Page 16 of Blood Feast

“Again?” Solia demanded.

Rudhira shook his head. “They know their chances of victory would be higher during they day, yet they keep attacking when we’re awake.”

“They’re baiting you,” Solia returned.

“Yes,” Rudhira confirmed. “Time to evacuate another target and evade their latest trap.”

Solia’s aura sparked. “We cannot keep evacuating my people forever. They need to know I’ll fight for them, and I won’t have the lords thinking a woman monarch is too reticent to face threats head on.”

“You are the one who told me you must pick your battles,” Rudhira replied. “And I don’t think the first battle with magefire arrows is the one you want to pick.”

“I won’t spend this entire war retreating,” Solia warned.

Rudhira’s gray eyes gleamed, but his emotions were veiled. “Oh, I don’t doubt that. But retreating to the most advantageous position in preparation is not cowardice. It is wisdom.”

“I’ll take that under advisement, First Prince, but they are my people. I will decide when it’s time to make a stand for them.”

To Lio’s surprise, Tendo spoke up, his feathers ruffled. “The Empress—and the sister states who provide soldiers for her army—are ready to send reinforcements to Tenebra.”

“Are you here in an official capacity?” Cassia asked hopefully.

“He’s here to visit you.” Solia looked directly at Tendo for the first time that night. “And tell me rumors from court that I already know. I can win this war without Imperial warriors coming to my aid. Except the Ashes, of course.”

Tendo’s jaw clenched, and Lio winced inwardly at Solia’s pointed words. But Lio couldn’t deny Tendo had squandered his chance to support Solia’s bid for the throne—or talk her out of it for the sake of their love.

“What did I tell you?” Tendo snapped his wings. “I’m just a messenger bird. I’ll leave you all to your official activities.”

Lio caught up to him at the door, veiling their conversation. “Tendo, stay. Cassia would be so happy to spend more time with you.”

“What did I tell you would happen with her sister and me under the same roof? It’s a miracle House Komnena hasn’t gone up in flames yet.”

“You know you are welcome here in your own right. You won’t leave Orthros before we’ve gone to the gymnasium, will you? You haven’t even gotten to punch me yet.”

Tendo let out a faint snort. “Fine. Karege is lending me his empty residence. You can find me there.”

The door closed after him, harder than necessary. Solia wore her warrior face, as if they had not just had a former lovers’ quarrel in front of half the family and leadership of Orthros. “Very well. We’ll evacuate. For now.”

Rudhira, unfazed, gave her a nod. “Kalos, keep watch for the mages. We’ll be there shortly.”

“Yes, My Prince.” Kalos bowed with his fist over his heart.

“Be careful,” Rudhira bade him.

“Not to worry,” the Hesperine mumbled. “The mages may see through my veils, but not my Lustra tricks.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Cassia said.

Kalos turned to her once more, hesitating. “Could I ask you a few questions later? About the letting site?”

“Of course.” She smiled at him.

He inclined his head and stepped away.

Rudhira sighed. “I’m sorry, Cassia. Some Ritual father I am, leaving in the middle of your celebration. But with magefire arrows in play, I’m needed in the field.”

Solia looked at Cassia with an apology in her eyes. “I can’t send someone else, either. I must go myself this time.”

“I understand.” Cassia reached for Solia’s hand. “I’m sorry we had to leave you all in the middle of the siege.”

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