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Lio would have to ask Cassia later why Lord Adrogan had fashioned Kassandra’s gift of silk into a sling.
Whatever had befallen the young lord, it was not him, but Callen to whom Cassia looked as she concluded. “Finally, there are some among us who wish to accept Annassa Soteira’s generous offer of healing, and the Semna is prepared once more to assist. Let this stand as a bond of gratitude between our peoples.”
Anxiety bestirred Callen’s aura, but he offered a bow in Annassa Soteira’s direction. When their gazes met, his emotions steadied into confidence.
“I will see to the healing myself,” Queen Soteira said.
Cassia rolled up her paper. “We must thank Orthros for Hesperines’ deeds on our behalf.”
Lord Gaius stepped nearer. “As you know, we are now aware that the Council of Free Lords and all who attended the Equinox Summit owe their lives to the Hesperine embassy. Ambassador Deukalion, Master Ambassador Argyros, allow us to convey the gratitude of those men and their families.”
“Please accept our gratitude,” Benedict echoed.
“We are glad we were able to prevent such catastrophic loss of life,” Lio replied.
“I will convey your message to the rest of my family and our colleagues who were there,” Uncle Argyros said.
Lord Gaius’s heavy heart weighed on the Blood Union. “You have seen the ugly truth of events in our lands. The king has betrayed his people and the Oath, with the aid of the Cordian Orders.”
Benedict’s aura was resolute. “This embassy’s commitment to peace with Orthros rather than an alliance with Cordium is a break with the king and the highest religious authorities. The consequences of that schism remain to be seen.”
Lord Severin nodded. “We will endeavor to fulfill the commitments we make tonight, despite the opposition we may face.”
“We ask only that you try,” said Lio. “We appreciate how much you all risk in defying the king and the Orders. Know that you have Orthros at your backs, come what may.”
Cassia’s eyes shone. “Those of us whose lives you have touched know the depth and breadth of all you are willing to do for us. Before your people and mine, I give you our gratitude for the Mercy you showed Solia, our beloved princess. I thank you, too, for the gift of my life. I hope to make those Hesperines errant glad they saved me.”
Lio joined Cassia in their final act, replying as they had planned together. “Their deeds are well known among us. I only wish they could hear your words, which they would treasure.”
“I know that one of them is here in Orthros, where I may thank him. I recognized his name when we saw him arrive in the Healing Sanctuary. Alkaios.”
“Lady Cassia, it grieves me to break the news to you that Alkaios is not expected to live. The lasting effects of what he suffered Abroad are beyond even our power to heal.”
Cassia gasped, touching a hand to her chest. “After all he has done for us? What about my other two rescuers? Please tell me nothing has befallen them.”
Lio bowed his head. “They are among the Aithourian Circle’s prisoners.”
A murmur of shock passed through the onlooking humans. A tear slid down Cassia’s face for all to see. Lio knew it was as genuine as all the blood, sweat, and tears she had shed for Orthros.
“This cannot stand,” she cried, “not after everything you have done for my sister and me.”
“Hesperines do not practice debts,” said Lio. “Only bonds of gratitude.”
“And yet your laws demand a life for a life. A rescue for a murder. Is that not so?”
Lio paused for effect, looking upon Cassia with an expression of caution and concern. “There is no murder on your conscience.”
“And yet eight Hesperine lives hang in the balance, among them my rescuers. I cannot begin to even the scales, yet there is one thing I can do.”
Worry rose in Benedict’s aura, and Lord Gaius frowned. Eudias appeared more startled than usual. Even the Semna looked puzzled.
Cassia turned, taking in first the Hesperines, then the Tenebrans with a glance. “My fellow mortals, you surely see what virtue demands of me, in the spirit of Hesperine and human law. I must do this for our people. For our honor. For our princess.” She turned once more to the Queens. “Let this be the royal family’s thanks and Tenebra’s promise of peace. This life your people have saved now belongs to you. I hereby offer myself to Orthros.”
Perita rushed forward to play her part. She had promised she need not put on an act. Her tears and pleading with her lady tore at Lio’s heart. With gentle firmness, Cassia murmured reassurances to her friend.
Benedict took Cassia’s arm, his face flushed with outrage. “Your Ladyship, this is not right. You should not be the one to pay for the hostage’s lives—for the king’s crimes! You least of all!”
“I must honor what the Hesperines did at the Siege of Sovereigns. You understand, don’t you?”
