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It must appear to them that Solia was merely showing compassion for a fallen subject, but Cassia suspected her sister was using some kind of spell. Cassia could feel something wrong about the man’s remains. Like a foul odor, but not one she could smell with her nose.
“I’m sorry,” Lio said. “His name was Hamon.”
Cassia longed to wrap her arms around her Grace and tell him this was not his fault. But all she could do for now was stand here and remember this man with him. She studied Hamon’s face, and her heart tightened.
She had seen death often. And she had not cared. Now she cared so much, she felt as if she might break. But she knew she wouldn’t. Caring as much as Hesperines did only made her stronger.
Solia sighed and stepped back from the remains. “Go ahead.”
“I’ll help you move him,” Benedict offered.
Eudias shook his head. “No, thank you. I will take Hamon myself.”
He rolled up his sleeves, drawing a deep breath, then placed his hands almost reverently on Hamon. It seemed Eudias felt the need to do this for the man who had not been fortunate enough to survive the Collector. The determined young mage performed yet another traversal, disappearing with the body. Cassia hoped Eudias would accept a tonic from Tuura after all of this, before he ended up bedridden.
That sickening arcane scent left the room, but the specter of death in Lio’s eyes remained. “I have suggested to Lord Flavian that he allow Hesperine wards around Patria.”
“And I have respectfully declined,” Flavian returned.
Their exchange sounded as respectful as mutual swords in the gut. Goddess, how had this gotten so far out of hand, so quickly? She had thought Lio had fully recommitted to the conciliatory path.
Then again, Flavian was the one exception who made her gentle Grace see red. She sent Lio a questioning glance, but there was not a shred of remorse in him. The look in his eyes thrilled her traitorous Craving.
Solia took charge of the conversation, and Cassia deemed it wise to let her. “I am sure we can all come to an agreement on the best way to ensure the safety of everyone gathered at Patria.”
“You can trust Segetia to shield you, Your Highness,” Flavian said with some of his characteristic gallantry. “Patria is under my protection.”
“We will not allow the lords or the king to retaliate against you,” Benedict promised.
“And I am here to offer my protection to my subjects.” Solia gestured to Kella and Hoyefe. “As are my Imperial and Hesperine allies.”
“Your Highness, you can understand my caution. Imagine the outcry among the lords and mages if we allow foreign spells to be cast unchecked.”
“Your men cannot be expected to defend themselves without magic from an enemy they cannot see. My allies are equipped to face these adversaries.”
“I can allow you to perform your own patrols,” Flavian replied. “That’s the best I can do.”
“I would agree to that, provided you’ll permit joint checks of all parties entering the perimeter. My allies must be allowed to magically examine all new arrivals.”
“Only if Mage Eudias is present to ensure their spells are within agreed upon limits.”
Solia looked to Kella. “Is this acceptable to the Ashes?”
Kella nodded. “Our Diviner can ensure no evil passes the checkpoints, as well as advise Lord Flavian’s men on how to be prepared for necromancy.”
Then Solia turned to Lyros. “As the Hesperines’ strategist, do you find this sufficient?”
“Only wards would offer complete safety,” Lyros replied, “but it is clear a compromise is necessary. The Stewards are prepared to do our best with cooperative patrols—if we are permitted to cast wards over our delegations’ own chambers.”
“Very well,” Flavian said. “As a courtesy, I will not question any spells you cast over your own rooms. Princess, I have prepared accommodations for you all in my wing of the fortress. You will be safe here while we discuss your plans.”
She inclined her head. “I value your loyalty. You have accomplished a great feat by gathering allies and enemies here and keeping peace so the Council can commence.”
Oh, she was coddling him indeed. Cassia knew how it grated on Solia to give Flavian that much credit. To be treated like a guest in her own kingdom.
Flavian met Solia’s gaze. “Are you here for the Full Council, Your Highness?”
She looked back at him, unwavering. “I did not survive the last fifteen years and cross the world for anything less than my crown.”
