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So far, the press people in the room had barely spared a glance for her. One or two had glanced her way a second time and their gaze had slid to her press tag. Today, she was an employee of Associated Press TPR. Whoever they were.
And then Casimir entered and strode to the podium and silence fell. He looked out over the room and paid her no more attention than anyone else, even though he saw her. He wore a stern and solemn expression and she wondered if he knew he looked older than his years.
He probably did.
If she’d learned anything in the previous half-hour in Casimir’s office, with Casimir running through lines of his speech and Rudolpho peppering him with insulting questions, while yet another aide brushed his suit and fastened the cufflinks Casimir pulled from his pocket and handed to him, it was that Casimir and his entourage were consummate professionals.
Only when Rudolpho had presented Casimir with a ring to wear had Casimir faltered.
‘It’s been resized,’ said the older man and Casimir nodded and slid it on his finger without another word and went back to running lines. But he fisted his hand and rubbed the thumb of his other hand over the ring until Rudolpho stopped with the questioning in order to stare pointedly at the offending behaviour.
Casimir scowled, but the ring-rubbing stopped. ‘I’m ready,’ he said.
Casimir started his speech with a tribute to his father. He talked political achievements and ongoing projects. Ana had heard variations on this speech a thousand times in her capacity as a translator, but it was nicely done and spoke of stability and the alignment of vision.
‘I want to talk about water next,’ he said and the reporters collectively moved forward. ‘For a number of years now, I’ve been in talks with our neighbouring monarchs—Augustus of Arun, Theodosius of Liesendaach and Valentine of Thallasia. We propose the construction of a water supply system that weaves its way across many borders and regions. It is intended to supply all those in need and the water-harvesting techniques and recycling plants will be at the forefront of technology. As an individual nation we could not afford it, but together with Arun, Thallasia and Liesendaach we can make it work and reap the benefits. Detailed plans are in the press kits available to you as you leave here today and there’s one part of the plan that I want to emphasise, beyond all measure.’ He took a breath and his jaw seemed to harden. ‘No matter who you are, no matter where on our borders you live, no matter what you’ve done in the past, I invite you to the negotiation table. Your presence is welcome, your opinions are welcome, and your water needs will be considered.’
He paused and looked out over the gathering, as if to let his words sink in. ‘I do not dwell on the past. I will not sit back and let fear and hatred rule this monarchy. For the sake of your children and mine, it’s time to move forward.’
‘Did he just invite the northern mountain tribes back to the negotiation table?’ Ana heard one reporter mutter to his cameraman.
‘Yep.’ The two men exchanged a glance that spoke of deep concern.
‘Leonidas will be turning in his grave,’ the first one said.
Personally, Ana would rather see Leonidas of Byzenmaach burning in hell for his sins, but maybe that was just her. She shifted from one foot to the other and kept her mouth shut as Cas began to talk of family next.
He talked of his sister and dark days indeed and he spoke of his mother. As pictures of them came up on the viewing screen behind him, he spoke to them. Sometimes with joy, sometimes in sorrow. Always with utter sincerity.
He was good at this.
And then a picture of Sophia appeared. ‘I mentioned earlier that I would see old animosities die for the sake of Byzenmaach’s children,’ he began. ‘This is my daughter.’
Ana recognised the park in the background and the clothes Sophia was wearing. The photo couldn’t have been more than a week or so old. But Ana hadn’t taken it. She crossed her arms over her chest defensively, set her mouth in a firm line and wondered what other surprises this speech of his would bring.
Cameras clicked like crickets at dusk as Casimir continued. ‘Her name is Sophia Alexandra, she was conceived seven years ago and I am very, very protective of her.’
