The Next Duel
Lio allowed himself hisanger. Cassia’s Giftmoon was over.
He’d known it as soon as the letting site had issued its desperate warning. But he stood in denial for a moment longer, while Kadi and Javed helped Lio’s parents herd the unsuspecting sucklings out of the room.
Zoe clung to Cassia and Lio, pleading to stay. He picked her up on his hip, while Cassia tucked one of her purple hair ribbons back into place.
“We’ll go with you, Zoe,” Nodora offered.
Kia nodded. “I’ll read you a bedtime story.”
Thank you, Lio mouthed to his Trial sisters over Zoe’s head.
Nodora gave him one of her kind smiles. After a great deal of persuasion from her, Kia, and Xandra, Zoe let Lio hand her to their father. The look of disappointment on her face gave him a new level of hatred for the war.
On their way out, Xandra paused to give her brother a fierce hug. “You had better come home again soon, Rudhira. Don’t make me drink your terrible hard cider alone.”
“I’ll join you for a bottle of your insufferably sweet mead as soon as I can,” he promised. But their good-natured sibling rivalry about their brewing didn’t make anyone laugh tonight.
Knight stood alert at Cassia’s side. She gripped Lio’s hand, and her reassurance pulsed along their bond, fueled by her new power. But neither of them could stop what was happening.
The Charge, the Stand, and the diplomats remained. Lio’s minute of bitterness was up. His temper would simply have to come along for the ride.
Veil spells fell over the room, and Kalos announced, “Lord Lucis and the war mages are preparing to move.”
Lord Lucis. Hearing that reminded Lio of their new reality, and his Grace’s aura simmered with satisfaction at the words. Cassia and Solia’s mortal sire was no longer the king by law. Even if he and his mage allies refused to accept it.
Kalos continued his rapid report. “They’ve received new ammunition from Cordium—arrows imbued with magefire. They plan to use them on Mederi Village.”
Rudhira swore. “How much time do we have?”
“They’ll attack at dusk,” Kalos informed him.
“Again?” Solia demanded.
Rudhira shook his head. “They know their chances of victory would be higher during they day, yet they keep attacking when we’re awake.”
“They’re baiting you,” Solia returned.
“Yes,” Rudhira confirmed. “Time to evacuate another target and evade their latest trap.”
Solia’s aura sparked. “We cannot keep evacuating my people forever. They need to know I’ll fight for them, and I won’t have the lords thinking a woman monarch is too reticent to face threats head on.”
“You are the one who told me you must pick your battles,” Rudhira replied. “And I don’t think the first battle with magefire arrows is the one you want to pick.”
“I won’t spend this entire war retreating,” Solia warned.
Rudhira’s gray eyes gleamed, but his emotions were veiled. “Oh, I don’t doubt that. But retreating to the most advantageous position in preparation is not cowardice. It is wisdom.”
“I’ll take that under advisement, First Prince, but they are my people. I will decide when it’s time to make a stand for them.”
To Lio’s surprise, Tendo spoke up, his feathers ruffled. “The Empress—and the sister states who provide soldiers for her army—are ready to send reinforcements to Tenebra.”
“Are you here in an official capacity?” Cassia asked hopefully.
“He’s here to visit you.” Solia looked directly at Tendo for the first time that night. “And tell me rumors from court that I already know. I can win this war without Imperial warriors coming to my aid. Except the Ashes, of course.”
Tendo’s jaw clenched, and Lio winced inwardly at Solia’s pointed words. But Lio couldn’t deny Tendo had squandered his chance to support Solia’s bid for the throne—or talk her out of it for the sake of their love.
“What did I tell you?” Tendo snapped his wings. “I’m just a messenger bird. I’ll leave you all to your official activities.”
Lio caught up to him at the door, veiling their conversation. “Tendo, stay. Cassia would be so happy to spend more time with you.”
“What did I tell you would happen with her sister and me under the same roof? It’s a miracle House Komnena hasn’t gone up in flames yet.”
