There was a terrifying moment where Allegra thought he was going to run the tip of his finger along the decorative edging. Instead, he touched the bell cuff of her sleeve. He hooked it with his finger and held it up for inspection. He smiled like he meant it, and released her cuff.
She began breathing again. “I originally had this dress made for my brother’s wedding, five years ago. I have had it remade every year to suit fashion, in case I required a fancy dress. The damage caused by the purchase of that thread is long done, so I will honor the lives that were sacrificed for it by continuing to wear it until it can’t be worn anymore. Then I shall have Nadira bring the scraps to the market to sell to an enterprising sort who can turn it into reticules, hair ribbon, and whatever else they can imagine. And I won’t have sugar in my tea.”
Rainier’s facial expression shifted and Allegra realized she’d been staring up at him in what some might misinterpret as…expectation.
She turned away to look back out of the window. She gave Rainier a final side glance, once she was sure he didn’t notice. She made it a personal policy to only become emotionally involved with mages, as they were the only men she could truly trust with her life. And Rupert, but he was her friend before she’d discovered her elemental abilities.
Sadness settled over her when the realization of her loneliness hit her. She often didn’t notice at the abbey, with the quiet routine of her life. The same people, the same scenery, the same gossip. It was so much easier to repress that part of her humanity when there was no temptation.
She shook off the pang of interest. Captain Stanton Rainier was a stranger and a normal. A handsome stranger, to be sure, but still not a trusted friend. Perhaps one day, but not today.
“How long do you think the conclave will argue my proposals?”
If he was offended by her behavior, he didn’t show it. “How many did you put forward?”
“Twelve,” Allegra said with a hint of a grin.
“Were any of them, ‘free all mages’?”
“Only one,” she said defensively. “The rest were more realistic goals.”
“Do you think they’ll pass any of them?”
She shrugged. “If I could get three of them, I’d be happy. I asked them to make slavery illegal at any Cathedral property, in that all slaves were automatically freed and without compensation to the owners.”
“That’s never going to pass,” Rainier said gently.
“I know, but it’s possible they might vote an amendment to it, by offering compensation or that slaves who arrive there with masters couldn’t be forced to leave.” She sighed. “It’s a long shot, but it would make the Cathedral a beacon for amnesty.”
“And if they reject it, it shows the Cathedral doesn’t care and it will just increase the protests, which will move to targeting parishes.”
Allegra’s mouth twitched upward. “Oh, what an unforeseen side effect.”
Rainier snorted. “You are devious.”
“Someone has to be.”
“Your Ladyship!” called a voice from further away. “Your Ladyship? Are you here?”
Allegra turned around and pushed the lace curtains away. “Lieutenant Lex!”
Lex was about to speak when Rainier stepped out from behind the curtain. Lex’s words died before a smile tickled the corners of his mouth. He gave Rainier a knowing look before he turned back to Allegra. “Your Ladyship, the Chamber has requested you.”
“Have they made a decision?” Allegra asked.
Lex nodded. “Sounds like it. Did you really tell the cardinals you would have them all imprisoned as suspected elemental mages if they kept interrupting you?”
Rainier choked. “Contessa!”
“I was making a point,” Allegra said defensively. “Lead the way, Lex. I shall face my executioner.”
Chapter 11
The executioner would have to wait. Allegra eased herself into her chair and stared at the room around her. She was Arbiter with a mandate to ease the suffering of mages across Serna. They rejected her call to end slavery, but they accepted her proposal to make Cathedral properties sanctuaries of freedom. No slaves were allowed to work at any Cathedral property, and they had granted Allegra, of all people, the authority to grant freedom to individual slaves.
She stared at her dusty walls unsure if she’d heard them all correctly. The formalized writ would be delivered to her in a couple of days, but they read from the temporary one. Fifteen hours. That’s how long they debated before giving her unquestionable authority over the lives of mages.
She was also authorized to investigate any rumors about the mistreatment of elementals in the mines. She was authorized to inspect, without announcement, any Cathedral-funded or supported property, be it abbey or mill. If the Cathedral purchased so much as a thimble from an iron works, she was permitted to investigate the plight of mage workers.
They apparently would provide her a generous budget (details to still be worked out) and a staff of five. She did not get to pick her staff, so she would most likely to saddled with youthful exuberance or incompetence. She was also allowed to hire four additional servants to assist in her efforts, and she was given up to half the Consorts as her personal detail under the new head of her personal safety, Captain Stanton Rainier.
What had she gotten herself into? She had expected, at best, a vague mandate to allow meaningless prattle and letters. She had not anticipated such a detailed directive to her proposals.
Terror crept through her as Allegra made the startling realization that she really did now hold the lives of mages in her hands. She now held the scales of justice and the outcome of all of Serna might rest upon her judgement.
Then Mrs. Ansley’s terrified face flickered across her memory and Allegra hardened herself.
“Well?”
She looked up to see Rainier darkening her doorway holding a small lantern. “I assume you’ve heard.”
“I heard some of it, but I’m sure it’s just gossip.”
She invited him to join her and recited what she could remember from the proceedings. “Most of what they said is a blur, to be honest. I can’t believe they did all this. How desperate are they?”
