Alida shook her head. “No. The servants said he returned on his velocycle some time ago, but I have not seen him.”
Vanya frowned, moving around his desk to sit. “He was supposed to join us for the midday meal.”
“Perhaps he is working in his office? I can send a runner to check.”
“Do so. Once he’s found, send him to me.”
“Of course. Now, your robes are laid out and ready for you to change into later. I’ve requested the crown—”
“Changing will have to wait, but I want the crown brought to me here. I’ll be meeting with the Daijal ambassador shortly.”
Alida blinked at him, pencil going still over the page on her clipboard. “The Daijal ambassador?”
“Yes. I require an explanation of their country’s actions. I’ll meet them in the throne room. Have it prepared to receive them.”
Alida took the new instructions in stride, as she always did. “Of course. I’ll tend to that now.”
She left, closing the door behind her. Vanya took the note out of his pocket and folded it open to read the words again. “Where are you, Soren?”
As much as he wanted to, Vanya didn’t have time to dwell on Soren’s absence or go searching for him. The crown arrived from the vaults, brought by the Imperial jewelers, one of whom offered it to Vanya with a respectful bow of their head. Vanya took the crown and settled it on his head before striding out of his office.
The palace bustled with servants and other political aides, busier than usual in anticipation of the Conclave ending tonight. Vanya made his way to the throne room, knowing it would take time for the ambassador and general to arrive but wanting to prepare regardless. He found Caelum waiting for him in that grand space, the chief minister holding a folio stamped with a seal meant to mark it as private government communications.
“More news?” Vanya asked.
Caelum nodded gravely. “E’ridia has issued a temporary border closure. TheComhairle nan Cinnidheanhas recalled their trading airships from Solaria.”
“We have done nothing wrong.”
“My understanding is it is precautionary.”
Vanya dragged his hand over his mouth. “And their ambassador?”
“Still in Calhames. I’ve received no recall notice from the E’ridian embassy.”
“Summon them as well. I’ll be damned if E’ridia thinks we had any part in this atrocity. I’ll meet with them after I hear what the Daijal ambassador has to say.”
“I will put a call in to their embassy.” Caelum handed over the folio. “Will you be notifying the Senate today of what has transpired?”
“I need to close out the Conclave first, and I want more information than we have on what’s going on before I bring this problem before the Senate. They’ll want input on any action I decide to take where our borders are concerned. Considering the Conclave, it’s best if I allow it.”
He could issue such an order on his own, but it would cause more problems than it was worth right now. He was so close to solidifying enough support to challenge Joelle’s actions that he couldn’t afford to act alone, even when he had that right as emperor.
Flipping open the folio, Vanya skimmed the typed-out memorandums and telegram messages, turning pages quickly as he absorbed the beginning of an international problem that was becoming Solaria’s as well.
Vanya had finished reviewing the last page when footsteps on the marble floor made him look over at the entrance. Imperial General Chu Hua strode across the throne room in full uniform, straight-backed and grimly determined. “Your Imperial Majesty.”
Vanya snapped the folio shut before offering it to her once she was within arm’s reach. “Review this.”
She took it, and Vanya retreated to the throne, the memory of having Soren there lingering in his thoughts as he sat. He couldn’t banish his worry over the other man, and Vanya was half tempted to send legionnaires out on a search for the warden.
Chu Hua was quick to absorb the information before closing the folio and tucking it under one arm. She met his gaze easily enough. “I’ve been reliably informed by the Imperial outpost between Karnak and Seaville that an E’ridianjarlrequested evacuation support over the radio from any available E’ridian airships during the night.”
“E’ridia shouldn’t be the only country providing aid.”
“The wardens haven’t requested any.”
Vanya would have replied but fell silent as apraetorialegionnaire stepped inside the throne room, acting in the absence of a political aide to announce an expected arrival. “Your Imperial Majesty, the Daijalan ambassador is here to see you.”
