Blood Solace (Blood Grace Book 2)

by Vela Roth

  “I must agree with Argyros,” said Khaldaios. “As much as we wish to lay the blame on the Order of Hypnos’s ruthlessness, their accomplishment stems not from lack of scruples, but command of methodology.”

  “How like Gift Collectors,” she replied. “They squander brilliant innovations on revolting applications.”

  Khaldaios sighed. “Whatever else we may say about Gift Collectors, their expertise cannot be denied.”

  “Why would he kill six mages from his own Order, if the ritual did not demand it?” Hypatia wondered.

  “To keep his secrets,” Argyros mused, “just like his colleague in the pass.”

  From the other side of the terrace, the prince joined in, but he directed his remarks to Lyta. “Gift Collectors certainly do kill to prevent their techniques from being discovered. I wouldn’t put it past one of them to silence his own brethren. They never cooperate with other mages. Skleros’s appearance with the embassy is unprecedented.”

  “It is an insult,” Lyta replied. “I cannot believe he did not even bother to come here in disguise.”

  The prince leaned over the diagram of wards and patrol routes they had drafted during the circle. “Given the Tenebrans’ fears, they want Skleros to serve as a warning they did not arrive unprotected.”

  With a chuckle, Apollon put away his drawing tools. “As if one necromancer could keep them safe, if we wished to do them harm.”

  “But he is a clever choice for a show of force,” Lyta conceded. “Their only option, in truth. As a Tenebran mage of Hypnos, he is technically eligible for our invitation.”

  The prince nodded. “Even if he is a bounty hunter for Cordium. Few Ordered mages spend more time outside Cordium than Gift Collectors. They know the prey is more plentiful in Tenebra. Unfortunately for the Charge.”

  Apollon asked, “You are certain Skleros is not one of the Gift Collectors you have dealt with before?”

  “I do not recognize his name or his aura, but that does not mean I have never faced him. Secrecy is key to his profession’s success and survival. While the war mages inflate their reputations so we learn to fear their names, Gift Collectors live in the shadows so they can always strike with the advantage of surprise. Skleros would never sacrifice his anonymity like this unless he expected the reward to be greater than the cost.”

  “That’s what worries me.” With an air of ritual, Lyta tightened the speires that secured her voluminous hair out of her way. “We must tolerate his presence for the sake of diplomacy—but only until the Summit is over. Once he leaves Orthros, there is no telling what might befall him, don’t you think?”

  The prince rolled up the map of the city’s defenses. “Making himself known to us will be his last mistake.”

  The three scholars across the terrace continued to debate amongst themselves as the circle began to disperse. Gathering scrolls and draining coffee cups, everyone took their leave of each other and the Queens, except the prince, who sat down with his mothers as if settling in for another circle.

  “Good veil,” Mak told Cassia and Lio. “We’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Lyros’s smile was nothing short of wicked. “We’re off to babysit the mages.”

  “I wish I could tell you more about what harm they’re planning to cause while they’re here,” Cassia said. “It’s maddening that I haven’t been able to discover more about Chrysanthos and Skleros’s intentions. It was so much more difficult to spy on them while we were traveling than it was at Solorum. As I told Lyta, I cannot even glean anything from the Tenebran mages or lords, for Tychon is the only one Chrysanthos and Skleros keep in their confidence.”

  Lio reminded her, “But we arrived at some very helpful educated guesses during the circle tonight. Thanks to you, we know more about their motivations, and that helps us predict their goals.”

  Cassia frowned. “I don’t like guesses, no matter how educated.”

  “We can’t possibly have missed anything,” Lyros assured her. “As many scenarios as we all walked through together tonight, we’re ready for every potential sabotage the mages might attempt while they’re here, from magical to physical to structural.”

  Mak rubbed his hands together. “Whatever they have in mind, we’ll be the first to know. We have eyes on them at all times. It’s not often Rudhira leaves some of the Charge at home to reinforce the Stand. This will be fun.”

