35. Raithe #2
I told myself that my preoccupation with her was simply the result of the mystery surrounding her past, as warned by her grandmother in her dying moments. And I had a sneaking suspicion that Basil’s gifted Sight was a fraction of it.
“Now that we’re all convened, will someone finally care to explain how mere civilians managed to best two guardians?” Maryn prompted into her teacup.
We’d lied, naturally, claiming we were attacked on the return to Antares from Pipirima. If we’d said an explosion occurred, Pipirima’s baron would launch an investigation that would reveal no such attack occurred.
“They were waiting for us,” I said before Felaf could.
She wasn’t nearly as bad a liar as Alekko was, but her resentment of deception would give her away.
“We believe they weren’t mere civilians.
Likely, apostates who knew of Novah’s identity and hunted down her grandparents.
All so they could do exactly what Helene did to Cyrene’s family: prevent them from being sacrificed, and therefore prevent more power to Scorpio. ”
“We should have waited to post Novah’s charts before retrieving her grandparents,” Gregorios boldly stated.
“Yes, well, you claimed her to be a nomad. And Novah claimed them to be dead, if I recall.” Maryn twisted her cup in a circular motion. “For someone who did not know them, she’s been quite affected by their deaths.”
“Family is family,” Gregorios offered.
Maryn sneered at this. “The barons are distressed to hear of yet another attack, even if this one is more unusual than their historic targets. They have solicited additional soldiers from the Martial Isles for their personal security. Word will soon reach the rest of the queendom and then the entire realm. We must put them at ease.”
Alekko rested his elbows on the table. “Respectfully, Queen Regent, securing more soldiers from the Martial Isles means fewer numbers for my fleet, who are the ones tirelessly hunting down the apostai in partnership with Vesperah’s city guards.”
“Then so be it. The barons must be appeased.”
It wasn’t lost on this room that her desire to keep the barons content stemmed from their ability to instate a different regent with one of her advisors at any given moment.
Vesperah glanced at me. I shook my head. Once I got the answers I needed from the man that Felaf and I imprisoned in the city under Vesperah’s watch, I would let Rahzlyn see him for herself. His presence, for now, needed to remain a secret from everyone—especially Maryn.
“Martial enrollment numbers have plummeted since the curse,” said Alekko.
“I don’t have enough heads to spare you, Queen Regent.
If we don’t proactively seek the apostai out and train our men and women appropriately, they will continue to fester.
We’ll be in a constant state of reactivity and fear like we are now. ”
“I’ve already approved the barons’ requests.
” Maryn waved her hand dismissively. “They are worried about the upcoming Equinox and how the courts will vote against our sovereignty. Giving them some additional assurance felt necessary. I have been corresponding with the advisors in the other territories to sway their royals to understand that enacting a marriage decree will not stabilize this queendom. I am confident in my ability to speak on behalf of this queendom and get the courts to vote against such an unprecedented action.”
“And what if our princess does indeed survive, demoting you back to advisor?” I voiced. “Will you advise her accordingly?”
Felaf’s eyes cut to mine inquisitively.
Maryn inhaled sharply. “If I wanted your negligible opinion, I would ask for it, Guardian. Which reminds me. Barto tells me your Pegasus seemed awfully worn out in the stables. I do hope she hasn’t gotten too withered in her old age.
Perhaps she needs to be put out of her misery?
I was hoping the little bonfire was enough to make my message clear, but maybe not. ”
We can be sad together.
I smothered the rising emotions that were too intense for me to face. The loss of Hector’s books stung deeply, reopening a wound I’d never fully healed. Cobalt was flesh and blood, my purest companion. I never considered how far Maryn would go if I continued to push her.
“Perhaps, Queen Regent—” Gregorios began.
“Perhaps, Seer, you’re useless. You’ve been useless since the curse started. It’s like you’re not even talking to Scorpio anymore. Your words are vague, your insight inconsequential.”
“Maybe Scorpio has truly forsaken us all,” an advisor muttered.
Gregorios remained as still as a stone statue.
“We mustn’t believe what the people do,” Maryn countered.
“The Astrals may rely on us in many ways for their continued power, but they are immortal. Everlasting. We don’t wear their sacred colors or plant their flowers for giggles.
They are tethered to us as much as we are to them.
” She cut Gregorios a scathing look. “I won’t remind you that I have no tolerance for deceit in this court. ”
A tense, unsettling silence permeated the air.
Maryn rubbed her temples before lifting a hand. “You’re all dismissed.”