Page 25 of Blood Sanctuary, Part One

The princess looked very pleased at the praise. “It took a lot of magic, so I suppose I cheated.”

“I know something about breeding dogs, but I had no idea you could make a new kind of animal.”

“The Goddess made them, really. I just helped them along. I understand you’re a gardener, so you’ll be interested to know the star moths are attracted to this kind of fern. It’s a cold-tolerant species from the southern Empire.”

Cassia felt of the fronds’ waxy texture, careful not to disturb the moth’s perch. “I never thought I’d lay eyes on a plant from the Empire.”

“There are plenty of them here. I bet you’ve never seen a mulberry tree.”

“I’ve never even heard of mulberries.”

“Wonderful. I’ll give you a tour of my orchard. I’m not much of a gardener, but I manage to keep my trees healthy for the sake of my bugs. My favorite will eat nothing but mulberry leaves.”

Cassia found herself smiling genuinely, and a great deal of her tension eased. She’d had no idea Lio’s illustrious friends would be so easy to talk with, especially one of the Queens’ daughters. “Thank you so much for the invitation. I shall look forward to that very much.”

“I’ll make sure we have time for it in between all the important Summit business.”

“That will be a pleasant relief from the embassy.”

“In the meantime, I have something for you. Since I’m the youngest, you won’t get to my residence until the end of this week, and I can’t wait to give you my welcome gift.” From a floppy pocket of her robes, the princess pulled out a glass jar and handed it to Cassia.

“Ladybugs!” Cassia peered inside to see at least a dozen marching and fluttering about a leafy stem. “The best defenders in any garden.”

“They’re especially good for roses. I’m much too tender-hearted when it comes to bugs, even the ones considered to be pests. But everything has to eat. I can’t protest when the ladybugs make a healthy meal off of the invaders that hurt plants.”

“This is a truly thoughtful gift.”

“I’m so glad you like them. I hope you’ll like the celebration at my residence, too. I promise not to make it boring. I must distinguish myself from my elder siblings somehow. I fear the only way I shall ever make my mark as a princess is by contrast. Which suggests a rather disruptive course.”

“In my experience, disruptive can be very productive.”

“I think you can help me in that regard.”

“Of course I would be glad to help in any way I can.”

“Tell me, Cassia, does anyone at Solorum play Kings and Mages?”

“Yes, there is a Kings and Mages board in the Temple of Anthros. It’s a mark of great distinction once an apprentice earns the right to play with the masters. The king often joins the royal mage for a game after rites.”

“Excellent. I know the Dexion must be adept at the game, for it is a point of pride among mages in Corona, but we’re not supposed to know he is Cordian. You have reassured me the game would be familiar to him in any case. Have you ever played?”

“No, it is men’s exclusive pastime. I do know the matches are about much more than the game, though.”

The princess nodded. “There’s no strategy they pursue at that board that would be lost on you. Will you play when you come to my residence?”

Cassia hesitated. “I’m afraid I’ve never even seen the fabled board, for women aren’t allowed in that part of the temple.”

“Lio has a Hesperine version of the board, but you two must have been busy with other things,” the princess said innocently.

Cassia blushed. “Ah. Yes. That is, I saw something like that on his coffee table.”

“You can learn the game at my party. You’ll be a natural, especially since we will be playing by Orthros rules.”

“I have a feeling I shall like Orthros rules much better. Thank you for your invitation. I’ll gladly join in.”

“Oh, good. I’ll have your help when I challenge Chrysanthos to a match. We are going to have fun—at his expense.” The princess’s eyes flashed. “We call the game Prince and Diplomat, you know, after Rudhira and Argyros. My brother taught me to play.”

“It sounds as if Chrysanthos is in for a night he’ll not soon forget.”

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