  Cassia wanted the chance to speak with Mak about his sister, to find the words she hadn’t been able to say during the circle’s discussion of Nike. But he looked so enthused for tonight’s mission. Now was clearly not the time to bring up a painful subject.

  “Enjoy yourselves,” she said instead.

  “Oh, they will.” Lio chuckled.

  Mak and Lyros trotted down the stairs and out of sight.

  When Lio’s parents passed by, heading for the steps, Komnena paused to say, “We’ll see you in a little while.”

  Cassia looked up at Lio. “They will?”

  He smiled down at her. “You are invited to House Komnena for veil hours.”

  Someone cleared his throat, and Cassia and Lio looked away from each other. His uncle stood before them. As long as Cassia lived, she doubted she would ever meet anyone more expert than Argyros at mystifying all observers. His eyes, his face, and even his body language were opaque to her.

  He addressed Cassia. “At your earliest opportunity, I hope you will join us at House Argyros during veil hours. I will treat you to your first coffee tasting.”

  “That sounds wonderful,” Cassia answered.

  “That’s very kind of you, Uncle. We’ll look forward to it.”

  “We shall arrange it for a night when you are not occupied at House Komnena and I am not at the Queens’ ward with my Grace.”

  “You, Uncle, are going on patrol with Aunt Lyta?”

  “I am no student at it. I was the only partner available to her until her first group of trainees grew skilled enough to assist her.”

  “Of course, Uncle. It’s just that it’s been a long time since you were personally involved in Stand business. There is no one more suited, to be sure. You as a mind mage and Aunt Lyta as a warder can use the Queen’s protections to their utmost potential.”

  “There is no one else at her disposal at this time, when every warrior is devoted to watching the guests.”

  Argyros departed with his Grace, and Cassia resisted the urge to interrogate Lio. The stilted exchange between him and his mentor confirmed Cassia’s suspicions that something was wrong between them. Perhaps this was another time when Lio needed a reminder that he could speak about anything with her. But she wanted to help him feel better, not probe an open wound. Argyros’s opinion meant the world to Lio, so she had best approach the subject with the utmost care and watch for the right moment to do so.

  When Lio stepped with her back to the courtyard, she could hear her own heart pounding in the silent garden.

  He rubbed a thumb on the inside of her wrist. “How many cups of coffee did you drink?”

  “I lost count.”

  His lips twitched. “It has an energizing effect on mortals, and Polar Night is the darkest, strongest roast my uncle makes. I doubt you’ll make up much sleep tonight.”

  “What a wondrous elixir. With this to keep me on my feet, I shall accomplish more than ever before.”

  “Hypatia doesn’t stand a chance.”

  Cassia frowned. “I’ve wanted to ask you about her all night. Did Knight drool on her silk shoes during the welcoming ceremony when I wasn’t looking, or does she have a real reason to set herself against me?”

  Lio sighed. “Hypatia was an opponent of my proposal to the last. Her strongest ally in this dissent is Second Princess Konstantina, who is the Royal Master Magistrate. She is the foremost codifier and interpreter of our laws and the most influential of the royal firstbloods at home here in Orthros. Hypatia and Konstantina maintain their position against the Solstice Summit, and they show a minimum of cooperation with the whol
e affair only in deference to the Queens.”

  “Why do they disagree so strongly?”

  “They are uncomfortable with the risk and, I think, any change this dramatic.”

  “I see. When we prepare for the next circle, you’d best tell me more about each of the firstbloods’ positions on the Solstice Summit.”

  “You have far more allies here than opponents.” Lio hesitated. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you Rudhira is Hold Lord Justinian. I never want you to feel I have kept secrets from you.”

  Cassia shook her head. “Things were so different then, the night we talked about the eastern Tenebrae. So many things hadn’t happened yet. I was guilty of not trusting you the way I have learned to now.”

  “No guilt, then. Not for either of us.”

  “I’m glad the past is past. That is so seldom the case. Right now, I want to be in the present, in which I am in Orthros, with you, and veil hours have just begun.”

  Lio pulled her against him and gave her a kiss. “I can’t wait to take you home. I have a surprise for you.”

