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Solia coaxed the flames higher and set out the coffee pot. “Have you found out anything useful about the Dexion?”
“Oh, yes,” Hoyefe answered. “After the layers of silence spells all over the Imperial Palace, eavesdropping at Patria is child’s play. Even in that fire mage’s chambers.”
Lio leaned forward. “You found where Flavian is holding him?”
Cassia put a hand on his, a staying gesture. But she needn’t worry. He knew how to handle the Dexion.
“The north tower,” Hoyefe revealed. “Flavian is out of his depth with that one, to be sure. He thinks he can appease Cordium and keep them out of his affairs without making them his enemy.”
“The situation is too far gone for that,” Lio said. “They will never stay out of Tenebran affairs unless the new monarch mounts resistance.”
“It sounds as if the Dexion is manipulating Flavian,” Solia agreed, “making him believe he has the situation under control. What has the Dexion agreed to?”
“To guarantee Cordium will not interfere in the succession,” Hoyefe explained, “in return for safe passage back to Corona.”
“That promise will last until he kisses his superiors’ jeweled shoes in the Divine City,” Lio predicted.
“Surely Flavian is not fool enough to believe him?” Cassia asked.
“He hasn’t accepted the bargain,” Hoyefe replied, “but he did allow Chrysanthos’s apprentice to return to Cordium unharmed as a gesture of goodwill.”
Lio swore. “Tychon is back with the Orders? No telling what lies he’s telling them about the Solstice Summit.”
“What’s most important is that they not learn of Solia’s return,” Cassia said. “Has Flavian told the Dexion that?”
“No,” Hoyefe answered, “he doesn’t want to admit he has a rival at the Council.”
Cassia nodded. “He can get a better deal from Chrysanthos if he appears to be sure of his ascension to the throne.”
“Is Chrysanthos allowed contact with anyone else?” Lio asked. “Is he permitted correspondence?”
“He writes letters to his nephew,” Hoyefe reported. “Each one is read by Sir Benedict to ensure it contains no secrets.”
Cassia laughed. “Chrysanthos must hate having his sentimental nonsense to the little boy examined by Ben. It’s a good thing Ben can read Divine.”
“What does the Dexion want?” Solia asked. “Besides passage home.”
“Revenge,” Lio said. “He blames me for my role in his brother’s death.”
“Ah.” Solia nodded. “The mage battle at the Equinox Summit.”
Cassia looked from her sister to Lio. “Have you two been swapping battle tales?”
“Lio has some good ones,” Solia said, “for a scrollworm.”
Cassia tightened her hand on Lio’s. “Then you understand why he needs to be careful around the Dexion.”
“On the contrary, my rose, he is the one who ought to be careful around me.” Lio turned to Hoyefe. “Does he know I’m here?”
“Lord Flavian has not seen fit to reveal that detail to him, either,” the illusionist replied.
Lio smiled. “Someone ought to pay him a visit that will inconvenience Flavian. We can do that without revealing Solia is here.”
“This is a terrible idea,” Cassia said.
“I agree,” Lyros said. “We should proceed with caution.”
“Fire mages don’t respond well to caution,” Solia said.
