Frozen Tides by Morgan Rhodes

the emperor in his boisterous amusement. “What a ludicrous thought!”
    Amara turned, fists clenched, her fingernails biting into her palms, and left the map room.
    Yes, how deeply ludicrous it was for anyone to think they had a chance against such a great and powerful conqueror.
    â€¢Â â€¢Â â€¢
    â€œSomething troubles you, princess,” Mikah said as Amara hurried toward her chambers in the east wing of the Spear.
    That she’d thought for even a moment that her father would be pleased to see her after her journey embarrassed her. Of course he hadn’t been pleased. Why would she think that anything would have changed over the course of a few weeks when it had been like this for her entire life?
    â€œMy troubles are none of your concern,” she replied curtly. Perhaps too curtly. She stopped for a moment and turned to him. “I’m fine, Mikah,” she said, softer now. “Really.”
    â€œI hope so. I don’t like to see you so sad.”
    She spared him another glance and found him studying her intently with dark eyes, curious and searching. Other servants typically kept their gazes lowered in her family’s presence and didn’t speak unless first spoken to.
    â€œWhy are you always so kind to me?” she asked. “No other servant cares how
I
feel.”
    His expression grew thoughtful. “I suppose when I see someone in pain, I want to help them.”
    â€œSome injured animals will bite the hand that tries to help.”
    â€œThen I suppose it’s a good thing you’re not an animal, isn’t it?” He allowed himself a small smile. “One day, perhaps we’ll become close enough that you’ll feel free to confide in me all manner of feelings and secrets.”
    â€œAnd allow myself to trust a Kraeshian man?” she said, half to herself. “I’m not sure that’s possible.”
    â€œPerhaps I’m different than other Kraeshian men.”
    â€œA phrase many Kraeshian men might say,” she countered.
    They reached her chambers and stopped in front of the entrance. She stood at the door for a moment, regarding Mikah’s handsome face.
    It was difficult for her to see him as more than an indentured servant, still working to pay off the fee for which his parents traded their strong, healthy son to the Empire. And even though he’d always been kind and considerate to her, Mikah
was
Kraeshian. In Kraeshia, all boys—and girls, too—were brought up believing that only men were worthy of respect and honor, while women existed as mere ornaments and playthings, with no influence on others or the world at large.
    She refused to let herself fall for a Kraeshian man, only to be deceived by him.
    â€œI need to rest after my long journey,” she said. “But first, send for my grandmother. I wish to speak with her.”
    He bowed. “As you wish, princess.”
    Amara went inside, closed the door, and leaned against it. All of the roiling emotions that Amara had pushed so deep down inside herself during the journey home now came rushing to the surface. She ran to the mirror and clutched the sides.
    â€œI’m alive,” she reminded her wild-eyed reflection. “Nineteen years later and I’m still here. I can do anything I want. I can
have
anything I want.”
    â€œYes, my sweet. You certainly can.”
    She spun around to see her grandmother Neela sitting by the window that overlooked the sea.
    â€œGrandmother!” The joy of seeing her chased all of her doubtsand sadness away. She loved this wrinkled, gray-haired woman, her only confidante, who still took the time to dress impeccably in her finest silks and jewels. “You were waiting for me?”
    Neela nodded and rose to her feet, extending her arms. Amara rushed into a tight embrace, knowing that, despite her seemingly frail appearance, her grandmother was the strongest woman she knew.
    â€œIs it done?”