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This was what she had done tonight. Secured her Grace’s happiness. And her own. It made her feel more powerful than any monarch.
Powerful enough to solve anything, even this impossible situation.
She slid into Lio’s embrace, curling against his body. “Your lap is an excellent place for scheming.”
“But also a place to rest when you’ve been out of bed too long.”
“Ah, I see how it is. This was all a plot to get me off my feet.”
“I will compensate you with both cuddling and diplomatic insights.”
“I deem this a fair bargain, Sir Diplomat. What insights do you have on my sister? For I must confess, you are better suited to judge her character than I am at present. I am nothing close to objective.”
“Your sister is driven by duty and loyalty. It will be no easy task to motivate her to rebel. But she will, I am sure—for a more personal loyalty.” Lio gave Cassia a wicked half smile. “It worked on her sister.”
“Love.” Cassia wound her hand in the braided silk cords that held Lio’s medallion. “You think we are not the ones who should appeal to her heart.”
“That is Tendo’s case to make,” Lio said.
“Do you think he is willing,” Cassia asked, “even though Solia broke his heart five years ago?”
“I know he is,” Lio answered. “Are you certain she still loves him the way he loves her?”
“I am convinced that if they were Hesperines, she would be dying of Craving for him.”
“Then if forced to choose between him and the Empress, I think your sister will not be able to subdue her inner fire with discipline any longer.”
“But how will we arrange for them to meet in secret? He’s Prince Tendeso of the Sandira Kingdom, the most public figure he could be. Solia always makes a point to visit me when he’s tied up at a court event. She is forbidden to reveal her identity to anyone but you and me until discharged from service in the Golden Shield. Going against that decree would risk our alliance with the Empress.”
“That is our first challenge,” Lio said. “Convincing Solia to unmask herself to him in spite of the Empress’s command.”
“Can you extricate Tendo from a royal ceremony at a moment’s notice the next time Solia comes to see me?”
Lio gave her a wry smile. “I think he and I will both find that entertaining.”
“Then I will take it upon myself to persuade Solia.”
Lio nuzzled her nose. “We are fitting champions for them.”
Cassia sampled his lips, fighting the temptation to do more. “I’m so grateful for what we have. I want it for them, too. Is that too much to ask?”
“We have always been told our love is too much to ask. And yet, look where you are now.” He gathered her closer on his lap. “Using diplomacy to enable seemingly impossible love—while protecting the common good—has become our area of expertise.”
42
Nights Until
NOTIAN WINTER SOLSTICE
14 Ourania, 1597 IS
BATTLE OF HEARTS
The following night, the Golden Shield who stood guard on the terrace abandoned her post. Watching her shut the door behind her and draw the curtains, Cassia felt a flutter of anticipation.
In the closed room, Solia lifted off her helmet, revealing her cropped blond hair and piercing, sky-blue eyes.
Cassia was suddenly seven again, and after a long day of her nurse’s rebukes in her dismal room, the moment she had looked forward to and clung to had arrived. She would get to spend time with her sister.
