Marcella jerked her head again for Aimilia to come forward.
She took a few steps, and Gavril and Nikias both turned and looked at her. Nikias’ hand was clenched so tightly she was expecting to see his blood any second.
“Nikias…” Aimilia swallowed. “The treaty did say we would aid the clans if they are attacked by the Elemens. And they would do the same for us.”
Nikias hand loosened and he laid his palm flat on the map, resting his other elbow on the arm of his chair. “I am aware of that. And if they were attacked by the Stonai, we would have heard about it. Also, if the demon wants my help, she’s going to have to come to me directly, not try to use my brother and his wife to force my hand. She knows—” Nikias shook his head and looked down at the map, his hair falling into his eyes. “This must be something else.”
Marcella pushed at Gavril’s arm, only succeeding in lowering it slightly. “All we’re asking is that you give us your approval to approach Hypatia in peace, on your behalf, to get to the bottom of it.”
Nikias twitched. What did they need Aimilia for? It was clear Nikias had a hard time arguing with Marcella. He looked sick, actually. Good. If Aimilia was going to be haunted by her guilt, then he should be too.
Nikias’ head shot up. “You two want to leave Areator?”
“We might not have much of a choice—” Gavril started, glancing so quickly at Aimilia, she herself almost missed if not for the glare the action earned him from Nikias.
“You do not need to worry about that. I have taken care of it. I will take care of it.” Nikias’ gaze also flickered to Aimilia. What were they talking about?
He looked back at Gavril and Marcella. Gavril was openly gaping at him, and Aimilia was completely lost. Nikias spoke through gritted teeth. “The two of you will always have a place inhere in Areator. I will make sure of it. You will not ever need to ask that demon for anything.”
“We’re not asking her. We’re asking you,” Marcella said.
If the two of them were so convinced Aimilia could be the deciding factor for him…
Aimilia reached Nikias’ desk, one hand brushing the edge. His eyes landed on her. “Is it not better for you to have Gavril and Marcella be the ones sending you information than the other way around?”
Nikias took a long deep breath, holding it as long as he held Aimilia’s gaze before finally releasing it.
“I see your point.” Nikias turned back to Marcella and Gavril. “I will send you. After the entrance exams. Send word to that husband who is unfortunate enough to be trapped with her. I’m sure he will appreciate the attempts at diplomacy.”
Marcella clasped her hands together and smiled at Nikias while Gavril pulled her into his side. Nikias ducked his head, hair falling into his face for a moment. His hand on the desk twitched and Aimilia pulled her hand back and shifted away now that her job was done.
Nikias stared at the desk and Aimilia watched him, but he gave nothing away.
Maybe Marcella had been right. Nikias had listened to her.
She narrowed her eyes at him. What was he up to?
Chapter 12
NIKIAS
Nikias only half listened to the commander on his right briefing him about the entrance exams. It wasn’t particularly crucial information at this stage. Everything was ready.
He stood by the entrance to the side of the stadium that led to the private boxes, watching Runai and wealthy Solitus walk to the other side of the stadium to be let in to sit among the regular stands.
When he spotted the red braided crown, he held his hand up to silence the commander and shooed him off. Nikias glanced down, taking a second to adjust his bag, brush off his cloak and chiton, and ensure he was perfectly presentable. But even that didn’t still his racing heart as she approached. Why did she have to be so breathtaking?
And so brutal?
He could do this. He had to. There was no other choice.
Her gaze narrowed at him as her expression soured the closer she got. “Dare I ask why you’re lurking out here?”
“I’d hardly call it lurking.” Nikias cleared his throat, resisting the urge to reach up and touch it as a dull ache flared. “I’m hereto ensure all the judges make it to their proper places before it’s time to start.”
“Let me guess, I’m the only judge whose first time it is doing this, so you’re here for me?” Aimilia put her hands on her hips.
With her commander’s cloak, always in pristine condition, resting on her shoulders and an elegant peplos belted at her waist, she looked radiant.
