“Of course,magvis.I meant no offense.” There was nothing apologetic in his reply.
“Her name is Etarla, and considering she’s late, she should take a seat so we can continue,” Harthon said, lacking all of Aric’s amusement.
When this was done, I’d make sure his ire was directed only toward me, not Stefano.
Holding my spine straight, I slowly walked to the chair and sat with what I hoped was an otherworldly grace, considering the way Aric’s eyes followed me.
“You have quite the reputation,” he mused, addressing Harthon even as he studied my violet and gold eyes for another moment. When he finished, he shifted back and leaned on one arm, mirroring Harthon’s casual demeanor.
If predators lying in wait could be considered “casual.”
“Likewise.”
“I never did like Tamen. I wasn’t unhappy when you took his place.”
“And why is that?”
“Tamen was a puppet without ambition. He cared only about filling his belly, fucking women, and amassing wealth. You’re far-sighted. Strategic. Ruthless. And apparently, you’re decent with a weapon. These things hold good potential.”
Decentwith a weapon?
Harthon’s lips curled, but it didn’t reach his hardened eyes. “I’ve heard similar rumors about you, though I’ve wondered what you intend to do with those qualities. Sixth’s borders haven’t moved in years.”
I half-expected Aric to bristle at the challenge, but he merely lifted a shoulder. “An empire is only as strong as its foundation. I’m strengthening that foundation. You don’t seem to have that luxury.”
“We don’t mind taking things at a different pace here,” Harthon responded calmly, unaffected by the implied insult.
Aric smirked, as if he was enjoying the conversation. “What’s your game?” he asked.
“You’re going to have to be more specific than that.”
“Well, you’ve been making incursions on Koerlyn’s land for a time now, which suggests you want his Territory. I imagine you’ll eventually want Territories beyond his. Perhaps all of them.” Theincluding minewent unspoken.
“I want to change things. Make life worth living. Whether that involves taking all of the Territories or only those belonging to my enemies and puppets like Tamen is yet to be seen,” was Harthon’s careful answer.
It was a clear warning to the other Princeps against becoming his enemy.
Aric gestured to me. “But now you’ve apparently acquired amagvis.Perhaps you also plan to do something with the Domus. See what’s underneath. Stop it from draining the life from our land.”
Apparently.Harthonapparentlyacquired amagvis.
Aric didn’t believe us yet. Harthon no doubt realized this.
“Etarla is new to us. We’re determining whether the Domus can be approached at all.”
“And if it can be, what will you do?”
Harthon chuckled, though the sound held no joy. “For someone who has not yet decided to be my friend, you’re expecting me to reveal a lot of information.”
“I’m deciding whether it benefits me more to be your friend or enemy. The more information I have, the better I can make my decision,” Aric replied bluntly.
Harthon dipped his chin. “As I said before, I want this world to improve. Entering the Domus or taking down its walls might help us accomplish that more easily. My allies would benefit from whatever it is we do.”
Aric crossed his arms. “That’s vague.”
“It’s all you get until you make your decision.”
“Being your ally would pit me against Koerlyn.”
