Angels and Devils XXVIII

Lukan slammed the palace door open and went up to one of the guards. "Where is she?" he demanded.
The guard tensed. "Who are you asking for?"
"Temerity! Where is she?"
"I'm right here," Temerity said, just entering the foyer. "There's no need to shout." She looked at the guard. "I can take it from here."
The guard nodded and left the room, along with the other guards.
"Now then. What's this about?" she asked.
"Is this how you take care of things? By telling the emperor? The child was almost killed!"
Temerity's eyes narrowed. "So it was you," she said. "I could tell you weren't prepared to do what needed to be done. If I'd tried to convince you to, it wouldn't have gone well. So I did it for you."
Lukan clenched his fists. "This isn't what needed to be done! You know that! I know you're better than this!"
Temerity looked at him coldly. "I'm not a traitor."
Lukan stared at her, his face pale. After a moment, Temerity's expression softened.
"I'm sorry. That was uncalled for," she said. She held a hand out to him. He took it hesitantly, and she pulled him into a tight embrace. "I know you were just doing what you thought was right."
Lukan looked down. "You're right, though. I did betray the empire."
"It's okay. I'll fix this." She smiled. "Go back to your post, Luke. And don't let it happen again."
"Right..." Lukan smiled weakly in return. "I guess I'll see you around."
Temerity nodded, and Lukan left. Evae looked at him when he made it over to her, expression questioning. He didn't say for a moment, then he nodded.
"We can't let her find him. Not ever."