AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“We are running out of time to find the letting site,” Lio said. “Kalos, we need your help to search for it faster.”
He leaned forward. “You know I’m willing, but do you think it’s wise to risk it this close to the vote?”
“I agree,” Cassia said. “We have pushed the Allied Lords to their limit, demanding that they accept my marriage to a Hesperine. Now is not the time to violate our terms with them by bringing a Charger to Patria.”
“They cannot disapprove if they never find out,” Lio said.
“If the Dexion detects me,” Kalos pointed out, “he’s sure to tell Flavian.”
“And then Flavian can use that against Solia in Council,” Cassia said.
Lio smiled. “That is why we must rid ourselves of the Dexion first.”
Cassia’s eyes widened. “This is the other part of the plan you mentioned?”
He took her hand. “Remember what I said. I need you to let me do this.”
Her lips thinned. “I will not agree to anything until you tell us what you’re planning.”
Mak gave Lio a dubious look. “Bruising Flavian on the tournament field is one thing, but doing away with an Aithourian war mage?”
Rudhira glowered. “Lio, we have had this conversation about the Dexion before.”
“Don’t look so alarmed,” Lio said. “I’m not planning an assassination. Merely a kidnapping.”
Solia’s eyes gleamed with interest. “When I tasked you with advising me, I was expecting boring cautionary tales. Now you have my attention.”
But his most important ally did not appear convinced. He knew that stubborn set of Cassia’s chin.
“Hear me out,” Lio said. “We should quietly remove the Dexion from Flavian’s custody and make him our own ‘guest’ in a location where he can’t cause trouble. Then we’ll spread the rumor that he escaped on Flavian’s watch. Later, Solia can take credit for recapturing him.”
Solia’s brows rose. “You wish to give me credit for your plan?”
“All my satisfaction will come from carrying it out,” Lio replied. “We should use it to your political advantage. This will weaken Flavian’s position because the lords will see he’s unable to hold his own against Cordium. It will also secure your hold over the Dexion, so you can later use him as leverage to avoid the Orders’ retribution for being a fire mage. And in the immediate term, it will allow Kalos to come help us find the letting site.”
Solia’s soldier mask slipped, and an exasperated smile spread across her face. “My only complaint about this plan is that I can’t help you with it. Succeed in this, and I’ll consider your fourth labor complete.”
“I’ll soften the Dexion up for you, and you can finish the job once you’re ready to reveal that you’ve returned.”
“He and I will start with a conversation about reparations for the farmers he deprived of their only son.”
Lio and Solia both looked to Cassia.
She pressed her lips together. “This is a dangerous, undiplomatic idea, and you both know it. Unfortunately, it’s an excellent plan. And I shall enjoy it far too much.”
Lio smiled and kissed her again.
That did not alleviate her scowl. “I will agree to support this on one condition. You must take me with you. The last time we broke the Dexion, it took both of us, together. And we regretted not having Mak and Lyros with us. The entire Hesperine delegation carries out this kidnapping, or not at all.”
Mak crossed his arm. “Lio can’t be trusted alone with the Dexion.”
“You need at least two Stewards to help you safely transfer him,” Lyros said.
Lio held up his hands. “I agree.”
The fight drained out of Cassia. “I thought you would try to keep me safe in bed.”
“That is precisely what I want to do.” He brushed his fingers over her cheek. “But I know I can’t.”
