Kai gulped painfully. “Perhaps their interest has to do with Linh Cinder’s claim that she is the lost Princess Selene.”
A silence crackled between him and the netscreen, still as ice on a pond.
“She seems to think,” Kai continued, “that should we proceed with this wedding and coronation, it will weaken what claim she might have on the Lunar throne.”
“I see.” Levana had reclaimed her composure and her flippant, whimsical tone. “I had wondered if she would fill your head with falsehoods. I imagine you were a captive audience.”
He shrugged. “It’s a pretty small spaceship.”
“You believe these claims of hers to be fact?”
“Honestly?” He steeled himself. “I don’t care one way or the other. I have over five billion people living under my protection, and for the past month, every one of them has gone to bed wondering if this would be the night their home was attacked. If this was the night their windows would be broken, their children pulled from their beds, their neighbors mutilated in the streets, all by your … by these monsters you’ve created. I can’t—” He grimaced. This pain, at least, did not have to be faked. “I can’t let this continue, and Linh Cinder, whether or not she is the lost princess, is not the one in charge of the Lunar military right now. I don’t care about Lunar politics and family dynamics and conspiracy theories. I want this to end. And you’re the one with the power to end it.”
“A heartrending speech, young emperor. But our alliance is over.”
“Is it? You seem convinced that I would bow to the whims of criminals and kidnappers.”
She said nothing.
“You had my word long before I gave it to Linh Cinder. Therefore, I feel my agreement with you takes precedence. Wouldn’t you agree?”
The veil shifted by her hands, like she was fidgeting with something. “I see that your time away has not diminished your impressive skills at diplomacy.”
“I hope not.”
“You’re telling me that you wish to proceed with our previous arrangement?”
“Yes, under the same terms. We both agree to a cease-fire on all Earthen land and space territories, effective immediately. Upon your coronation as empress of the Eastern Commonwealth, all Lunar soldiers will be removed from Earthen soil, and you will allow us to manufacture and distribute your letumosis antidote.”
“And what assurances can you give me that our wedding won’t be subjected to the same mortifying spectacle as the last one? Surely your cyborg and her friends won’t be pleased when they learn you’ve ignored their demands.”
“I’m afraid I haven’t had time to develop a plan. We’ll increase security, of course. Bring in military reinforcements—I know how much you admire them.”
Levana scoffed.
“But Linh Cinder has proven herself to be resourceful. One option would be to hold the ceremony in secret, and not release the proof of the wedding until after the coro—”
“No. I will not leave any question in the minds of the Earthen people that I am your wife, and their empress.”
Kai’s clenched his teeth to keep from gagging at the words. Your wife. Their empress. “I understand. We can consider other locations to host the ceremony, something more remote and secure. A spaceship, perhaps? Or even…”
He hesitated, trying to look appalled at his own unspoken thought.
“Or even what?”
“I was just … I doubt this would appeal to you. It would require a lot of work, and I don’t know if it’s even plausible … but, why not host the wedding on Luna? It would be impossible for Linh Cinder to interfere then.”
Here, he paused, and tried not to seem like he was holding his breath.
The silence grew thick between them. Kai’s heart began to pound.
It was too much. He’d made her suspicious.
Kai started to chuckle, shaking his head. “Never mind, it was a stupid idea.” His mind whirred for another angle he could take. “I’m sure we’ll find a suitable location on Earth. I just need some time to—”
“You are clever, aren’t you?”
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.”