Page 130 of The Sundered Realms

“You what?“ Chancellor Ariurn erupted, going pale. “That’s a treaty violation!”

“If I still fell under Serenthuar’s authority, absolutely,” Liris agreed. “I don’t.”

“Of course she’s a prodigy,” Vhannor continued as the chancellor’s expression conveyed his rapid internal calculations, cycling through horror and avarice. “Which is fortunate for us all, because so is the man who’s taken Serenthuar hostage.”

“Hostage?” Chancellor Ariurn sneered. “Serenthuar is willingly dealing with demons, and the world knows it. You won’t rewrite that.”

“As the person the elders specifically meant to sacrifice to those demons,” Liris said softly, “I know that better than you. I am not here to apologize for them.”

“What’s in it for you, then?” Chancellor Ariurn gestured around. “We have the situation under control. Special Operations is of course welcome to make its own report of Serenthuar’s treachery, but you didn’t come here for that.”

“The better question,” Vhannor said, “is what’s in it for you.”

For the first time the chancellor looked amused. “Oh, this ought to be good. You think you can pitch me on the Coalition, then? Princess Nysia is naïve, but I didn’t think a man like you who spends hands-on time out in the world would be.” As if Chancellor Ariurn knew the first thing about doing his own work. “It will never work, and Ormbtai has no need to offer our resources to realms that support demons.”

That attitude was what had taken so long for the Coalition to come this close, but Liris didn’t say that.

She knew the awful, self-interested, short-sighted language he spoke.

“What’s in it for you is a return to the status quo that benefits you,” Liris told him. “The demonic situation in Serenthuar is untenable. You haven’t done much trade these past days, and that’s bad for everyone, isn’t it? We’re here to remove a problem for you and Serenthuar, and his name is Jadrhun. When the demons and their master are gone, what happens after that is not our affair unless you wish it to be.”

“Then what need have you of me?” Chancellor Ariurn pointed out the window to the forest. “The Gate is that way. I’m happy to send you with a small escort to make sure you don’t get lost on your way.” He made shooing motions with one hand, his expression sardonic.

“So,” Vhannor said, “you’re happy for Special Operations to handle your affairs, but you oppose the Coalition? With that attitude, once it exists in truth, you’ll have difficulty obtaining assistance for any demonic threats to your realm.”

Not that Vhannor would ignore calls for aid; he’d just make sure the government paid for it.

“Ah, by that time I won’t have any demonic problems, will I? Hypothetically, in a world where the Coalition were possible, which is not ours.” Chancellor Ariurn smiled. “And if it were possible, and demonic problems reappeared, well. The council would no doubt be dismayed to learn you had misled Ormbtai in your dealings here.”

Vhannor narrowed his eyes. “How tremendously short-sighted.”

“On the contrary.” Chancellor Ariurn slanted a glance at Liris. “I’ve tangled with Serenthuar ambassadors too long to be manipulated so easily as that, Lord Embhullor. In fact, nothing you’ve said convinces me that our present difficulties are of concern to Ormbtai at all, and not entirely a problem for Special Operations.”

This wasn’t working. They hadn’t even officially asked for the support they needed to face Jadrhun and who-knew-how-many casters and demons, and he wouldn’t even consider, let alone long enough to balk.

Vhannor growled, “Do you truly understand the scale of the problem in Serenthuar?”

Chancellor Ariurn’s expression didn’t so much as flicker, and that careful stillness was telling enough.

“Ah,” Liris said knowingly, drawing both their attentions.

The chancellor would not, of course, reveal the extent of his own intelligence. He might even know a great deal, and perhaps he already understood what a risk their current endeavor would be for any Ormbtai he sent. But he couldn’t know enough.

What she was about to try would be risky. Very, very risky, because she’d have to be able to back it up.

But they couldn’t afford not to take risks.

And this time, Vhannor would be at her back.

“I imagine,” Liris said, “there is one source available to you, Chancellor, that you have not been able to fully tap.”

His expression turned keen. “Indeed, Ambassador Shaisse is adept at reticence. Do you truly think you, a candidate Serenthuar never endorsed, will learn any secrets from her?”

Hot anger smoldered in Liris’ chest, and her smile at Chancellor Ariurn was not kind. “Oh, yes. The ambassador from Serenthuar will speak to me.”

Their route changed abruptly toward the upper levels. Even with Serenthuar in disgrace, their ambassadors were too valuable to mistreat—physically.

Vhannor slowed his pace and held Liris back with him. “Talk to me,” he murmured. “What’s the plan here?”

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