Astrid, meanwhile, was enjoying the brisk mountain air, judging by her wide smile and vigorous movements. She took a deep breath, then strode quickly to the water’s edge.
“Honored guests, thank you for joining me for a restorative spa day. After twelve years on the throne, I find myself in need of a little restoration, and am pleased so many of you would choose to enjoy the spring with me,” she began.
I looked at the assembled Allies, the nobles whose armies the Emperor had spent ten years defeating. They did not look as pleased as she was.
The Emperor continued. “I am told the waters of this mountain supposedly have rejuvenating powers, and to bathe in them is a great luxury. Some of you may have experienced them before, but I have never had the opportunity. I look forward to availing myself, and hope you find the spring as invigorating as I.”
A subtle barb, masterfully delivered. This had been a League world before the war, famous for its holiday resorts until the Empire conquered it during the initial blitz.
“If any of you wish to speak to me, I intend to swim to that island. You may find me there,” the Emperor finished, pointing to the evergreen-covered island in the middle of the smoking lake. Then she dropped her stole and skirts, revealing a one-piece bathing suit beneath, and with agraceful run, launched herself from a rocky promontory to dive into the lake.
I took advantage of a conveniently placed changing tent to switch into my bathing suit, then went to follow Astrid, but I caught sight of Princess Marie. She was already in the water, standing waist-deep, doubtless to keep warm. Interestingly, she was speaking with Archduke Darius. The two enemies were engaged in animated conversation. Did that signal a rapprochement between the two nations?
Darius caught my eye, and he waved. Princess Marie turned to see who he was waving to. I returned a greeting, then started moving towards them. I could spare a few minutes to talk with my allies, especially since I’d neglected them these past few days.
Before I could reach them, someone to my right gave a startled squeak and stumbled bodily against me. I quickly grabbed the off-balance woman and helped set her on her feet, but she did not let go.
“Oh, thank you for catching me,” Bridgette d’Lyre said, dramatically flipping her hair away from her face.
“My lady, are you all right?” I asked, annoyed. Did this woman have nothing better to do than try and seduce me?
“Yes, I’m fine,” d’Lyre said, her arms securely wrapped around my shoulders as she gave me a calculatedly winsome smile, but a moment later her eyes unfocused slightly, and the color drained from her face. That was no acting.
“Come, sit down. Have a sip of water,” I said, guiding the Federation delegate to a seat on a fine beach chair.
“Oh, thank you,” Bridgette cooed. “Honestly, I don’t know what’s come over me.”
“It’s the altitude. I take it you’re not used to alpine conditions?” I asked.
Bridgette shook her head, then said, “I’ll feel much betterknowing there’s someone nearby looking out for me.” Not even altitude sickness could keep Lady d’Lyre from her mission.
I looked up, about to say I needed to speak with my allies, but Princess Marie and Archduke Darius had turned and were walking down the rocky beach away from me. I sighed, trapped.
Then a thought sprang to mind. “Ingvar, are you there?”
“You asked for me, sir?” the hordling replied from behind me. I smiled.
“The Lady d’Lyre isn’t feeling well. Please look after her and make certain she is comfortable.” I stepped away. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, Lady d’Lyre, I must attend to the Emperor.”
Internally laughing at the brief look of disgusted disappointment on Bridgette’s face, I turned and strode into the steaming waters towards the Emperor’s island.
When the water reached my chest, I dove in. I was not the galaxy’s strongest swimmer, but I did have stamina, and all Commonwealth military personnel had to pass a two-kilometer swimming test as part of their five-year medical exams. It took me a while, but eventually I rounded a small spur of lichen-covered rock to see Astrid lounging in a small, secluded bay.
“Levar. I’m pleased you joined me. I thought I might have to fight that d’Lyre woman for you.”
I scoffed. “You can’t imagine I would prefer her company to yours.”
“She did manage to keep you away from me all last night,” Astrid replied.
That gave me pause. I wondered if I should tell Astrid about my kidnappings, but remembered Count Zukov’s warning that Astrid tended to execute first and ask questions later.
“There were extenuating circumstances last night,” Idecided to say. “Besides, she only wants to use me to get to you.”
Astrid suggestively raised her eyebrows. “Perhaps we should let her. It could be fun, and maybe then she’d leave you alone.”
“I doubt that would stop her, not unless you gave her whatever she wants,” I said as I seated myself beside the Emperor, my bare leg pressing against hers beneath the water.
“That depends on what she wants from me. I can be accommodating when the mood strikes me,” Astrid said, then shrugged. “I’m surprised you swam here. I half expected you to need a skycar to ferry you over.”
