38 The Last Effort #3
“We had an agreement,” the senator said.
The Emperor guffawed in astonishment as much as mirth. “And you expect it still stands after what you did? That agreement was stipulated on the condition that you refrained from fomenting rebellion against my rule. You violated that vital clause.”
“Nowhere was that clause written,” d’Lyre insisted. “Nor was it discussed.”
The Emperor sipped her wine as she studied the Federation woman, a delaying tactic to find her words.
“It was so obvious, I did not imagine it would need to be. Your tenuous grip on reality concerns me, and furthers my conviction that any deal with the Federation would not be in the Empire’s long-term interests.
Only a truly litigious and morally bankrupt society would attempt to enforce a deal made under false pretenses.
Only the worst of transhumanity would risk tripping a Fall to gain a better place at the bargaining table.
But since you and your ilk seem unable to understand that, let me say this – the strong do as they will, and the weak suffer what they must. In the past, that saying has applied to military strength alone, but during this war, we have seen other forms of strength.
Moral strength. Ethical strength. The strength of loyalty.
In every one of those measures, the Noble Federation falls short.
I would hesitate to call your society noble, considering that you seem to possess no concept of nobility beyond fancy titles bought by the rich.
It is that weakness which has led to your downfall today.
Had you possessed the moral fortitude to stick by your initial overtures, you may have received nearly all your desires, but now, you will get nothing and like it, and you will thank me for not continuing this war against your Federation. ”
D’Lyre protested, “Our allies would stop you from conquering us—”
The Emperor laughed. “After you tried to sell them for a better deal? I think not.”
Lady d’Lyre looked about the hall, and I watched as she realized not a friendly face remained alive to console her. Everyone here despised her, and when her eyes met mine, I did my best to communicate the depths of my disgust for her.
The Emperor gestured with her good hand, still holding a glass of wine.
“You will be confined to your quarters until a new treaty is drafted, and then you will sign it, without revision. Any refusal will be viewed as an act of further warfare, and war shall be prosecuted so forcefully that your government shall be wiped from this galaxy like the stain it is.”
Lady d’Lyre must have thought she still possessed some bargaining ability because she simpered and gave the Emperor a sultry stare. “Your Majesty, surely you and I should talk in private and come to a more pleasurable arrangement?”
The Emperor’s eyebrows rose. “You’re right.
I can think of a more pleasurable arrangement.
I have heard the Federation profited greatly during the war’s first five years by remaining neutral, absorbing the Allies’ wealth through predatory pricing on war materiel.
I think that debt should be forgiven, immediately, without any further collection of interest.”
Lady d’Lyre’s face went a sickly shade of white. “But that will cripple our economy!”
“The Royal Commonwealth and the Urgan Despotate have been crippled by war while you sat safely behind them and picked their pockets. It’s only fair you share in their misery.
Which reminds me, the Federation currently occupies several Urgan star systems, in the Valdotian sector?
You shall return those to the Despotate forthwith. ”
“What about the worlds you have taken from the Federation?” Lady d’Lyre asked.
“Those star systems are now mine to do with as I see fit. You would do well not to protest, lest I see fit to alter the terms of this new deal,” Astrid growled.
“Now, if everyone here will agree to these terms, I see no reason why we should remain awake. I shall meet you tomorrow to finalize the details of the peace agreement.”
The Emperor held her goblet out, and Ingvar carried it off.
Then she extended her hand to me, and I took it, helping her pull herself upright.
She wobbled, her pierced leg too weak to hold her.
I wrapped her arm lovingly around my shoulder and stood firm, taking as much weight as I could.
Slowly, carefully, and in a stately manner, we walked from the Great Hall, and as soon as we were out of sight, Astrid collapsed.
Immediately, she was surrounded by healers.
Before they could take her away, Astrid met my gaze. “Well? Think they’ll accept it?”
“Of course they will. You were brilliant, darling. I cannot wait to see what you do with your next hundred years as Emperor,” I said, pride swelling my chest.
“You’re too kind,” Astrid breathed. “Stay with me tonight?”
“Of course,” I said, and I followed the healers as they bustled Astrid to the infirmary, keeping my love within my sight at all times.