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“It was difficult for me to understand your friendship with him, for in my eyes he represents Flavian. But it is clear to me now why you care about Benedict.”
“We are bound by that night. It was not his fault, any more than it was mine.”
“I should have known that anyone fortunate enough to earn your trust is worthy of it.”
“He is an honorable man. Tenebra needs every one of those it can get.Weneed him, if we are not to lose the embassy’s hearts and minds to the Dexion.” She pulled back. “Lio, did you hear what Chrysanthos said about his brother?”
“Mak, Lyros, and I were listening. We felt his aura while he said it. I couldn’t help but hear what he was thinking, although I didn’t invade his mind with my magic. He was all but shouting his thoughts. He wasn’t lying. Or at least, he certainly believed his own words.”
Cassia nodded. “That was not some tale to produce a desired effect. He blames Hesperines for his brother’s death. Of course mortals, in their infinite perception, don’t realize how preposterous that is.”
Lio shook his head. “Hesperines wouldn’t risk entering Cordium, much less assassinate a son of a princely dynasty, leaving his widow and small child to grieve. Since Prometheus’s death, no Hesperines errant dare venture into the Magelands, except for the most careful and clandestine forays, which must be personally sanctioned by Rudhira.”
“Of course you would never incite conflict. I wish I could make the rest of the embassy understand you have nothing to gain by striking against the Cordian aristocracy. We need to find out the truth.”
“We’ve already informed Aunt Lyta. She will consult with the envoys and try to learn more about what really happened.”
“Whatever befell his brother, Chrysanthos’s grief explains why he has been emotional and uncontrolled. There’s no telling what he’ll do. He isn’t here for his circle’s politics. This is personal. His chance to avenge his brother.”
“Revealing his personal grudge was a mistake. He has handed us an accurate assessment of how dangerous he is and a better understanding of what motivates him.”
“Thank you for reminding me. I fear my first thought was not how to use his personal feelings against him, but how difficult it will be to combat them.”
“We will keep the Tenebrans from falling once more under his sway. You have worked tirelessly at it tonight.”
“I am uncertain how much I accomplished.” She shook her head. “We were so close!”
“Weareso close.”
“I can’t believe Chrysanthos has struck this blow the very night before the first official proposal of treaty terms. Tomorrow seemed like such a good time to finally begin negotiations. But now I am uncertain.”
“Our plan is still sound.” If Lio managed to convince Cassia of that, perhaps he would feel more sure of it himself. “When the Winter Solstice festivities start next week, we’ll have another chance to win their favor and demonstrate the benefits of a new Oath.”
“We have no time to judge how much of our good work Chrysanthos has undone in one move.”
The bells tolled the half hour. No more time.
Lio rose to his feet and helped Cassia up. “This will not be easy, but we will do it together. Are you ready?”
Cassia took a deep breath. “I don’t know if I will ever feel ready. To meet one of my rescuers at last… It is hard to know how to honor him. What thanks could be enough?”
“What greater deed could you do for him than to be at his side now, when he is suffering?”
She nodded, then held up a hand. “Wait, there is one thing…”
She darted back into her rooms, then returned a moment later carrying Solia’s pendant. How well Lio recognized the wooden triquetra of ivy from the night Cassia had first confided in him about her sister.
He could feel the dread, hope, and sorrow knotted inside her as he stepped them to the Healing Sanctuary. The hall outside Alkaios’s room was deserted and lit by gentle spell light. No sound emerged from behind the veil of fabric and magic that hung over the doorway.
The curtain did not stir as Queen Soteira stepped out of the room and joined them in the corridor. “It is good that you are here.”
Cassia’s lip trembled. “He is Alkaios.”
“I know.” The Queen pulled Cassia into her arms.
Cassia gasped, then held on to Annassa Soteira for a long moment. Lio put a hand on his Grace’s back.
“How is he?” Cassia asked at last.