  “Another surprise? After all the wonders you have already shown me?”

  “You have no idea how many times I’ve had to bite my tongue since Waystar. Mother and Father have been kind enough to play along. Just let me go on ahead of you for a little while to see to a few things. I’ll be back to get you when the bells of House Kitharos chime the half hour. In the meantime, feel free to see to Knight’s needs here in the courtyard. The initiates will come through with cleaning spells later.”

  “In the rose bushes? But they’re Hespera’s sacred flower.”

  “I have no doubt she will smile to see a deadly liegehound nosing about in her garden like a happy pup. You might direct him to that bed of ornamental greenery, though. No thorns.”

  “Very well. After that, I’d best go check on Perita and see if she is feeling all right.”

  “Tell her you wish to sleep late tomorrow, and you don’t need help dressing for bed. No need to take off your lovely gown yet.”

  “Then the same attire will be suitable for our first visit to your parents’ home?”

  Lio’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “You may be somewhat overdressed, but we can remedy that at the ambassador’s banquet, when I will help you become less so.”

  If this was what he wished to take off of her later, she would wear it. “I shall bow to your expertise once more, Ambassador.”

  He smiled. “When you walk back into the main hall in a moment and the embassy sees you, the thelemancy will wear off, but they will not know you ever left.”

  She ran her hands up his arms. “Thank you, Lio. You know what this night has meant to me.”

  “And to all of us as well.” He gave her one more kiss and departed the courtyard.

  Knight did not stir until she put a hand on his head. Then he opened his eyes, pricking his ears, and leapt up with more energy than he’d had in a long time. His limp was gone. Carefully, she peeked under his bandages. There was no sign of his wounds.

  She breathed a sigh of relief. “Poor, faithful darling. The last six months have been dreadful for you too, haven’t they? Protecting me is no easy task.”

  After Knight had done his business, Cassia returned with him to the main hall. She arrived in time for the remaining firstbloods to bid her good veil with indicative glances and knowing smiles.

  Benedict laid claim to her arm again as if he had never let it go, and Callen and Perita commiserated with her about everyone’s empty bellies. Eudias looked like he was almost done in again. Had he been trying to work magic in a room full of firstbloods?

  Komnena and her initiates herded all of the embassy but Cassia’s retinue away to the New Guest House. The young Hesperine who had taken Cassia’s cloak earlier now showed her and her escort to her lodgings further inside Rose House. Eudias made only a cursory examination of her chambers before he and Benedict departed to find their beds in the other guest house. Callen, hiding his limp, retired to his and Perita’s chambers down the hall and left Cassia in her handmaiden’s care.

  As she helped Cassia settle in, Perita did not seem wary of the potted roses all over the sitting room and bedchamber. She must not have recognized them for Hespera’s flower, as most Tenebrans didn’t these days, when roses were all but eradicated from southern lands. She didn’t succeed in hiding that she was begrudgingly impressed with the accommodations, especially when they discovered the lavish privy.

  Cassia spent several fascinated moments turning the taps on and off in front of the wash stand. “I’ve never seen anything like this. Oh, Perita, I shall take a warm bath three times a night.”

  “There’s definitely no time for three baths in between all the events, my lady.”

  When they had completed their nightly routine, Perita took her leave to join Callen and, Cassia suspected, to pretend not to enjoy the luxury of their own rooms. Cassia took her time in the privy, then wrapped her silk cloak around her and made sure her enchanted shoes and gloves were secure. She freed Knight from his bandages, and he gave himself a good shake.

  She paused to reach into her gardening satchel. She couldn’t help running a hand over the glyph stone, and she felt the shard respond. But all she lifted out was the small pouch containing the gift she had brought for Lio. She would leave the satchel and the rest of its contents here in her rooms, reassured the Sanctuary ward would protect her secrets in her absence.

  Cassia pushed back the sheer curtains and opened the glass doors that led out into the courtyard. Fresh air brought in the roses’ fragrance and stirred the drapes. She idled in the open doorway with Knight beside her.

