“The risk is too great.”
“To what? If you speak of the politics, of the small wars that are starting even as we speak, that is the nature of power and inheritance among our kin. They will either die, or they will triumph; that has long been the way of our people.” She fell silent. Kaylin thought she was done, but after a pause which neither of her brothers broke, she continued. “That has never beenourway. We three did not choose to fight those wars, did not choose to target each other. You have been Lord of the West March, and you have been—at a distance—the strongest of supporters the High Lord has among our people.
“You understand our burden.”
“I understand it.”
“We have come to remind ourselves,” she continued. “We understand your fear; believe that we feel it. But Lirienne, I know what Annarion did during the attack on the High Halls. I know what he and his companions survived. They were meant to be our strength in our war against the Dragons—and perhaps that was folly or hubris on the part of the previous High Lord.”
No perhaps about it, in Kaylin’s opinion, which she kept to herself.
“But perhaps it was not that war they were meant to fight.”
The Lord of the West March bowed his head. Head bowed, he said, “We will lose four allies should you decide to pursue this. Two of those chosen were—would have been—the heads of their line.”
“Four, now,” the High Lord said. “Two could take their houses, and it would not harm us; indeed, it might benefit us to have those houses embroiled in such conflicts.”
“Do you think that they stand a chance in such a conflict? They have long been outside of the political sphere, and their ability to raise small armies beneath their own banners will be small, if it exists at all. They will, of course, be publicly accepted by their families—but I would be highly surprised if above half survive that acceptance. Highly.”
Kaylin’s expression was an open book; generally, people who were polite declined to read it. The situation, however, was grave enough that those manners were set aside.
“It is political,” the Consort said softly. “The lines are ruled, and have been ruled, by those who were in line when the eleven were shut into the Hallionne. Teela survived. Had her father and elder brother likewise survived, they would rule. But regardless, should the eleven choose to return to their families, they would be welcomed.”
“With poison?”
It was the High Lord who chuckled. “You are far, far too blunt, Lord Kaylin. What you say here may be said; the Consort considers you of great value to the High Court. But do not speak those words aloud in the presence of the assembled Court; such an accusation would be considered the gravest of insults.”
“Even if it’s true.”
“Indeed; very often it is the truths we hide that have the capacity to destroy us should they see light. Lord Kaylin, you have experience now with Annarion and Mandoran. Annarion wishes to take back his family lands, and to do so, he must face the Tower. He must face...this.”
“It’s why—it’s why the rest of his friends left the green. If he’s going to face that test, they want to do it together.”
“Lord of the West March.” The High Lord turned his attention to his brother. “You are correct. We have spoken little with Alsanis. But our sister has. We would, however, appreciate the return of Lord Kaylin. While it is unusual for so junior a Lord to extend such an informal invitation to our sister, it is the first opportunity we have had to observe two of the children in a less heated, political context.
“Unfortunately, that opportunity appears to have been lost. Even if she chose to risk the portal paths, I do not believe Lord Kaylin would return to the city in time.”
“Perhaps the elemental water could be compelled to deliver her.”
“No,” the Consort said, before Kaylin could speak. “We will wait. Take no unnecessary risks, Lord Kaylin. Although you are mortal and barely considered by the powerful to be part of the High Court, you have now engaged in the politics at its heart. Be wary.
“And now, we must part. The mirror that I am currently using is reaching the end of its life. I am grateful that you chose to call at this particular moment. Lirienne, be well.”
The image shattered. Silver reflection, however, did not return to the mirror’s surface. Instead, the mirror faded, slowly and completely, from sight.
The Hallionne and the Lord of the West March exchanged a long, silent glance.
Bellusdeo pulled Kaylin back, as if that glance was somehow dangerous. “Nowthe Emperor is going to be unhappy,” she said, her eyes almost gold.
“Because?”
“Barrani politics were ever deadly to the Barrani. But at war, they could be magnificent in their own right.”
“You didn’t fight in those wars.”
“No. In the end, I fought in a greater war. And lost.”
“You’re still alive.”
