94 NINETY FOUR: Tea, Snacks and Death

"It's a misunderstanding!" Kel gasped, her arms stinging under the emperor's tight grip. "I fell asleep there, but I didn't sleep with him!"

Who knew that night would come back to haunt her like this? She still wasn't entirely sure herself what happened, and she definitely still wasn't convinced she fell asleep on her own. But right now, she wished she had a better explanation than the bits and pieces she remembered coupled with Soren's words.

"I was holding back because of a promise I once made to someone important," the emperor hissed, ignoring Kel's pleas. "But now I'm certain. Soren must die."

Abruptly, he jumped back to his feet, leaving Kel trembling on the bed. In the candlelight, it was difficult to tell what sort of face he was making. 

After straightening up his clothes a little, the emperor extended a hand toward her.

"Come here," he commanded.