Blaine pushed away from the railing when a familiar figure appeared at the top of the gangplank. Honovi cut a dashing figure in his kilt and formal jacket, most likely having discarded his flight clothes during the descent. He was returning as the official ambassador of E’ridia, which necessitated a certain need for formality. His boots were polished, the plaid hanging off his left shoulder and in his kilt carrying Clan Storm colors, and the ranking hair adornments were as Blaine remembered from Amari.
Despite the grim reason that had brought Honovi back to Cosian, his husband managed a smile when he swept Blaine off his feet. Blaine wrapped his arms around Honovi’s neck, ignoring the sharp whistles directed their way as he welcomed his husband back with a fierce kiss. Honovi eventually broke the kiss and put Blaine back on his feet but didn’t let go.
Blaine rested his hands on Honovi’s shoulders, mindful of the grip he kept with his metal fingers. “You made good time.”
“More squadrons will arrive within the next few days,” Honovi said.
Blaine touched the edge of Honovi’s jaw with his right hand for a moment before stepping out of the circle of his arms. “I wish it was under better circumstances.”
But he knew, like Honovi, that nothing short of what had happened would’ve been enough to get theComhairle nan Cinnidheanto join the war effort. The alliance with Ashion still needed to be signed, which Honovi had the authority to do now that he was an ambassador again as well asjarl.
“Better the agreement now than never,” Honovi murmured.
Blaine could only nod at that before gesturing in the direction of the city walls. “Let’s get through the gate, and I’ll take you to Caris. She’s waiting for us at her family’s estate. The officers can make their way to where General Votil is stationed for their orders while we handle the treaty signing.”
Honovi wrapped an arm around Blaine’s waist, tugging him close as they started walking. “Does the general have a plan of attack already?”
“Yes, but we’ll discuss it later.” Blaine glanced sideways at him as a ground worker in coveralls jogged around them on the pier. “I don’t think you’re up to date on Ashion news.”
“The front is holding.”
“Yes, for now. But I am talking about Caris’ parents.”
Honovi’s grip tightened on his hip. “What happened?”
“Eimarille has ordered a sham trial for them in Amari.”
Honovi jerked to a halt midstride, staring at Blaine. “What are the charges?”
“Treason, amongst other ones.” Blaine urged him to keep moving. “It was expected.”
Honovi grimaced. “They’ll be found guilty no matter their barrister’s attempt to argue otherwise.”
“Yes. For their supposed crimes, they will be sentenced to death.”
“How did Caris take the news?”
“Not well. The only person who could calm her down was Nathaniel.”
“How is he?”
Blaine thought of the way Nathaniel was so careful to never overhear battle plans or impromptu meetings at the old Dhemlan bloodline estate. How he never failed to cheer Caris up when she came home tired and depressed. Even with the clearance from the wardens, no one trusted him, but Nathaniel was nothing if not understanding of that.
“As well as can be expected, considering his condition.”
They chatted a bit more about things that wouldn’t get people killed if overheard. Honovi caught Blaine up on their clan, and it was nice to hear how everyone was doing. He missed them, couldn’t wait to see everyone once he finally got home. He still had his duty to Caris, and she greeted them from Nathaniel’s side when they finally made it inside the city walls and back to the estate.
“Welcome back,” Caris said as she pulled away from Nathaniel to throw her arms around Honovi in a tight hug under the watchful eyes of the Royal Guard.
He returned the embrace with a smile, and Blaine couldn’t help the fond look he gave them both. Honovi had taken on the role of older brother since his initial introduction to Caris, something Soren had never had an interest in being in the short time the warden had been in Cosian. Honovi never let it interfere with his duties to E’ridia, and Caris never used their relationship to try to extract more than was prudent from him.
Honovi could teach her about ruling in ways that Blaine could not, his outlook different from Meleri, and for that, Blaine was grateful. Caris needed other options, Blaine knew, other ways of viewing the world that weren’t bound up in Meleri’s ideal of what a queen should be.
“We’ve tea and a light meal ready for you when you’re hungry, but I’m sure you’ll want to catch up with Blaine first,” Caris said as she pulled back, tucking a lock of dark hair behind one ear. The summer heat had her dressed in a light, short-sleeved blouse and loose, wide trousers that allowed for better airflow. The outfit was one best suited for time spent at home or out and about in the city, not in an engineering lab or for fieldwork. Blaine knew she’d change for the treaty signing ceremony later in the day, but for now, she needn’t dress up for them.
“Some time together would be lovely,” Honovi agreed.
“We’ll be downstairs when you’re ready.”
