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“As Cassia has been under yours,” Solia acknowledged. “For giving my sister Sanctuary, you have my gratitude.”
“She is dear to us.” Queen Soteira’s voice was rich with theramancy.
“And so are you,” said Queen Alea with one of her ancient, yet youthful smiles. “As the kin of one of Orthros’s bloodlines, you will always have a home here, no matter where your future path may lead.”
Solia seemed to find no words in response to this. Lio found it comforting, somehow, that even she could be so struck by this offer of unconditional Sanctuary from the Queens.
And yet the most powerful Hesperines alive did not make the world feel safe tonight.
“Annassa,” Lio said, “I fear all our paths lead to Tenebra.”
Queen Alea’s pale, round face furrowed with concern. “Ioustin has told us of your plight, my dears. Under other circumstances, we would never allow you to go Abroad when such threats await you. But it is clear an exception must be made in this case.”
Queen Soteira gave a heavy sigh. “We pray your venture into Tenebra will hold unexpected blessings, even as your journey through the Empire subjected you to unexpected dangers.”
If Kassandra had any insights to share on what surprises their travels had in store, she said nothing. The oracle sat silently on the Queens’ left.
“Every precaution must be taken,” Queen Alea said. “We will grant our blessing only when our prince regent is satisfied that your plan will not cause needless danger to you or any of those under his protection Abroad.”
Rudhira sat to his mothers’ right, dressed in formal silks with his braid draped forward over his shoulder. Lio’s Ritual father had seldom appeared so much like the Queens’ heir.
It was his sister Konstantina who handled the affairs of government on the home front while Rudhira was in the field, which did not always promote harmony between them. She and Rudhira had once been like Zoe and Lio, but now the Second Princess was one of the most powerful elders in Orthros, her centuries-long hair draping behind her chair in heavy coils. But tonight, she sat at her brother’s side and touched her dark hand to his pale one in a gesture of solidarity.
Lio gave them a deep bow with his hand over his heart, the honor Hesperines reserved for their immortal royals. “Thank you for your support, Aunt Kona. We know our further involvement in Tenebran affairs does not align with your vision for Orthros’s future.”
“As my mothers have said, there are times when exceptions must be made.”
“I’m sorry, Master Kona.” Cassia’s aura ached with genuine regret. “You’ve barely begun mentoring me in rose gardening, and I must already take leave from my lessons.”
Aunt Kona raised her majestic brows. “By no means should you apologize. A great future awaits you among my students, but to fulfill your potential, you must be in possession of your full power.”
They knew the future she had in mind for Cassia did not only involve gardening, not when Orthros’s rose expert was also a political mastermind.
Aunt Kona’s smile was rather smug. “Go and claim these gifts for your people. It is high time we inducted a Lustra mage into Orthros’s Circle of Rosarians. I can hardly wait to see what you do in our gardens.”
“I look forward to the plans you have for me,” Cassia said.
Then Aunt Kona beckoned to Xandra. “Come sit with me, Sister.”
Surprise flashed in Xandra’s aura, but she took the seat at Aunt Kona’s right. To the Queens’ left, Lio’s parents stood with Uncle Argyros, Aunt Lyta, and Nike. At an encouraging gesture from Nike, Kia and Nodora joined them, while Mak and Lyros closed ranks around Cassia and Lio.
A part of Lio’s mind, which remembered to think like a diplomat instead of Cassia’s angry Grace, noted the significance. His parents, aunt, and uncle were the only elder firstbloods in attendance.
The Queens were not interested in the opinions of the entire Firstblood Circle tonight. But they did want to involve their heirs. The Eighth Circle was in the thick of Hesperine politics now—and all the dangers it brought. There was no turning back.
Lio had prepared for this his entire life. But could anything truly have prepared him for an Old Master to target his Grace?
“First Prince,” Lio formally addressed Rudhira, “we come before you with two proposals for your consideration. This is my request: give Cassia and me your blessing to go errant. We will go secretly to Patria, making every effort to avoid the Collector’s attention, and remain only long enough to awaken her magic before returning to the safety of Orthros.”
Before speaking, Mak saluted Rudhira with a fist to his heart. “We take full responsibility for ensuring not only their safety, but mitigating any danger to others that might arise if the Collector makes an attempt on Cassia.”
Lyros was next to offer a salute. “We are ready to work with the Charge to ensure our strategy satisfies your concerns.”
“I deem this the approach that carries the least risk,” Rudhira said.
Cassia looked at her sister. “We hope Solia will accompany us there—and back to Orthros once we have achieved our goal.”
There was sympathy in Rudhira’s eyes. He knew they were fighting an uphill battle against another plan already in motion. “And the second proposal?”
