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“But Her Imperial Majesty and I regard that as a last resort,” Solia continued. “She wishes to introduce herself to the Tenebrans as their patroness, not a foreign invader. She will provide me with support in the form of money, arms, and supplies that I can use to outfit my own forces. Only her elite mercenaries will render direct aid.”
Kella offered a bow from Tilili’s back. “Our sister states are united in the Empress’s cause. Tenebra and the Empire will move forward as allies. It is our hope that Orthros will stand with us.”
Karege put a hand to his heart. “And that Hesperines errant will be free to fight with our comrades, whatever official course you set for our people, My Queens.”
Queen Soteira shared another look with her Grace. “Our power is great, and thus any use of it has the potential to incite further harm.”
Annassa Alea nodded. “Hesperines have not been called upon to take sides in a conflict since the Last War—and even then, we sought only to protect innocents from the Orders’ onslaught. We chose to withdraw to Orthros rather than fight for our right to exist in Tenebra. This is a long precedent to overturn.”
“If Lucis remains on the throne,” Solia said, “war is inevitable. Cassia and Lio have told me that Lucis has already opened Tenebra to Orders. Their persecution of Hespera worshipers has already begun. Only I can prevent the Next War.”
“So can Flavian,” Cassia insisted.
“Do you truly believe he is equal to this?” Solia returned.
“He will maintain a united Tenebra,” said Cassia, “which can prevent the feuds and Cordian incursion.”
“Maintain, yes,” Solia replied. “He will maintain the Tenebra we have always known. Unless I reforge it into a new kingdom, history will repeat itself. As long as the Mage Orders control magic and worship, an entire continent will always be at their mercy. As long as corrupt men hold everyone else’s power hostage to their doctrines, war will only be a matter of time. Only real change can secure peace.”
Solia spoke the truth. Although she sought to drive change with sword and fire, Lio with diplomacy, their cause was the same. He wanted to believe she could achieve everything she promised. But he could not find it in himself to rejoice at the prospect of such a future, when it would cost Cassia her sister.
Aunt Kona made the circle petition. “Solia, you should be informed of the measure Orthros has in place in case violence should break out. Thanks to your sister, I have tabled this vote until we see the outcome of the Full Council. But if that outcome is the Next War, Orthros will invoke the Departure, withdrawing all Hesperines from Tenebra and sealing the ward forever.”
Shock reverberated in Karege’s aura. “My Princess, I have been gone from the Firstblood Circle for too long. I can scarcely imagine you would consider this.”
“It gives me no joy, dear Karege,” she replied. “But we will do what we must to ensure the Mage Orders do not threaten our existence—or subject Tenebrans to needless harm due to our presence.”
“With all respect,” Cassia spoke up, “the outcome of that vote is not a foregone conclusion. Many in Orthros are committed to keeping our borders open.”
“That’s right,” Xandra said. “The Eighth Circle has many partisans who will support my vote against the Departure.”
“The Charge has no intention of withdrawing,” Rudhira reminded them.
Nike crossed her arms. “Orthros has no reason to abandon Tenebra and cower behind the ward. We have the strength to stand firm in our purpose.”
“I welcome the debate we shall have, should that night arrive,” Aunt Kona replied. “You have allies on both sides of this discussion, Solia.”
“I can see that, Second Princess,” Solia responded, cool as steel, “but know that the Empress and I are united in our efforts to end isolation. It would grieve us for Orthros to abandon that principle. And I will not allow anyone, human or immortal, to lock my sister away from me. That is not up for debate.”
“There is an easy solution to that,” Aunt Kona said graciously. “You need only join us on this side of the ward.”
“I am offering you a far superior outcome.” Solia turned to the Queens again. “A queen who will turn the hostile land south of your border into an enduring ally. I am not asking for Hesperine intervention in a war—I ask for your help in preventing it. To do that, I must secure the throne. I request only that Orthros send official representatives to support my claim at the Council.”
Xandra made the circle petition. “Mother, Bamaayo, these proposals are sure to cause an upheaval in the Firstblood Circle. Should you wish to call a vote, my Trial sisters and I are prepared to rally our partisans.”
“We will need all our royal firstbloods to guide Orthros in the aftermath of our decision,” Queen Soteira said, “but Hesperines’ role in Solia’s campaign will not come to a vote. This is a choice we must make for our people.”
Lio felt the relief and trepidation that passed among all the Hesperines there. The Queens seldom enforced their Will on Orthros. They never would, unless their people faced a risk so enormous.
Aunt Lyta bowed to the Queens with her hand on her heart, the traditional heart bow. “No matter your decision, Annassa, the Stand is ready. With Nike home to reinforce us, there is no threat we cannot meet.”
Nike bowed alongside her. “We will shield Orthros from every new danger.”
“We will need our Stewards as well.” Queen Soteira’s words struck Lio as ominous.
She bent her head nearer Queen Alea. The two Graces were clearly in deep, private conversation. Like all parents in Orthros, the Queens spoke unheard with each other about their children. But the thoughts shared by their two minds held the power to alter lives and kingdoms.
Finally, Queen Soteira tucked a strand of hair behind Queen Alea’s ear, brushing her fingertips along the black Grace braid that Queen Alea wore like a circlet.
