XIN
Since I’d smelled the queen of Rome before, finding her location inside House Valois only took me a few minutes. She and another woman I assumed to be the queen of Paris sat together outside beneath a covered pavilion surrounded by colorful roses and fountains.
Silently, I crept closer, staying low to the ground, nose working. The two Blood at the door sensed nothing as I slipped past them. Another pair of Blood stood at the garden’s edge. One of them was a wolf, so I gave him a wide, careful berth. I didn’t want him scenting me, even if he couldn’t see me.
I sensed eyes up high, Blood watching from vantage points on the roof. More Blood near the rear of the garden. None of the Isador Blood, though. Even though it’d been years since they’d served my house, I was sure I would be able to scent them.
But they were not my target. Only the queen of Rome.
Crouched low, I tuned in to the two queens’ conversation so Shara could hear them as well.
“We need a strong Triune now more than ever,” Marne said.
The other queen, Rosalind, laughed. “It’s not my fault you’re the last one left. I had nothing to do with their demise.”
“Don’t tell me you never dreamed of taking a Triune seat. You’re strong enough, Rosalind. You play the game well. The only thing blocking your path to a seat was Jeanne. In a way, Shara Isador did you a favor.”
“She did what no one else could do,” Rosalind said softly. “She found—and killed—the Dauphine. Doesn’t that make you sweat a little despite this pleasant spring breeze?”
Ignoring the other queen’s jab, Marne leaned forward, her eyes laser-focused on her. “She stole your legacy. Don’t you want it back?”
Rosalind shuddered delicately. “No. Not at all. You wouldn’t, either, if you knew what the Eleusinian Mysteries involved. In a way, I pity her. Despoina’s veil is a heavy gift to wear. Besides, I have everything I want, Marne. I’m now one of the most powerful queens still alive, without the weight and responsibilities of the Triune. Taking a seat ages a queen.”
She paused and then laughed lightly, as if she’d made a joke. “At least that’s what mygrandmotheralways said. How long have you sat at the Triune now, Marne?”
“Long enough to know we need a united, strong front before either Skolos or Triskeles gain enough power to eclipse ours. You’re sworn to the Triune table, Rosalind. Your house servesourtable.”
“You’ve never given a fig for what the Skolos queens did, and Shara can’t do anything without at least one more queen joining her. Is that what you’re so worried about? A Triskeles quorum?”
“No,” Marne bit off the word, her tone harsh. “Didn’t you hear what happened with Skolos? She sat with them. She took a seat at their table to complete it.”
:Whoa,:Shara whispered in my head.:Someone in Undina’s nest must be a spy for Ceresa. Or one of Nuri’s Blood.:
Which was exactly why Shara hadn’t wanted anyone from Marne’s nest joining us.
Rosalind’s eyes sparked with interest. “I didn’t know that was possible.”
“Neither did I,” Marne admitted. “A complete Triune hasn’t met in centuries.”
“Not since Triskeles’ unfortunate demise,” Rosalind said. “Though you wouldn’t have any knowledge about that, I presume.”
Cooly, Marne replied, “Desideria’s madness sealed their fate.”
Rosalind nodded, her lips curving. “Ah, yes, of course. You were involved in that other affair.”
Marne sniffed dismissively. “I have no idea what you’re implying.” Though her hand absently brushed the spotless golden skirt of her gown. A sure tell as far as I was concerned.
“Come now, Marne. Don’t play coy with me. I might not hold a Triune seat as you, nor did I wield the Eleusinian Mysteries, but I have my own special gifts. You’re not the only one who sometimes sees what’s done in secret. You always did prefer mirrors. Even if you must break them.”
Marne’s face paled. “I don’t know what you mean.”
:I wish I knew what she’s referring to,:Shara whispered.:It’s whatever leverage Rosalind has on Marne.:
Rosalind laughed, a light, almost childlike bright sound, while Marne seemed to wilt, shrinking inward despite her power. “That’s what I thought.”
“I brought the Isador Blood with me.” Marne threw it out like a desperate plea or bribe.
“Good. Jeanne would be pleased, if she were still alive. But I’m still not taking a seat at the Triune with you.” Rosalind suddenly stiffened, her eyes narrowing. She stood abruptly. “Let’s get the formal procession started.”
