52. Xin
XIN
Since I’d smelled the queen of Rome before, finding her location inside House Valois only took me a few minutes. She and another woman I assumed to be the queen of Paris sat together outside beneath a covered pavilion surrounded by colorful roses and fountains.
Silently, I crept closer, staying low to the ground, nose working.
The two Blood at the door sensed nothing as I slipped past them.
Another pair of Blood stood at the garden’s edge.
One of them was a wolf, so I gave him a wide, careful berth.
I didn’t want him scenting me, even if he couldn’t see me.
I sensed eyes up high, Blood watching from vantage points on the roof. More Blood near the rear of the garden. None of the Isador Blood, though. Even though it’d been years since they’d served my house, I was sure I would be able to scent them.
But they were not my target. Only the queen of Rome.
Crouched low, I tuned in to the two queens’ conversation so Shara could hear them as well.
“We need a strong Triune now more than ever,” Marne said.
The other queen, Rosalind, laughed. “It’s not my fault you’re the last one left. I had nothing to do with their demise.”
“Don’t tell me you never dreamed of taking a Triune seat. You’re strong enough, Rosalind. You play the game well. The only thing blocking your path to a seat was Jeanne. In a way, Shara Isador did you a favor.”
“She did what no one else could do,” Rosalind said softly. “She found—and killed—the Dauphine. Doesn’t that make you sweat a little despite this pleasant spring breeze?”
Ignoring the other queen’s jab, Marne leaned forward, her eyes laser-focused on her. “She stole your legacy. Don’t you want it back?”
Rosalind shuddered delicately. “No. Not at all. You wouldn’t, either, if you knew what the Eleusinian Mysteries involved.
In a way, I pity her. Despoina’s veil is a heavy gift to wear.
Besides, I have everything I want, Marne.
I’m now one of the most powerful queens still alive, without the weight and responsibilities of the Triune. Taking a seat ages a queen.”
She paused and then laughed lightly, as if she’d made a joke. “At least that’s what my grandmother always said. How long have you sat at the Triune now, Marne?”
“Long enough to know we need a united, strong front before either Skolos or Triskeles gain enough power to eclipse ours. You’re sworn to the Triune table, Rosalind. Your house serves our table.”
“You’ve never given a fig for what the Skolos queens did, and Shara can’t do anything without at least one more queen joining her. Is that what you’re so worried about? A Triskeles quorum?”
“No,” Marne bit off the word, her tone harsh. “Didn’t you hear what happened with Skolos? She sat with them. She took a seat at their table to complete it.”
:Whoa,: Shara whispered in my head. :Someone in Undina’s nest must be a spy for Ceresa. Or one of Nuri’s Blood.:
Which was exactly why Shara hadn’t wanted anyone from Marne’s nest joining us.
Rosalind’s eyes sparked with interest. “I didn’t know that was possible.”
“Neither did I,” Marne admitted. “A complete Triune hasn’t met in centuries.”
“Not since Triskeles’ unfortunate demise,” Rosalind said. “Though you wouldn’t have any knowledge about that, I presume.”
Cooly, Marne replied, “Desideria’s madness sealed their fate.”
Rosalind nodded, her lips curving. “Ah, yes, of course. You were involved in that other affair.”
Marne sniffed dismissively. “I have no idea what you’re implying.” Though her hand absently brushed the spotless golden skirt of her gown. A sure tell as far as I was concerned.
“Come now, Marne. Don’t play coy with me. I might not hold a Triune seat as you, nor did I wield the Eleusinian Mysteries, but I have my own special gifts. You’re not the only one who sometimes sees what’s done in secret. You always did prefer mirrors. Even if you must break them.”
Marne’s face paled. “I don’t know what you mean.”
:I wish I knew what she’s referring to,: Shara whispered. :It’s whatever leverage Rosalind has on Marne.:
Rosalind laughed, a light, almost childlike bright sound, while Marne seemed to wilt, shrinking inward despite her power. “That’s what I thought.”
“I brought the Isador Blood with me.” Marne threw it out like a desperate plea or bribe.
“Good. Jeanne would be pleased, if she were still alive. But I’m still not taking a seat at the Triune with you.” Rosalind suddenly stiffened, her eyes narrowing. She stood abruptly. “Let’s get the formal procession started.”
:Something alerted her,: I warned my queen.
:Damn. I felt a flare of heat when I crossed the blood circle. I’m guessing Rosalind must have coded some extra protection into her magic.:
The queens stood and moved past me. I crouched, waiting, hackles bristling, but neither felt my presence. On silent padded paws, I followed them back into the house.
“Wait here,” Rosalind told Marne. “I’ll announce you shortly.”
Then Rosalind made a beeline for the front of the house. Across the wide-open hallway, I saw her take the clipboard from the doorman, but I couldn’t make out their conversation.
:She’s getting our names,: Shara said to Leonie, though I also heard her words. :We still have the advantage. She doesn’t know which of us is lying about who we are.:
The hallway began to fill with more Blood and siblings. As some flowed past me into the reception hall, I caught a telltale whiff of death and taint. Not quite the same taint as the swamp, but similar. More like the thrall beneath the Delafosse house.