  Suddenly a handsome young Hesperine stood across the fountain from her, his pale face lit by moonlight, his body lost in shadow. Cassia and Lio smiled at each other.

  “My lady, what would you have in exchange for your name? I will pay any price, for I must know.”

  “A kiss.”

  He came forward and gave it to her. “This bargain has sweetened since the night we first met.”

  “Is there anything else you would like besides my name? I shall make the exchange sweeter still.”

  “I swear I shall surrender all I have to bargain upon your table, before veil hours are through.”

  The Best Part of Home

  What would Cassia say when she learned Lio had a different negotiation table in mind for them than her bed at Rose House?

  Her chambers here were better appointed than the work in progress that was his residence. Still, he held out hope she would find no guest house so inviting as his own rooms.

  He tasted her lips again, then drew back. “My family and I are eager to give you our welcome gifts.”

  “As a guest in your home, surely I should bring your family a present to thank you for your hospitality.”

  Lio shook his head. “In Orthros, guests don’t bring gifts to their hosts. Hosts offer gifts to their guests in gratitude for their presence.”

  There was no more time to wonder what further preparations he should have made or question whether he had left too many things unfinished. He would soon find out if she understood the bare shelves and empty rooms for what they were. An invitation for her to fill them with potted plants, a promise of a future they could create together. An offer of a home that was not his, but theirs.

  He contemplated her guest room behind her. “Let me take care of one more thing.”

  By the time she turned around to look, he had finished his illusion. She laughed at the image of herself curled in bed with a liegehound who hogged the covers.

  “Now I shall not worry if Perita pokes her head in to check on me.”

  “If a dark sorcerer is going to abscond with you tonight, we must not do things halfway.”

  “You don’t look the part of a dark sorcerer in that vibrant shade of blue. The cheerful yellow and red embellishments thoroughly ruin the effect.” She ran her hands up his bare forearms, then along his short sleeves, caressing wide band
s of homespun embroidery.

  “My lady gardener may be interested to know this robe is made of the fabric called cotton that my Ritual mother mentioned. Cotton is a plant that produces fluffy white bolls rather like sheep’s wool.”

  “Wool that grows on plants! Marvelous, Sir Scholar.” But she wasn’t fingering the fabric, she was touching his arms again, her hands warm on his skin in the cool night air. “I do feel rather overdressed in Tenebran velvet.”

  “But I think cotton pleases my lady gardener.” He would definitely have to abandon his robes of office more often.

  “I’ve never seen you in anything like this. Except when you take a run in nothing but a tunic.” That night, she had been all blushes, and he had watched her try not to stare at him. Now her gaze fell to his feet without hesitation. “Lead the way, my barefoot sorcerer.”

  Taking Cassia’s hand, Lio led her out into the courtyard. “Let us test Knight’s newfound tolerance and see if he will step with us. Instead of a crisis to motivate him, I have artisan cheeses from the sideboard. I can’t claim to have the Queens’ enchanting touch, but perhaps Knight is willing to accept a bribe from me.”

  Lio reached into his pocket and pulled out a lump of cheese. The dog turned and sniffed the air. Lio held out his offering. When he felt a slobbery tongue on his hand, he jumped. The bite of cheese was already gone, Lio’s fingers intact. Knight looked up at him with big, sad eyes.

  “Hespera’s Mercy,” Lio said. “That face must be liegehounds’ secret weapon against mind mages. I find myself completely robbed of my Will to refuse him anything.”

  “It works on everyone, not just mind mages.” Cassia’s grin promised she was on the verge of laughter.

  Lio must hear the laugh that appeared ready to leave her lips. He pulled two more bites of cheese out of his pocket and extended his hand again. Knight wagged his tail and devoured the treats, his nose and mouth smearing Lio’s palm will all manner of doggy effusions.

  There came Cassia’s beautiful, abandoned laughter. Lio had heard her laugh so often in just the short time since she had crossed the border. In Tenebra, he’d had only glimpses of what she was like under her burdens and armor. Here in Orthros, those moments lasted hours. She did feel happy and comfortable here, as he had prayed she would.