“You know you are welcome here in your own right. You won’t leave Orthros before we’ve gone to the gymnasium, will you? You haven’t even gotten to punch me yet.”
Tendo let out a faint snort. “Fine. Karege is lending me his empty residence. You can find me there.”
The door closed after him, harder than necessary. Solia wore her warrior face, as if they had not just had a former lovers’ quarrel in front of half the family and leadership of Orthros. “Very well. We’ll evacuate. For now.”
Rudhira, unfazed, gave her a nod. “Kalos, keep watch for the mages. We’ll be there shortly.”
“Yes, My Prince.” Kalos bowed with his fist over his heart.
“Be careful,” Rudhira bade him.
“Not to worry,” the Hesperine mumbled. “The mages may see through my veils, but not my Lustra tricks.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Cassia said.
Kalos turned to her once more, hesitating. “Could I ask you a few questions later? About the letting site?”
“Of course.” She smiled at him.
He inclined his head and stepped away.
Rudhira sighed. “I’m sorry, Cassia. Some Ritual father I am, leaving in the middle of your celebration. But with magefire arrows in play, I’m needed in the field.”
Solia looked at Cassia with an apology in her eyes. “I can’t send someone else, either. I must go myself this time.”
“I understand.” Cassia reached for Solia’s hand. “I’m sorry we had to leave you all in the middle of the siege.”
“I am not. Taking you to safety was exactly what Lio should have done,” Solia replied, and he could not have been more in agreement. But he was not prepared for her next words. “And this is where I want you to stay.”
“What?” Lio and Cassia said in unison.
“Your part is done.” Solia spoke as if her word was already law. “I owe my throne to your diplomacy. Now we are at war, and your place is here. Help Argyros mediate between the Empire, Orthros, and my new Tenebra. Spend time with Zoe.”
“You need us,” Cassia protested.
“I’ve taken you away from your life here too many times. I won’t stand between you and Orthros any longer. I want you to leave the fighting to the warriors now.”
“Good luck with that,” Mak muttered.
He was right. No matter how much Cassia longed to stay in their tower, Lio knew she felt compelled to finish what they had started. When she pulled him aside, he had no doubt what she would say.
She looked up into his eyes, resting her hands on his chest. I will stay here with you, if that’s what you want.
Lio’s mouth fell open. He put his hands over hers, speechless before his Grace for once.
I’ll stay right here,Cassia repeated. Not because Solia asked. Because you did.
He found his words. Could you really bear to do that?
What I cannot bear is hurting you.
I don’t want to hold you back from what you need to do.
What I need is to fulfill my Grace’s need.
His conscience needled him. I know I’m not the only person who needs you.
They all need you just as much. But you’ve put me first so many times. I’ll do the same for you in a heartbeat. I have Hesperine priorities now, my Grace.
Lio pulled her into his arms. At last, he hit the certainty that lay beneath all their anger and despair.
Her Gifting had changed everything—for her, too.
He had known she was his forever. But he hadn’t believed it. Not until this moment, when she stood ready to turn the entire world away for his sake.
My beloved scholar, she said, after all the times the world has tried to pull me away from you, I thought you might need a demonstration for the truth to sink in.
Thank you, Cassia.
Seconds were slipping past, and the battle was looming closer, along with the choice they must make.
Neither of them spoke, but in their Grace Union, they both knew the truth.
Who would meet their enemies in the Changing Queen’s forgotten halls? Who could possibly stand against a necromancer who was also a Mage of Dreams—a thelemancer with the power of the god of death?
No one could face the Collector as they could. She was the only Hesperine who wielded the power of the Lustra. He was the only immortal mind mage who had defeated Kallikrates before.
Their family needed them both. Not for their diplomacy, but for their power.
If you ask me to go with you,said Cassia, I will do that too.
We have to make this decision together,just like always.
Knowing we will put each other first, can we face what they need from us—together?
It would be too hard for you.
Just keep me fed, and I’ll manage.
You know I’ll never leave you hungry. But this is not what I want for you. You should have more time to come into your power.
I can come into my power right in the Collector’s face. My fear is that it will be too hard for you.
