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“No! I do not. How can you even consider this? Did the words you told me mean nothing? ‘My life is no use laid down, nor is yours.’”
“Orthros does not demand my death. This is not a sacrifice, but a dedication. It does not grieve me to do this for Solia’s people.”
“Her people need you in Tenebra!”
Lio clenched his hands, but he made himself wait out the storm. They must see their act through. He must do his part and let Cassia do hers.
He must not give into fear. She had made her promise.
She took Benedict’s hands. “My work there is done. It is up to you to carry on her work there now. Flavian will need your wisdom and strength in the coming days.”
“What of your betrothal promise to him? Does it mean nothing?”
From her gardening satchel, Cassia drew a bundle of papers. The green wax that secured them bore no seal. No one would guess how much power the author of those documents wielded.
But Lio knew Cassia was holding a throne, a kingdom, an entire people’s future in her hands.
She wrapped Benedict’s hands around the documents. “This is my repayment to my lord Flavian. He will find himself well compensated for my bride price. I need you to give it to him for me.”
Benedict looked down at the papers, speechless. When his liege lord opened them, they would realize Cassia had presented Flavian with the plan for his peaceful takeover, spelled out to the last detail.
Cassia added the list of the embassy’s terms to the papers in Benedict’s hands. “I know it is a great deal to ask of him, but I believe he will rise to the occasion. You must promise me you will deliver these safely to him, and him alone.”
Benedict was silent a long moment before he answered. “I swear on your life. So you’d best not lose it.”
“I will be safe and well,” she assured him.
Callen spoke up as planned. “Segetia may surrender you that easily, but Hadria will not!”
“My lord charged me with bringing you safely home, and I shall.” Lord Gaius turned to the Hesperines. “You cannot ask this of her.”
“We are not asking,” Queen Alea replied. “She has offered.”
Queen Soteira gave a nod. “It is entirely her choice.”
“Will you have me?” Cassia asked.
“With joy,” said Queen Alea, “we will welcome you as one of our own.”
“Orthros is open to all who wish to remain.” Queen Soteira swept a gaze over the rest of the embassy, and many eyes did not shy away.
“In so doing,” Cassia asked, “will I satisfy Hesperine law?”
“Let us consult Princess Konstantina on this matter,” Lio said.
The princess actually looked pleased to take part in their display. “There are indeed considerable legal precedents to support Lady Cassia’s offer. As codified in the Law of Sanctuary, we must provide a home in Orthros to any who ask. This law is often invoked in conjunction with the Law of Atonement. Justice may be served by offenders delivering lives to safety in Orthros—but never by force. Lady Cassia’s choice is in accordance with the Law of Will.”
“I am but one life for eight,” said Cassia.
“Your very willingness holds great legal weight. It is not merely the count, but the magnitude of the rescue which must be taken into consideration. You do great good for both our peoples by your choice.”
“How much choice does she have?” Lord Severin demanded. “It is in your power to release her from this burden of honor.”
“No,” the Semna spoke up, “that power lies only in her conscience.”
The mage held out a hand, and Cassia went to her, kneeling beside her. Lio bowed his head as the Semna made a blessing of Kyria over Cassia.
“No man must stop you from heeding the goddess’s call,” the Semna said at last. “You answer her with wonderful courage. Undertake this mission of mercy with her blessings.”