“Very,” Rainier said. “The Holy Father has already informed me that I am to head your guard detail.”
Allegra licked her lips and searched for the right words. “I will understand if you don’t wish to move to Borro. I will speak to Francois on your behalf.”
“Hush. I offered my services yesterday.”
Heat rose in her cheeks. “I didn’t know.”
“Well,” he said, and she could hear his own embarrassment. “I couldn’t very well allow you to return to Borro by yourself, now could I? I’m also looking forward to your random inspections. Dodd and Lex are drawing up a list of potential targets. It’s mostly of bishops who’ve been rude to them.”
Allegra’s chuckle turned into a yawn. She needed to get out of this dress soon. “I don’t wish any Consorts to be forced to come. Please, volunteers only. Cardinal Giso assured me that Cathedral guards were available to fill out any numbers, if needed. I don’t believe I’ll need twenty guards, however. That does seem excessive.”
“There will be a very large target on your heart once you free the first noble’s mage slave or close the first cotton mill for mistreatment of its workers. You are about to whack a hornet’s nest.”
A lump formed in Allegra’s throat, as so often did when she felt both overwhelmed and physically exhausted. She needed sleep and quiet to process what she was about to do with her newly-appointed powers. “I wasn’t expecting most of this. I don’t know what my plans are. It might be months before I decide.”
Rainier was very gentle when he spoke. “You shamed many of the abolitionists. You put them on the spot and they had to fight for more than they ever would have because you made them look like hypocrites to their critics.”
“Many are hypocrites.”
“I don’t even believe in him,” Allegra said, very quietly.
“He clearly believes in you.”
“What if I start the war I am here to prevent?”
“Would you order the release of a child who is chained to a cotton wheel? Would you let that child stay there, under that machine until he eventually lost a limb or died from the dust in the lungs? Or would you release him, even knowing that a riot would break out which would usher in the next war?”
Allegra drew in a breath. “Lord help me, but I would still release the child.”
“That is why they gave you power. We are already on the brink of war. If you do set it off, we will all look back and know it was done with the best intentions. No one can ask more.”
“What if I fail?”
Rainier put a hand over hers and said, very gently, “Everyone fails. What’s important is that you do your best.”
Allegra looked down at his hand and forced a smile past the terrified tears that welled in her eyes.
****
Lex shared a nod with Dodd before they walked into the main barracks of the Consorts. The room was basic, as far as Orsini accommodations ran, but Lex had seen worse. Their furniture and beds were old, but solid. Plus, the room was never too hot nor too cold, which Lex counted as a blessing from the Almighty. They hoped Borro Abbey would be as pleasant.
Lex and Dodd put down their own candles; there were plenty in the barracks that their additional lights weren’t needed.
“All right, listen up,” Lex said to the guard. “We’ve all been assigned to the Contessa of Marsina’s personal security for the new negotiations.”
Various groans and complaints filled the air. Lex held up a hand and said, “Don’t bitch at me. I had nothing to do with it.”
“Borro Abbey is in the middle of nowhere,” Martin complained.
“Then you take a right hand turn,” Dodd said in agreement. “But, Lex is right, folks. We’ve been assigned to the Contessa.”
“Now, let’s get one thing straight,” Lex announced to the room, “Rainier says this is voluntary, but there had better be a damned good reason for choosing to stay behind here than protecting her Ladyship.”
“When are we leaving?” Martin asked.
“We’ll know more in the morning, but be prepared to move in two days,” Lex said.
“But I got me a new girl down in the village,” Martin whined.
“I’m sure she’ll be fine without you,” Lex said deadpan, in a tone that suggested they didn’t actually give a care if the young lady waited or not.
“I hate this job,” Martin bellyached.
“What about my girl?” Samuel asked. “She’s going to be popping soon.”
“Dodd and I are meeting with the Captain in the morning and we’ll work out all of the details. I suspect those of you who are married or who have kids can stay behind. I’ll see if the abbey has extra space for any families who want to come.” Lex frowned. “The rest of you, leave your whores and rakes behind.”
More grumbling.
“I mean it!” Lex said sternly. “And, so help me, if any of you fiddle around with the locals and cause trouble, I’ll castrate you with my bare hands and a spoon.”
Dodd snorted. “I’d pay good money to see that.”
Lex made a disgusted sound. “You’re so gross.”
“The ladies like it.”
“The ladies are clearly desperate.”
“That stings!” Dodd said, a wounded expression on his face. “It isn’t my fault the ladies prefer my charms over yours.”
“I don’t even like women,” Lex said. “And, even if I did, I wouldn’t like the women who liked you.”
“That hurts, Lex. That really, really hurts.” He tapped his fist against his chest. “Right here.”
“I’m sure an old fashion tit rub will help soothe the pain,” Lex said.
Dodd let out a dreamy sigh. “There’s nothing like shoving your cock between two giant…”
“Shut up!” Lex exclaimed. “Almighty in the sky, please! Shut the fuck up!”
Dodd started laughing. “You’re such a prude, Lex.”
“I’m not a prude. I’m not disgusting.”
“Same thing,” Martin said.