:Thrall,: I warned Shara and the other Blood. :I can’t tell which one it is, but I definitely smell one of the Dauphine’s former Blood. Shall I follow him?:
:No,: Shara said. :Guillaume will handle the thrall. Stay with Marne. She’s your target, Xin. If she draws her blood and reaches for her power, I want you to rip her throat out.:
:Gladly, my queen.:
SHARA
I forgot how tediously formal Old World Aima queens could be.
All of the House Valois siblings were ushered into a grand reception hall complete with a marble-columned walkway that had its own roof beneath the soaring grand ballroom.
The procession walkway was lined with red carpet, and the rest of the flooring was classically tiled in black and white marble threaded with gold.
Ornate gold and crystal chandeliers illuminated the soaring ceilings painted with as much painstaking detail as the Sistine Chapel.
:She tried to replicate a stoa,: Guillaume said. :Those are Doric Greek columns, and they look authentic. Given her heritage, they may even be from Arcadia or Lycosura itself, where the cult of Despoina began.:
At the opposite end of the procession on an elevated dais, Rosalind reclined in an ornate white chair with gilded carvings and plush soft blue velvet padding.
Her long golden-brown hair cascaded over one shoulder in waterfall curls, and her gown looked like it was encrusted with diamonds and sapphires.
Her chair’s matching twin sat beside her, waiting for Marne to join her.
:Ugh,: Leonie whispered in our bond. :More ugly furniture. Apparently she shares her grandmother’s taste for Rococo designs.:
Barely, I suppressed a smirk.
A man dressed in blue and gold livery that looked like a Three Musketeers costume reject strode out carrying a golden staff. He thumped it on the floor three times, and the chattering crowd silenced immediately.
“Hear ye, hear ye, Her Majesty Rosalind Valois, Daughter of Despoina, Queen of Paris, calls forth her court to celebrate this joyous occasion. Her Majesty Marne Ceresa, daughter of Ceres, High Queen of the Triune, be welcome in House Valois and the City of Light.”
I found it interesting that Rosalind disavowed her relationship to the Dauphine. Especially now that her grandmother was dead.
Marne didn’t have anyone announced, not even her first consiliarius, Byrnes, who walked beside her, forearm lifted for her ever so lightly placed fingertips.
She wore a light and airy golden dress with a train dragging along behind her.
Her hair was a brighter gold than Rosalind’s honeyed blonde, though Marne wore her hair coiled and braided in an elaborate design.
Her face ageless, carved from marble, as cold and reserved as I remembered in Rome.
With one exception. It was a small thing, but there was a tiny crease in her brow.
The ever so slight hint of dissatisfaction.
Dare I say, worry. She didn’t have enough power to force Rosalind to do as she wished.
For the first time in likely centuries, Marne Ceresa stood alone.
The might of her Triune seat meant nothing now.
Far from her home court, she came to Paris in need of support.
Rosalind didn’t appear to be willing to offer any assistance to her whatsoever.
Pacing along beside them silently, Xin flashed a wolfy smile at me. Glistening white teeth ready for their mark.
Marne’s Blood marched in behind her, three abreast, at least ten rows.
I lost count when I felt Lew’s inhale, his focus landing on his old friends who’d served with my mother.
Even though none of the rest of my Blood were here, our bonds were so deep they could see and hear and feel everything with me.
If I closed my eyes, I could almost feel the heat of Rik’s big body behind me, even though miles separated us.
:That’s interesting,: G said, drawing my attention back to the procession. :I don’t think he’s a king.:
One of Marne’s Blood was bound in thick chains like the ones Vore’s house had used to keep his ushi-oni contained. The Ceresa Blood was huge, maybe even bigger than Rik.
:Not possible,: my alpha grumbled. :At least if I shift.:
As they passed, I had to do a double take. The chained Blood had several sets of arms, all chained and bound to his body.
Marne took her seat, and her Blood took up position against one wall. Behind the crowd, Rosalind’s Blood lined the opposite wall.
:Fifty Blood for each queen,: G said lightly. :Good odds for the Executioner.:
:Plus a thrall somewhere,: Rik reminded.
G patted his thigh where I presume he had his best weapon stashed. :I’m ready for him, alpha.:
“I’m pleased to offer Queen Rosalind three of my own Blood as a gesture of good will among our courts,” Marne said. She didn’t speak any louder, but her voice carried, magnified with magic so everyone in the huge room heard.
“Yes, yes, in a moment, Your Majesty,” Rosalind said. “First, I’d like to present my siblings to you.”
A look of irritation flashed over Marne’s face. Evidently a change in timing from what she’d been told—likely because Rosalind knew something fishy was going on.
“I thought it must be a mistake, but Charles assures me several of my long-lost siblings made the arduous trip from America to be here today. After decades of absence, I feel as though we should celebrate the return of Leonie Delafosse and Isabelle Vasconia to court.”
Polite applause broke out for a few moments. Leonie shot a look of dread mixed with excitement at me.
I gave her a subtle nod. :This is it. We play along as long as we can. It’s possible the thrall may be confused and think you’re still the Dauphine, so slip in some of their kill switch commands if you can. I want to see if Rosalind’s in on it. Rik, be ready.:
An image filled my mind of the rest of my Blood all crammed chest to chest, thigh to thigh, arms locked around each other, standing in the small pool. It made me laugh, which came out like a rattling wheeze from Isabelle’s dry throat.
:We’ll be there before you can even utter the order, my queen.: