Sora staggered back a step. Gods rarely deigned to interact with humans. Sola, goddess of the sun, would visit the emperor or empress only if summoned with imperial blood and a sacrifice of a year of his or her life. Non-royals like Sora never got to see deities. She would light incense and pray, hoping that the smoke would carry her wishes to Celestae, the island paradise in the sky where the gods lived. But people didn’t expect to ever see a god during their lifetimes, let alone twice. Yet Zomuri had appeared for the Ceremony of Two Hundred Hearts, and here he was again.

Why?

It had to be bad. Zomuri may have been more willing to appear to humans than the other gods, but still, he came only if there was something worthwhile to him. Hearts to eat. Emperors’ promises of glory in Zomuri’s name. Or possibly worse.

Sora pulled herself together and mashed her ear against the keyhole to catch what she could of their conversation.

“I do not like being summoned like a dog,” Zomuri said. “What is the meaning of this?”

Prince Gin bowed to the ground. “My lord, you know I am your most humble servant. I am working toward creating a vast empire to worship you and to achieve the Evermore for my people. However, I’ve been reviewing my research on the emperors of the past who marched this path before me, and always, they fail before conquering all seven of the mainland kingdoms because the Kichonan forces are outnumbered. I want to ensure that I’m not susceptible to this same human frailty, and so I have a request to make of you.”

Zomuri’s voice rumbled ominously in the back of his throat. “Why should I give you anything more? By declaring your kingdom’s loyalty to me, rather than the sun goddess, you have already gained an advantage.”

“What?” Daemon whispered, confused.

Sora shook her head. She didn’t understand either.

Prince Gin dipped his head in acknowledgment. He clearly knew what Zomuri was talking about. Then again, he’d been a devotee of Evermore legends since childhood. “I understand the effect your reign will have on the people of this kingdom. But what I’m proposing is a deal that will benefit both of us even more—a guarantee of glory and empire for you and a clear path to the Evermore for me, my ryuu, and all of Kichona.”

Zomuri floated above the throne. “I’m listening.”

The Dragon Prince rose to his feet and took his time walking to his throne. He sat in it casually, with a surprising lack of deference, given the fact that he was in the presence of a god. Maybe being emperor allowed him that.

Or maybe he’s just an arrogant snake, Sora thought.

“Make me immune to death—invincible,” Prince Gin said.

Sora’s jaw dropped. Was that possible?