“Shut up, or I’ll write to your mother.”
“You wouldn’t dare.”
“Don’t tempt me,” Lex said. “All right, shitheels, start packing. We have a lot to get done and little time to do it.”
They began pulling out trunks and organizing what was theirs and what was to stay at the palace. Lex had a sheet of paper and a pencil out, so that they could all record any supplies they needed for the journey. Dodd’s trunk had a rotted bottom, for example, so Lex made note.
Orsini was more than just the pope’s palace. There was a huge population of civilians, too, and various shops and tradesmen. The only difference between Orsini and most cities was that it was significantly cleaner, with significantly less crime, and significantly more religious people.
Lex had lived in Orsini for a number of years now and had gotten used to it. They’d made a lot of friends, even if mostly among the guard...or at the local tavern. Lex hadn’t found anyone special or anything, but had the occasional affair when the need took. Lex glanced at Dodd and a little smile quirked their mouth. The friendships were what was important, in any case.
****
Allegra piled her letters into a basket held by Kia. She’d burned through two sets of four-hour candles last evening writing all of these letters of introduction to the royalty and peerage of Serna’s various city-states and nations. She took extra attention to write all of Cartossa’s peers and the clergy. She did enlist assistance for the letters to the clergy, however, as parish priests, fathers, and mothers of the cloth were too numerous to count without a ledger of names.
One of her helpers stood next to Kia. Serafina, her newly-appointed secretary, was dressed in livery and her long hair was neatly pulled back into a tail at the nape of her neck. She had alabaster skin and dark brown hair, along with her dark, upturned eyes that had just the hint of crow’s feet forming. Tucked up under her delicate ear was a circular mark that she recognized all too well; the symbol of a mage trained at the Cathedral.
“Please bring all of these to the postal clerk in the main hall, not the one downstairs,” Allegra instructed Kia. “Tell them two-penny post, too. Don’t let them bully you like yesterday.”
“Yes, Your Excellency,” Kia said, a smirk upon her face.
“Your Ladyship will do, Kia,” Allegra said, sighing at her new title.
Kia’s smirk didn’t fade, but she did cover it up with a curtsy. “Whatever you wish, Your Ladyship. Shall I have the bill sent to Master Rafino or shall I use ready money?”
Allegra glanced at Serafina, as she had no idea. It took the woman a moment to realize the question was being asked of her. “Oh, yes. For now, send the bill to my study and I shall take care of the accounts. I should go to the banker today and arrange some ready money to have on hand for our journey. Your Excellency, we’ll need to discuss your budget once we arrive at Borro Abbey.”
“Your Ladyship will be fine,” Allegra said absently. She was busy reaching for a letter she’d dropped on the floor.
“Of course, Your Excellency,” Serafina said. “I mean, Your Ladyship.”
“Don’t strain yourself,” Allegra said through gritted teeth. She snagged the wayward letter before her corset’s whalebone snapped under her contortions and handed it to Kia. “Be off with you. I’d like those sent today.”
“Yes, Your Excellency. I mean, Your Ladyship,” Kia said with a final curtsy and hurried off with her reed basket of sealed letters.
“You grew up here?” she asked, motioning at Serafina’s mage mark with her chin.
“Yes, Your Excellency. Bishop T
olana was my mother. The Holy Father at the time allowed me to study and work here. Once I completed my training, I’ve been working for the Cathedral ever since.”
“You’ve been very lucky, then,” Allegra said absently. She was digging in her drawer for a letter she’d stuffed away for safe keeping. She couldn’t seem to find it now that she needed it.
“I am, Your Excellency,” she said. Then, after a pause, she added, “Though, not as lucky as yourself, of course.”
Allegra glanced up at her thoughtfully. She had no mark on her own skin. Her parents had lived long enough to stand before the king and the clergy and argue that a peer’s daughter was never to be forced to be marred by ink, brand, or knife.
“Perhaps my luck will help me advance the mage cause,” Allegra said. She saw the familiar handwriting and said, “Ah! There it is. The cardinals have yet to send over their official writ, but Cardinal Giso sent this over. It outlines the income associated with my position. That should help you begin your sums, yes?”
Serafina accepted the letter and read it. Her jaw dropped when she hit the figure. “Ten thousand gold sovereigns? You’ve been granted an annual income of ten thousand gold sovereigns? Gracious Lord Almighty.”
“Hmm. I don’t believe that figure is for my personal use. If I understand correctly, the Consorts’ incomes come out of that, as well as my rent at Borro Abbey, my servants, my carriages, my postal expenses.” Allegra frowned at the door where Kia had escaped through moments before. “Post alone might eat up most of that.”
“I’m not entirely sure, Your Excellency,” Serafina said. “With your permission, I’d like to consult Cardinal Giso on this. If I am reading this correctly, you have personally been granted an income of ten thousand a year specifically to support your role as Arbiter.”
Allegra frowned. “I have no need of an income. I have my own.”
Serafina stared at Allegra as though she’d sprouted wings. “I…I will speak with Giso.”
A thought came to Allegra. “Ask him if it is personal income, am I authorized to spend it however I please.”
The Demons We See Page 15
