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“I feel he’s capable of handling the situation. And so is Lio.” Mak’s tone was reassuring.
But Cassia felt chastened. “This is not a lack of faith in Lio.”
“No,” Mak agreed, “it’s the fact that you can’t take your hands off politics for five minutes. Stop trying to control everything.”
“This is Tenebra. If we let a single piece slip from our control, it will be disastrous.”
“Our control, Cassia. You’re part of a delegation now. You don’t have to manage all of this alone.”
“And what is Lio doing?” Cassia demanded. “He decided without us that he will have his first audience with Flavian.”
“As long as Flavian survives the encounter, I’ll deem it a success,” Mak muttered. “Don’t worry. Lyros won’t let Lio do anything stupid.”
That should have mollified Cassia, but it didn’t. Her panic was pushing its way to the surface. She mustn’t let it out. She must regain the control that had saved her life in this kingdom over and over.
Solia had been standing at the table with Kella and Hoyefe, in consultation with Rudhira. Now Cassia’s sister beckoned to her and Mak.
Cassia made to rejoin the others, but Knight refused to budge. She had to command him three times before he would allow her past him. Mak followed them with obvious reluctance.
“I am going to Patria now,” Solia announced. “I need to be present for our delegations’ first audience with Flavian. Lio should not have taken such action without us.”
Cassia clung to frustration as an antidote to fear. Her own protest against Lio’s decision was one matter. They were partners. But her sister’s disapproval of her Grace was unacceptable.
With brisk hands, Cassia checked the pins in Solia’s scarf-coronet. “What are you planning to say to Flavian?”
Solia smoothed her golden gown, then adjusted her sword belt. “I was planning to let the diplomats coddle him while I make him uncomfortable. It seems we must reverse roles.”
Rudhira did not look pleased. “This is your decision, Solia. But I do not advise you to set foot at Patria until Lio and Lyros give us the all clear.”
Kella checked a silver fastener on Tilili’s saddle. “We understand if you prefer not to offer a Hesperine escort. Solia, Hoyefe, and I can traverse.”
“Speak for yourself.” Hoyefe conjured a spell-mirror in front of himself and gave one of his curls a twist. “I always prefer a Hesperine escort, especially handsome Chargers.”
“If I had my way,” Rudhira rumbled, “the Charge would be all over Patria.”
Solia looked at Cassia. “Will you come with us?”
“That is not our decision,” Mak replied.
He was right. Cassia was not an obedient person, but she was a loyal Hesperine. She had promised her Ritual father she would heed him.
She gave Rudhira the heart bow. “My Prince, I ask that you let me go with Solia. I need to be at Lio’s side.”
Rudhira studied her for a moment. “You’ll be surrounded by Mak, Lyros, your sister, and the Ashes. I suppose I can allow it without Komnena having my head for letting you go into unnecessary danger, or Apollon charging out here to knock some heads together in your defense.”
That made her smile.
“Mak,” Rudhira said, “step Cassia back here if necessary. Understood?”
“Of course, My Prince.” Mak had his eye on her. She knew he would pluck her off her feet and carry her to safety, if his orders called for it.
Cassia silently cursed the Collector for making her his target. It was his fault she must be treated like she was fragile. When she got her magic, she would show him just how fragile he was.
“I’ll step us,” Mak said. “Might as well spare you all the traversal.”
“Mak, would you…veil me?” Cassia knew she must ask, although she winced at the admission. “I don’t want my expression to betray anything in front of Flavian.”
“I can do that,” he assured her. “My veils aren’t as subtle as Lio’s, but they’ll do the trick.”
