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He shook his head. “Some of us, Securia, care more about staying alive than posturing for a voice in the sky.”
“And some of us, Savair, care more about what comes after this life than any pain that might occur within it.”
Aurelius glared at her sanctimonious smugness. She was a fool for believing this nonsense. And an even bigger fool for believing that Teigra and the prince actually cared for each other.
It was so obvious. Teigra had found an opportunity to seize his glory for herself! Beeta Cosmin had always wanted more status, and a daughter as a princess was even better than elevation to patrician class. This had probably been Teigra’s plan all along! And Calix? He was just using the opportunity to improve his popularity. To distract everyone from his shameful secrets!
There was no love there. No affection! There couldn’t be!
Aurelius stormed off, barely registering the walk back to the embassy. On arrival, he barged into the main building, searching for his deceitful cousin. The centaur grunted that she was out.
Out? Out! Probably off with Calix. Probably pushing their ridiculous farce to the rest of the city!
Ignoring the housekeeper’s protests, he grabbed a half amphora of wine, downing the lot before he’d even reached his door.
For the first time in months, he went downstairs in his building, to the space set out as his office. Dust had gathered over everything. Sweeping the worst of it off, he slapped the best parchment paper down, taking three stabs to get the pen into the ink.
You fuck with my family’s mission, Tiggy? Then I’ll fuck yours right back!
He wrote:
Her Most Serene Majesty, Sabina IV, Archon of Mestibes,
My darling Mother, I write to update you on my important work in Ardora. Over the last two months, my efforts have been tireless and ingenious, and significant progress has been made in our mission to win a military alliance from Prince Calix. I have no doubt that were more time available, I would certainly achieve the mission you set for me...
A sick grin grew on Aurelius’s face as the ink soaked into the creamy leather.
However, given the time imperatives we now face, cousin Teigra and I have come upon an alternative plan. She will now be the one to win favor with the prince, with the ultimate intention of marrying him to secure the military alliance we so desperately seek.
In this endeavor, I have nothing but praise for my cousin, who has assisted willingly and at my personal direction. We are very fortunate that she, and all of House Cosmin, remain loyal to our cause.
Your son and herald,
- A
He sealed the letter with wax, then stumbled back through the main house.
Jaspar looked pleased with the sound of his arrival but reverted when he saw who it was. “Oh, Your Excellency. I thought it might have been...”
“I think her arrival would have been accompanied by the sound of the prince’s hooves and cheers from the gaggle, don’t you?”
“Yes, I suppose so,” he muttered, staring out the window at the crowd beyond the gate, now swollen to such an extent it all but blocked the street.
The boy looked drawn, like he hadn’t slept in weeks.
Lots of effort preparing for Ramuna’s siege, probably. Honestly, the woman’s madness knows no end!
“Is there anything I can help you with, Your Excellency?
“I’ll likely be out when the messenger comes. Can you include a letter in the next run to Mestibes?”
“Of course,” he said, taking the sealed but unaddressed envelope. “To the archon?”
“Oh no,” he said, his eyes glinting. “Please direct this letter to the censor of the senate. I wish to thank him for Ms. Securia showing the censor’s advice on Xiber’s crossing as soon as it came. I also received the news separately, but the high envoy’s gesture is still very appreciated.”
“Oh, well that’s good!” he said, brightening. “I always hated the tension between your predecessor and the envoys. I’m glad we are all working together on this.”
“Yes,” he said, grinning. “Like one little ship in a storm.”
