Page 112 of Blood Sanctuary, Part Two

But they formed an orderly column of dignified emissaries, whom Cassia led to House Annassa with Lio, Mak, and Lyros as their escorts. Bearing the historical Tenebran banner, the embassy followed in the footsteps of generations of Hesperines to make their pilgrimage up the steps of the Queens’ Terrace.

Annassa Alea’s eyes gleamed as she watched them approach, and her Grace squeezed her hand. The firstbloods in attendance shared a collective wave of amazement in the Union.

“Guests from Tenebra, how we rejoice to see you here on our terrace.” Annassa Soteira gestured around them, where platters of food grew cold. “We have prepared a banquet for you to celebrate the Festival of the Drink, when we thank all mortals for their generosity to us, but we had begun to fear our guests of honor would not attend.”

“To what do we owe this wonderful surprise?” Queen Alea asked.

Lio made the heart bow before his Queens. “Annassa, imagine our own surprise when the Tenebran embassy expressed their wish to petition you for an audience this very night.”

Cassia sank into a deep curtsy before the Queens, while Lord Gaius and Benedict bowed, and Eudias lowered his head with his hands tucked in his sleeves.

“Annassa,” Cassia addressed them, “we have come to offer Tenebra’s formal apology for Dexion Chrysanthos’s actions against Orthros.”

“Speaking for all those who are loyal to Hadria,” said Lord Gaius, “we beg your forgiveness for not warning you of the mage’s true nature. We regret being the means by which Cordium’s agent has trespassed in your lands.”

“Speaking for all those who rally to Segetia’s banner,” Benedict continued, “let it be known that we had no knowledge his circle is keeping Hesperines errant prisoner, and we share in your sorrow for the hostages’ plight.”

Lio could see Eudias trembling. It seemed the young mage’s great deed at the guest house had used up all the confidence he had mustered, and he now stood before the Queens on the last of his courage. Feeling the excruciating trepidation in Eudias’s aura, Lio could imagine what an ordeal it was to speak before this circle when you were shy in the first place.

“Eudias,” Queen Soteira coaxed, “do not allow your masters to make you feel ashamed of your goodness.”

He startled where he stood, his eyes downcast. But he answered. “Annassa. I have asked the Tenebrans’ forgiveness for—for my complicity in my masters’ misdeeds. I—I will have no more part in the Circle’s—abuses. Not all mages in the Order—even in Cordium—agree with this—this aggression. Many of us only…only want to use our, our magic…for the good of our people, too.”

Cassia unrolled the document she carried. “Allow us to make amends for the misconduct of the Aithourian Circle and the Gift Collector. We are resolved not to let Cordium undermine the peace for which Orthros and Tenebra have labored. Would Orthros hear the terms the Dexion prevented us from proposing at the Firstblood Circle?”

Could the embassy see the expression on Queen Alea’s face for what it was? Lio knew it well, for he had seen that same gaze of love turned upon him and all her children countless times.

“Hespera never turns a deaf ear to any plea,” Queen Alea assured them. “So too shall we hear your terms.”

“Rise.” Queen Soteira lifted her hand. “You are welcome here.”

Queen Alea beckoned to Lio. “Ambassador Deukalion, you may resume negotiations on our behalf.”

“It will be my honor, Annassa.”

Across the negligible distance that separated the Hesperines from their mortal petitioners, Lio faced Cassia. Their gazes and minds met, and they shared a moment of sweet triumph.

“Lady Cassia, you may at last present your terms without interruption.”

“Thank you, Ambassador. Allow me to give an overview of the matters the assembled lords, knights and mages would like to discuss with you tonight. First, the free lords of Hadria and Segetia propose the restoration of all the traditional protections of the Equinox Oath, within all the lands under their authority and that of their vassals, which comprises the majority of Tenebra.”

Lord Gaius and Benedict each gave a deep nod.

Cassia continued, “The Tenebran mages of Anthros are prepared to uphold these protections and act as enforcers of the Oath’s traditional restrictions upon Hesperines to ensure no conflicts arise.”

Master Gorgos’s glare promised they would be watching Lio’s people like hawks, but he was here, and he did not protest.

With a smile in her eyes, Cassia glanced at the Semna. “The Tenebran mages of Kyria wish to discuss modifications to the original tenets of the Oath regarding children, namely the possibility of Hesperines providing direct aid to Tenebra’s orphanages in the form of provisions, clothes, and other necessities.”

Lio bowed to the Semna, struggling not to beam at her and show her his fangs.

The venerable mage rested on one elbow upon her litter. “We can’t accomplish anything if we ban you from our only common ground.”

“Lord Severinus the Younger,” said Cassia, “is prepared to lead an effort to reform and restrict the heart hunters in exchange for famine relief.”

“I will do everything in my power,” Lord Severin promised. “I am not without my own supporters, who will stand with me to moderate my father.”

Cassia went on, “Several other lords wish to seal the trade agreements they have been discussing with Orthros’s bloodlines during our time here.”

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