Soren frowned as he matched his pace to hers on the way inside. “Merchant?”
“The one who was arionetkaand speaks with his queen’s voice.”
He nearly missed a step. “Nathaniel? What is he doing here?”
“As I said, we have much to discuss.”
Clearly, if Nathaniel was in Oeiras and not Ashion.
Raiah finally lifted her head, wiping at her damp cheeks with the back of her hand. “You need a bath.”
Soren barked out a laugh, knowing everyone on the flight to Oeiras and the drive through the city had probably been too polite to mention that. “Yes, I really do.”
Taisiya took charge once they were inside the Imperial estate, overseeing Lore being transferred in the care of the House of Sa’Liandel’s personal healer. Soren had an irrational urge to keep her in sight, aware the anxiety stemmed from his own time being imprisoned and both their lives hinging on his compliance.
Taisiya brought him into the private royal wing of the Imperial estate, getting them settled in a receiving room that overlooked the private inner courtyard. Servants had set out a spread of light finger foods on the low table, as well as a pitcher of sweet red wine and another of cool water. Soren settled Raiah on the cushion beside him, wrapping his arm around her so she could lean against him.
“Eat slow,” Taisiya said. “I had the cooks go light on the spices.”
Soren nodded, eyeing the food on offer. He knew he’d lost weight while in Joelle’s custody, but he’d eaten what they gave him because that had been his only choice. His appetite had shrunk, and he knew better than to gorge. He started with a plain flatbread and tore off a piece to swipe it through the mild mashed beans mixed with oil in a shallow bowl.
Taisiya poured drinks for them, watering down his wine as a courtesy. Soren didn’t decline the drink and ate slowly, easing the hunger gnawing at him. He was tired, and he wanted desperately to speak to Vanya, but he knew he needed to hear what Taisiya had to say first.
“I’ve summoned the merchant,” Taisiya said.
“And what of Vanya?” Soren asked.
“When we are finished here and you are seen to after Lady Lore, we can attempt to contact him. Direct communication is a little difficult when he is fighting.”
“Then don’t bother. He doesn’t need to be distracted. Besides, I’ll be going to him.”
Taisiya studied Soren across the table with an unblinking gaze. “As a warden?”
Soren never looked away. “He needs my starfire.”
Using starfire in defense of Solaria would cement his removal from the wardens. He could not be a warden and keep his people safe from the demands of countries sure to come after the war was over. The Poison Accords had been broken in many ways, and Soren would not break it further. Some part of him would always grieve for that road he’d walked and no longer could, but there was another one ahead of him that led to Vanya.
It would be enough.
“Very well. I’ll have an airship prepared to launch tomorrow.”
“Taisiya—”
“You need rest,” she cut in. “Vanya will hold the line until you arrive.”
Soren could only accept thevalide’s judgment and finished what he could of the food provided. He’d just scooted his plate away from the edge of the table when the door to the receiving room was pushed open and a servant stepped inside, bowing to them.
“Mr. Clementine is here to see you,” the servant said.
Taisiya discreetly wiped her fingers on the linen napkin before setting it aside. “He may enter.”
Soren watched as Nathaniel stepped inside, a pair ofpraetorialegionnaires at his back. An escort that was little more than guards, not that he didn’t blame their caution. Soren hadn’t interacted much with Nathaniel back in Cosian—the Ashion commanders had been adamant about keeping the other man in the dark—but he knew enough the merchant shouldn’t be here.
The relief in Nathaniel’s face was plain for anyone to see as he came out of his bow, speaking in the trade tongue. “Valide. Prince Alasandair. I’d heard you and Lady Lore had been rescued.”
“Lore is being cared for by the House of Sa’Liandel’s healer. Joelle kept her unconscious during our time in Bellingham. I don’t know what state she’ll be in after she wakes up,” Soren cautioned.
“But she’s alive.” Nathaniel sighed deeply, shoulders loosening. “The Duchess Auclair will be happy to hear that.”
