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Considering the shared tragedies in her and Ben’s past, Lio should not begrudge the man her smiles, but he did. The Allied Lords still believed Cassia had stayed behind in Orthros to preach the Goddess Kyria’s teachings to the heretics, not fornicate with one on a nightly basis. And Benedict might as well have been the high priest of the Cult of Maiden Cassia, memorializing her for her great sacrifice.
Lio also did not take kindly to Benedict appearing in the camp in the gold and white surcoat of the Knightly Order of Andragathos, which was known for shining its holy light on Hespera worshipers at sword point.
Benedict gave Cassia a reverent bow and kissed her hand. “Your Ladyship, I never imagined I would see you again.”
“It is Ambassador Cassia now.” She touched her medallion. “I’ve come as a diplomat.”
Confusion flickered in Benedict’s gaze, but then he took in her blue robe, and his expression cleared. “You are so devoted to your calling as the Goddess Kyria’s peacemaker.”
Lio was thick-headed this twilight. If he had been properly awake, he would have realized what Cassia was doing. Her hair was covered, a concession to Tenebran standards of modesty. Her robe was Kyrian blue. She was playing into Benedict’s image of her.
Goddess bless Mak for greeting Benedict with a wrist clasp, which effectively detached the man from Cassia. He still looked starry-eyed from Cassia’s nearness, but he greeted Mak and Lyros as if he were genuinely glad to see them.
“You have met our delegation from Orthros,” Rudhira said. “Allow me to present you to our allies from the Empire, led by Kella, First Blade of the Ashes and Princess of the Azarqi.”
Benedict was too courteous to stare, but Lio sensed that it was an effort for him this time. The Ashes were unlike anyone he had ever seen. He gave Kella a gracious bow, but did not attempt to kiss her hand with Tilili’s sharp teeth between them. “Your Highness, we regret that we did not have the opportunity to meet you and your companions among the Imperial guests when we were in Orthros.”
“We are here with the Empress’s blessing,” Kella responded in Divine, “to extend her hand of friendship to Tenebra during troubled times.”
“We appreciate how unprecedented this is,” Eudias said, “given the Empress’s policy of isolation. We are honored to have you in Tenebra.”
Lio wanted to cheer for Eudias. He was becoming quite the diplomat himself. Lio asked, “Is the offer that Allied Lords extended to us after the Solstice Summit still on the table?”
“I should hope so,” Eudias said.
“That is a decision we are not empowered to make,” Benedict explained, “but we will bring word to the lords that our allies from Orthros and the Empire wish to attend.”
“And encourage them to honor the invitation,” Eudias added.
Rudhira said, “We, in turn, will continue to honor their request that the Charge remain at a distance. However, our terms are that Stewards Telemakhos and Lysandros accompany our delegation to Patria for protection. Before our ambassadors arrive, their bodyguards must be allowed to patrol the Council site for dangers and cast wards for protection.”
Eudias and Benedict conferred quietly for a moment, then Eudias said, “We will recommend that the lords accommodate these reasonable requests.”
Cassia shared a glance with Lio. This was going well. Except for the fact that Flavian was waiting for them at their destination.
“Ben,” Cassia said, “it is our hope that we can meet with Flavian to discuss his endeavors. But we would prefer that news of our arrival reach his ears only for the time being. I’m sure you understand.”
“We will proceed with the utmost discretion, Your Ladyship. You must be reunited with my lord as soon as possible.”
Lio cut in, “Ambassador Cassia and I have urgent diplomatic matters to address with him.”
“You can rely on me, of course,” said Eudias. “Whatever has brought you all this way at such a volatile time, it must be of the greatest importance.”
Lio steeled himself as Cassia reached out and took Benedict’s hands. “I must prepare you for who you are about to see. Know that we have the Hesperines and the Ashes to thank for this miracle. They helped me find the truth—and someone we thought lost.”
Benedict’s brow knitted. “What can you mean?”
The joy shining through Cassia now was no act. “Ben, we were wrong about the Siege of Sovereigns. My sister escaped.”
Silence fell over the pavilion. Eudias turned an astonished gaze on Lio, and he nodded.
“Solia is alive,” Cassia declared. “The Empire harbored her all these years. And now she is ready to return to us.”
Benedict let out a breath, almost a groan. “I don’t understand.”
“I know,” Cassia said. “It seems impossible. But it’s true.”
“How can you be sure—” Benedict cut himself off.