It will be, he confessed. But I think we must do it nonetheless.
Then we’ll make Kallikrates rue the night you gave me fangs.
He kissed her one more time, feeling the sharpness of her canines against his tongue, before he lowered his veil spell.
“We’re coming with you,” Lio announced.
They turned to find themselves facing a fearsome red-haired obstacle. Rudhira crossed his arms over his chest. “Have you forgotten you require my permission to join my forces?”
Uncle Argyros raised a brow, his dark gaze at its most intimidating. “And mine to resume your diplomatic mission to Tenebra.”
“Orthros Abroad is no place for a new Hesperine,” Rudhira said. “Even one who brings your experience and skill into immortality, Cassia. I suggest you develop your power before you and Lio go errant again.”
A suggestion from their prince was not, in fact, a suggestion. Cassia’s frustration rose in their Grace Union. One of the potted ferns in the library popped out a few new fronds in protest, and Rudhira gave her a pointed look.
“I would love nothing better than to keep Cassia here,” Lio said, “but her magic, and mine, are necessary to stop the Collector. We have information about his plan that you need to know.”
At the mention of the necromancer, the temperature in the room seemed to drop. Even Lio shivered at the elders’ dangerous magic. The Collector had made enemies of the only beings as immortal as he.
Solia was the one nova of heat in the room. “This is what you needed to tell us? It sounds as if it can’t wait much longer.”
“No,” Cassia said. “It’s the reason Lucis and the mages are baiting Hesperines.”
Rudhira and Uncle Argyros exchanged a look.
“Lio,” his Ritual father said, “I will allow you to come with me—for now. While you assist me with the evacuation, you may tell me what you know and make your case for why you and Cassia should remain involved in the war.”
“I will need to be informed as well,” said his uncle. “Cassia should stay here with me and ensure the diplomatic service is prepared for what is to come.”
The fern gave a threatening rustle, its pot nearly invisible under the outburst of new fronds. But Cassia’s mind voice was controlled, matter-of-fact. It’s a sound plan.
Lio’s arms tightened around her new body. The form he had helped the Goddess make for her. Now he was not only her Grace but also her Gifter. The need to keep his new Hesperine safe turned his already fierce protective instincts into something feral. I don’t want to leave you.
I’m not fond of the idea either. Panic edged her thoughts. But we don’t have much time, and we’re needed in two places at once. It makes sense to split our forces and communicate with Grace Union.
Everything within him resisted the very thought of being so far away from her.
“It’s time to go,” Solia said, almost gently. “Are you coming with us, Lio?”
Rudhira stood with her, ready to step. Nike clasped his arm, exchanging a veiled farewell with her Trial brother.
You are doing this for us, Cassia reminded Lio. So we can get that necromancer out of our lives and go back to our tower in peace.
For that, I can find the strength to leave you—briefly. He pressed a kiss to her forehead and made himself let her go.
“I’m with you,” he said to Solia.
“I know there’s no persuading you otherwise, when you’ve made up your minds.” Solia held Cassia for a long moment.
“When will I see you again?” Cassia asked.
“Soon, I hope,” her sister answered.
Mak saluted Aunt Lyta. “Requesting permission to return to our duties as protection for the Ambassadors for Tenebran Affairs.”
She gripped his and Lyros’s shoulders. “Yes. Both of you go with Lio for the time being. Cassia will be safe here with us.”
“Don’t worry, Cassia.” Mak slung an arm around Lio’s shoulder. “Lyros and I will keep these two out of trouble.”
“And that’s saying something.” Lyros narrowed his eyes at Solia. “No familial magefire duels on our watch this time, all right?”
Solia held up her hands. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”
“No promises,” Lio said.
Cassia smiled, but her deeper fears were almost enough to make Lio change his mind and stay.
He felt the letting site’s magic running under Orthros and remembered the sight of that door in Miranda’s mind. He recalled the Collector speaking through her to deliver a warning: If you want that secret, you will have to duel me for it.
Lio stepped away with the warriors to face the next duel.