Page 152 of Blood Sanctuary, Part Two

Javed’s healing magic swept over Cassia, while Kadi commandeered a vase for the rimelace, and Apollon and Komnena took the chairs. No sooner had they sat down, than the rest of the Stand and Uncle Argyros all came into the room, bringing more chairs in with them. Cassia found herself surrounded by Lio’s family.

Herfamily.

“I’m sorry about Nike,” Cassia said.

“It’s all right,” Aunt Lyta replied.

“Aunt Nike’s on an adventure,” Bosko said enviously.

Kadi smiled. “She still has work to do.”

“We miss her every moment,” said Uncle Argyros, “but we understand.”

“I’m still trying to,” Mak admitted. “I want to meet my sister. Now that Alkaios and Nephalea are joining the Stand, I’ve half a mind to go find her and see if she needs a hand.”

Lyros spared Mak’s family having to utter the horror written on their faces. He pushed Mak into a chair and sat on his lap. “You’re not going anywhere.”

Mak laughed and wrapped his arms around his Grace.

After that, they talked about everything and nothing. Everyone laughed and smiled, and when the children were loud, no one scolded them. No one mentioned politics, and Cassia could not find it in herself to ask.

“We won’t wear you out, Cassia,” Mak promised.

Lyros crossed his arms. “We won’t allow the embassy to tire you, either. They’re all but beating down the door of the Healing Sanctuary to visit their Tenebran thrush.”

“Please bar the door a little longer,” Cassia said. “I don’t feel like singing. I need…some time. With my people.”

THE OLD MASTERS

When Javed took thesucklings home, and the elder firstbloods and the Stand remained, Cassia knew politics were about to find her again. She began to feel a council of war was gathering around her.

Lio pulled the covers further over her. “We have to keep this brief.”

“Very brief.” Komnena reached over to pat both their hands. “Cassia and Lio’s minds need time to process what happened before we pressure them into important decisions.”

“No one will be allowed to pressure them,” Apollon threatened.

Aunt Lyta tugged the door curtain more securely closed before returning to her chair. “I have informed the other half of the elders they are not invited. We’ll start when the Queens and Kassandra arrive.”

Cassia ran her hand through Knight’s ruff. “I have questions about what happened.”

Uncle Argyros sighed. “We have more questions than answers, I’m afraid.”

The Queens entered, Annassa Alea carrying a pot full of soil. There appeared to be no plant in it. She set it on Cassia’s nightstand next to the rimelace. “A gift from our daughter Konstantina. She sends her regrets.”

“From the Second Princess?” Cassia asked. “Then…I think it must be a rose.”

“She excavated the courtyard of Rose House herself and assures me this is the only surviving root system. She said you would know what to do with it.”

Cassia put a hand to the soil. “Please tell her I sincerely appreciate her gift, and…I may have two entries for the Circle of Rosarians’ gathering next season.”

Annassa Soteira came to Cassia’s side and sat down on the edge of the bed. She looked into Cassia’s eyes, and Cassia felt magic fill her veins, as when she was casting a spell. But this magic took nothing from her, only restored everything in its path.

“How are you feeling?” Queen Soteira asked.

“Tired,” Cassia admitted. “A small price to pay. Thank you, Annassa.”

“Don’t forget to thank Lio for saving your life, too.”

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