Page 288 of The Priory of the Orange Tree

“If we defeat our common enemy, and stamp out Draconic support, then the red sickness will ebb away.”

“We can only hope. What else?”

Loth made the offers the Virtues Council had permitted him to make. A new trading partnership between Virtudom and the East. Guarantees that the Inysh would support the Lacustrine, both financially and militarily, in the event of conflict or disaster for as long as the alliance endured. A tribute in jewels and gold for the Eastern dragons.

“This all sounds very reasonable,” the Unceasing Emperor remarked, “but I note that you have not mentioned marriage, Lord Arteloth. Her Majestydoesoffer her hand?”

Loth wet his lips.

“My queen would be honored to strengthen this historic alliance through matrimony,” he began, smiling. Even Margret had admitted that his smile could soften any heart. “However, she is latterly widowed. She would prefer that this be a military alliance only. Of course,” he added, “she understands if Lacustrine tradition forbids this without marriage.”

“I am saddened for Her Majesty, and pray she finds strength in her grief.” The Unceasing Emperor paused. “Admirable of her, to think we can overcome those differenceswithoutmarriage, and the heir that would follow. Indeed, all this is a step toward modernity.”

He drummed his fingers on the arms of his throne again, studying Loth with mild interest.

“I can tell that you are no diplomat, Lord Arteloth, but your attempts to flatter me are good-natured, if clumsy. And these are desperate times,” the Unceasing Emperor concluded. “In the name of a modern alliance . . . I will not make marriage a prerequisite of the arrangement.”

“Really?” Loth blurted. “Your Imperial Majesty,” he added, hot in the face.

“You are surprised by my swift agreement.”

“I did expect more difficulty,” Loth admitted.

“I like to imagine that I am a forward-looking ruler. And it happens that I am in no mood to marry.” His face tightened for a moment. “I should clarify, Lord Arteloth, that I am only agreeing to the stand against the Nameless One. Other matters, such as trade, will take far more time to resolve. Given the continued threat of the red sickness.”

“Yes, Your Imperial Majesty.”

“Of course, mypersonalconsent to a battle on the sea, while valuable to you, is not a guarantee that this will proceed. I must consult with my Grand Secretariat first, for my people will expect an alliance to come with an empress, and I imagine that the more old-fashioned of them will argue for it. Either way, it must be framed wisely.”

Loth was too overwhelmed with relief to worry. “Of course.”

“I must also consult with the Imperial Dragon, who is my guiding star. The dragons of this country are her subjects, not mine, and will only be persuaded if she finds this alliance to her liking.”

“I understand.” Loth bowed low. “Thank you, Majesty.” He straightened and cleared his throat. “There is great risk for us all, I know. But what ruler made history by avoiding it?”

At this, the Unceasing Emperor permitted himself the ghost of a smile.

“Until we come to an agreement, Lord Arteloth, you will remain here as my honored guest,” he said. “And unless my ministers raise any concerns that require further discussion, you will have an answer by dawn.”

“Thank you.” Loth hesitated. “Your Majesty, might— might Lady Tané go on dragonback to take this news to Queen Sabran?”

Tané looked at him. “Lady Tané is not my subject, Lord Arteloth,” the Unceasing Emperor said. “You will have to discuss the matter with her yourself. But first,” he said, “I should like Lady Tané to join me for breakfast.”

When he rose, the guards flinched to attention. He spoke to Tané in another language and, with a nod, she left with him.

Loth walked with Thim back to the Twilight Gardens. Thim skimmed a stone across the pond.

“It doesn’t matter what the ministers say.”

Loth frowned. “What do you mean?”

“The only counsel His Imperial Majesty heeds, apart from that of the shining Imperial Dragon, is that of his grandmother, the Grand Empress Dowager.” Thim watched the ripples spread. “He respects her above all others. She will already know every word that passed between us in that throne room.”

Loth glanced over his shoulder.

“If she advises him against the alliance—”

“On the contrary,” Thim said, “I think she will encourage it. So that he might live up to his reign-name. How can a mortal beunceasing, after all, except through memorable and historic actions?”

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