Even she wanted to curse her great aunt. The old woman seemed to sense the mood and squinted in their direction.
”You still haven't done it?” incredulous, Natalia launched into a tirade on taking too long, which turned into a shouting match with Nikolai, who looked like someone had punched him in the gut. Staring at parts of her new family acting like children had Elya struggling for self control. When Natalia managed to clip Nikolai in the leg with her cane, she lost it, exploding in huge bursts of laughter.