“Yes?”
Ktínos have… intuitive senses. Perhaps you are now developing the instincts of your other mate, he suggested with a kiss on my neck that made me shiver in delight.
“You think?” I blurted aloud.
It is quite possible. Orion has instincts that can make me question my perception of reality. And he often knows intuitively who he can trust,he admitted with reluctance, clearly still not in favour of Castor being that person.
I was quiet for a moment as I contemplated how much to tellhim.Do you know of a Ktínos called Michail?
Riordan grunted with interest and nodded.
A radical some time ago who was trying to rouse the Ktínos into active revolt. My understanding is that he did not want violence, but the way he was going about things was threatening to instigate it. He and his conspirators disappeared before they could become violent. That was the closest our people ever came to civil war. Why?
So do you think that maybe it was not a bad thing that he was… killed?I hedged, chewing on my lip.
Had he managed to rouse the Ktínos into open revolt, then it would have been a bloodbath. The Imítheos would have slaughtered them, which only would have worsened relations between the two peoples. It will take someone in power to force the necessary changes when the Imítheos are magically privileged over the Ktínos,Riordan said.
So then you believe that a civil war would likely yield an Imítheos victory?I guessed.
I shudder to think of such circumstances; it would be catastrophic for our people. But yes,Riordan admitted reluctantly with a glance toward the Ktínos in the room.Where are these questions coming from?
Castor is the one who killed Michail and then quietly quashed his rebellion.
“He…What?” Riordan gasped aloud.
He could foresee the consequences you just detailed. But it was also personal for him. Michail had mated with Castor’s daughter and was using her as a statement.
Riordan nearly stumbled over his feet, but he managed to right himself before making a scene in the middle of the dance floor.
I am telling you all of this because I believe he does have a genuine interest in protecting this kingdom. If he wanted to hurt the Ktínos, then Michail’s revolt would have given him a perfect opportunity,I pointed out.
Nikos did say that Castor told him not to abandon the quadrant outposts,Riordan acknowledged.I thought it was just a clever bit of deception because the two of them were actually working together but…
Riordan’s thoughts trailed off and were quiet for some time as the dance ended, and we began another waltz.
If you think he truly has genuine desire to be an ally, then would you ask him to put those spies to use finding my father for me? If he can accomplish that, then I would reconsider him as an ally,my mate finally relented.
I squeezed his arm in appreciation of his concession and trust in my intuitions. Which reminded me of another thing I was supposed to ask him about.
“Oh… Um… Another thing,” I squeaked aloud.
“Yes?” he chuckled, hands sweeping up my back with an affection that made my heart feel full and warm.
I want to go see Hypatia,I advised him.
“Why would you want to see her?” he asked.
“Let’s just say… intuition?”
Riordan grunted with suspicion as he leaned back and frowned down at me, but he nodded.
“I will not have time until—”
“I can go myself,” I assured him, batting my eyes at him when he looked uncertain. His internal debate was a little longer this time as he considered my request.
“You will take Orion with you.”
“Okay!” I swore, ready to agree to almost anything.
