She pauses. Looks at me. Smiles a smile that makes my heart ache.

“Recruit Red, Recruit Iván, please step forward.”

We do. My legs are shaking. My fingers are numb. I’m not sure why. I know what I want. It shouldn’t be so terrifying to ask for it.

“We conducted a thorough investigation of events. It became clear that the two of you displayed incredible leadership, uniting recruits, pursuing inquiries about a potential traitor, ensuring that Prince Rosario had a protective fighting force with which to defend this empire. Therefore, it pleases me to bestow upon you both the very highest honor in the empire, the Queen’s Star for acts of honor and bravery in circumstances of extreme danger.”

Once again the audience erupts into cheers, and no one cheers louder than the Royal Guard at our backs.

Lord-Commander Dante hands Elisa the medals. She steps forward to pin them herself, first to the collar of Iván’s shirt, and then to mine. The empress and I are face-to-face when she whispers, “I like your hair.”

She returns to the throne and sits. “Now, Recruit Iván, ask a boon, and if it is both reasonable and within my power, I shall grant it.”

Iván bows. “I wish no boon save this,” he says. “Simply a declaration, signed by Your Majesty’s own hand, that all past sins perpetrated by any previous rulers of the countship of the Eastern Reaches have been redeemed through blood and sacrifice, and that it shall forever remain a beloved and loyal vassal of this empire.”

Elisa inclines her head. “It shall be done. And you, Recruit Red? What boon will you ask? If it is both reasonable and within my power, I shall grant it.”

This is what I’ve been waiting for.

I open my mouth, but nothing comes out. Rosario catches my eye, gives me a slight nod.

I try again. “If it please Your Majesty,” I begin, my voice reed-thin. “I ask that you reconsider the adoption petition we put forth together in this very throne room almost a year ago.”

The audience murmurs. Elisa frowns. “The chamber already voted. What has been done by the chamber cannot be undone by me.”

“The chamber voted to deny adoption with inheritance,” I clarify. “As delineated in article fifty-seven, section eight, of the Articles of the Empire. However, the Articles do not address adoption without inheritance.”

My heart is racing now. It feels as though all the air has been sucked out of the audience hall.

Elisa nods, considering. She says, “And of course, all powers not specifically delineated by the Articles remain with the crown.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” I squeak out.

“So you’re saying . . .” Do I imagine that her voice wavers a little? Beside her, Hector, Rosario, and Mara . . . they’re all still as statues, barely breathing, waiting to hear what comes next.

The empress’s thoughtful gaze deepens. Adopting me without making me an heir confers little political advantage. She will do it only if she wants me. Just me.