Ba’shea moved over to sit further down, and Nen followed him, pulling out a long pipe as he sat. Lai hovered uncertainly nearby until Zea’dda gave him a smile. “No need for formality, ma’iir,” she said, giving him a bob of her head. “You are most welcome.”
Lai gave her a smile and sat down next to A’bbni. Shi’chen could see Zea’dda giving Lai’s ears a curious glance as the half-elf moved past her, but she did not say anything, only motioned further down the table at Nen. “As you probably already guessed, this is my Father, Gii’han An-Hila’ra.”
Shi’chen gave the older goblin a nod. “It is an honor to meet Captain An-Hila’ra’s family.”
“And again, we are eternally grateful to all of you for your sacrifices and risks in saving us,” A’bbni added.
Zea’dda nodded as the servants set down dishes of food. “It is the least we could do after what happened to the Regent and the Imperial Senate. We are only sorry we did not act sooner. Perhaps the Regent and the Senators would still be alive. And for that, we beg Your Highnesses’ forgiveness.”
“Please,” Shi’chen said, holding up a hand. “We do not blame you, or anyone, for the actions of our Cousin.”
Zea’dda gave him a soft smile. “You are too kind, Captain.”
“I wish to ask,” A’bbni said, glancing around the table at the assembled group. “If this attempt is successful to remove the Emperor from power, what do the people want?”
“What do you mean, Your Reverence?” Zea’dda asked.
“I mean, if the current Emperor is no longer on the throne, there is no reason that a new Emperor has to be installed,” A’bbni replied. “If the people do not want to be ruled by such.”
Zea’dda was quiet for a moment. “I understand your point, Your Reverence, and I think I understand your trepidation. If the line of succession holds, and you or your brother assume the throne, you would be concerned that you also could be overthrown by the people.”
A’bbni nodded solemnly. “Seeing as it would be our risk to assume, I believe we deserve to know if the people will accept a new Emperor crowned, or if another option should be sought.”
“Is this really the time to worry about that?” Shi’chen asked with a slight frown, squeezing A’bbni’s hand lightly.
A’bbni shrugged a shoulder. “As good a time as any. If our heads are on the chopping block next, I would prefer to know.”
Zea’dda nodded. “I understand, Your Reverence. I do not believe any of us would force you to assume the throne if you did not wish to, nor if we intended to simply depose you at our whim.”
“Of course, that depends on whether or not the Emperor deserves to be on the throne,” growled Gii’han from the other end of the table, giving an angry puff of his pipe that sent a waft of black smoke into the air.
“I believe there is a difference between a ruler who does not deserve to be on the throne, and a leader who will do their best,” A’bbni said slowly. “I believe my brother or I would be the latter, but that is a very large assumption on my part of how the people feel.”
“If I may, Your Reverence,” said Kella suddenly from across the table. “I do not presume to know how everyone in Hanenea’a feels, nor is my own opinion relevant, but I believe the fact that you are willing to ask such a question means that you would be a ruler worthy of the role.”
A’bbni’s ear tips went scarlet in the firelight, his fingers unconsciously grasping Lai’s hand to hold. “Thank you, Lord Kella. If our goal is to eliminate slavery and free all goblins, and others,” he gave Lai’s hand a gentle squeeze, “then we need to ensure our system of governing is fair.”
Zea’dda’s violet eyes scanned the table. “Change takes time, but time is something that many of our fellows do not have. For now, I recommend we move forward as planned, in the hopes of moving toward a more equitable future.”
“I believe that would be prudent,” Mii’ra said from down the table, swirling the wine in her glass. “Var An-Hila’ra, you mentioned to me that we can convene a meeting tomorrow that is representative of the city and decide on a plan?”
Zea’dda nodded. “I believe so.”
Shi’chen opened his mouth to say something, but A’bbni suddenly squeezed his hand, and he shut it again, squeezing back. There was something in the intensity of A’bbni’s grip that kept him quiet the rest of the meal.
After they had eaten and everyone seemed to mostly be talking amongst themselves, Lai rose, pulling A’bbni up with him and whispering something into his ear in a language that Shi’chen did not know. A’bbni nodded, turning to him. “Will you walk with us, i-sha?” he asked, holding out his hand to his brother with his usual sweet smile in place.
It may have sounded like a question, but Shi’chen knew it wasn’t. “Of course,” he said, taking A’bbni’s hand and rising to his feet. He bowed his head at Zea’dda and Gii’han. “Thank you for the meal.”
They both followed Lai down the hallway toward the guest rooms, but Lai suddenly turned the way they had come in and took them out the back door and toward the stable. Shi’chen frowned, watching Lai’s steps pick up once they were outside. “Lai, what—”
Lai shook his head, keeping silent until they were back in the stable. He did a quick circuit of the space to make sure they were alone, apart from the horses, before he came back to them. “Lord Kella is sure that Vr Ii-Heshar is going to betray you both to the Emperor.”
“What?” Shi’chen demanded, and Lai gave him a pointed look to lower his voice.
“That’s what you heard Kella and I discussing in Jilbrechtian the other day.”
“You know Jilbrechtian?” A’bbni asked in surprise.
