by Eva Brandt
Still not looking at me, Octavian nodded. “We’ve received a notice that Queen Cheimon is preparing a neutral location for us to meet. She’s building an iceberg specifically for this purpose.”
I was getting a headache just at the lack of logic behind that decision. Finding a folded pair of black robes made me feel a little better, although not by much. “That seems unnecessarily convoluted,” I said as I started putting my clothes on. “Why not meet on a boat? Why an iceberg?”
Octavian shrugged. “If you can’t understand it, I certainly don’t have a chance. I’ve sent off my agreement. We’ll be meeting in a few hours.”
“Have you thought about what you’re actually going to tell them?” I asked. “This war is purposeless, you know. It’s not going to stop what’s coming.”
“It will.” Octavian clenched his jaw stubbornly. “Cezar might be back and safe, but you aren’t. I will demand for your other self to surrender to us and give you her physical body. It’s the only way I will leave this land be.”
“That won’t happen, Octavian. You can’t just force someone to surrender her body to another person.”
“You have just as much right over that body as Eranthe does, if not more,” Octavian argued. “You’re the one who’s been carrying the heaviest burden all these years. She’s superfluous, a piece of a past that no longer matters.”
“She’s your nephew’s soulmate,” I pointed out. “Don’t you care about that?”
“I don’t enjoy the idea of causing Cezar pain, of course, but in the end, I’m always going to choose the person I love over everyone else.”
“You’re hopeless. Why are we even having this conversation?”
“Because you know in your heart that I’m right.”
I knew no such thing, but if he wanted to believe that, I wasn’t going to try to change his mind again. It was always exhausting to argue with Octavian, and not just because he was my emperor and my leader.
“Regardless, I’m not going to force Eranthe into anything she didn’t choose. I don’t know if it’s right or wrong, but it is what’s going to happen.” I bowed politely, acknowledging his position and in the process cutting off our conversation. “With your permission, Your Majesty, I must go tend to the arrangements for the meeting.”
Octavian bit his lower lip so hard his fangs sliced into his lower lip. “Yes, of course, Grand Lich. As always, your dedication to The Voievodat humbles me.”
It was more than a little rude to leave him there, alone in my quarters, but I didn’t have any ideas that would keep us from doing anything stupid or having another futile argument. Maybe the unexpected advancement of my condition would be a good thing. Prolonging this whole episode just made matters worse. Once I was gone, Octavian would be able to understand and move on.
The thought provided me with an unexpected amount of comfort. When I left my room, it was easy for me to reach out to my magic and summon three skeletons to escort me. I didn’t need them, but they were good for my image, and most of the time, when I was in The Voievodat, I didn’t go anywhere without an escort of such constructs.
Like Octavian had said, preparations were underway for the meeting with the avatars of the seasons. In his absence, Cezar’s father Radu was supervising the process, coordinating his underlings to be ready for battle.
As soon as I entered the main deck, they all knelt and bowed in front of me. “All hail the Grand Lich. Be welcomed among us, My Lord.”
One of the things I wouldn’t miss when I unavoidably died was being called ‘My Lord’. I was a woman, thank you very much, and I would’ve preferred for that to be acknowledged. But you couldn’t have everything, and in this instance, secrecy, discretion, power, and respect mattered far more than issues of gender identity.
“I see you are hard at work, Radu,” I said, modulating my voice to sound male. “Well done. Are our forces prepared for a potential conflict?”
He didn’t get up, keeping his eyes on the floor as was appropriate for a man in his position. “Yes, My Lord. Should the avatars of the seasons attempt to betray us, they will regret it.”
“Well, I don’t think that they’ll dare, but taking some precautions is always wise. I recommend that you remind everyone to not antagonize the people of Chronikos if they can help it.”
We’d had quite enough of that already. I had my doubts that Radu would listen to me if Octavian had given him different instructions, but my words might at least give his underlings pause. By now, they all knew it was not a good idea to upset me.
Considering that, it was probably unsurprising that Radu decided to pull me aside. “My Lord, I’d like a word with you if it’s possible.”
“Of course, Radu,” I answered as I followed him to the upper deck. “What is it?”
Radu didn’t immediately answer. I gave him time to gather his thoughts. I knew him well, and he was among the few people who were aware of my true identity. I was not as close to him as I was to Octavian, because we didn’t interact as often, but in a way, I admired him for his brave decision to marry a human.
“It’s about Cezar,” he finally explained. “I’m told that you’ve seen him and he is unharmed?”
“Yes. I’ve already recast my blessing on him since it had vanished after he and his friends entered Hades. He’s fine, although I can’t say if things will remain this way should we pursue a conflict with Chronikos.”
Radu’s gaze sharpened and his eyes flashed with a dread very few vampires would’ve shown to me. “Do you think they would turn on him?”
“I don’t think he’s in any danger from them, no,” I answered. “But he has feelings for Queen Eranthe and he will stand against us if she feels we’re endangering her.”
“Surely the relationship between them can’t be that serious. They’ve met recently, right? Only a couple of months ago.”
If the information I’d received was correct, the time that had passed for Eranthe, Cezar, and the others had been much shorter than that. I had no intention of sharing that tidbit with Radu. It would serve no purpose except to unsettle him further. “She is his soulmate. It’s as serious as you can possibly get.”
Radu stared at me as if I’d just sprouted a second head, or perhaps decided to drop my hood. “A soulmate? But that can’t be. It’s almost impossible for vampires to find their soulmates.”
“Almost, but not completely. It’s also a proven fact in your son’s case.”
Radu clenched his jaw and dug his suddenly clawed fingers into his palms. “I see. Is that why you sent him and the others to Chronikos? Because you knew about this? Did you know what Hades was going to do?”
At that moment, it became obvious that he’d been well aware of the relationship between Cezar and Eranthe. He might’ve seemed shocked by my revelations, but he wasn’t, not really. I couldn’t say I was surprised. I hadn’t shared any of my knowledge or plans with anyone except Octavian, but undead were resourceful.
“I had a good idea, yes,” I admitted. “But I’m curious how you figured it out. Who mentioned it to you?”
He remained silent, but one look at his face told me everything I needed to know. “Was it Mormo?” I laughed. “I should’ve known. That crazy lamia couldn’t leave things well enough alone.” I wondered if she had contacts in the underworld, or perhaps The Land of Demons, who’d kept her posted about what was going on.
“How can you say that?” Radu snapped at me, his manners faltering due to his justifiable anger. “This is my son we’re talking about. You sent Cezar to The Land of Time fully aware of the fact that his soul might be sacrificed to this scheme. Don’t you care about us? Not even a little?”
“Remember your place, Radu. You might be of the House of Draculesti, but you still live and die on my command. His Imperial Majesty trusts my word over yours, and that won’t change, for as long as I live.”
It wouldn’t be for much longer, but Radu didn’t know that. “I’m aware. But unexpected things happen all the time.
I love my son, Grand Lich. I will not let him become your tool in this war against Chronikos.”
Radu’s concern for Cezar didn’t surprise me. The fact that he’d told me about it outright was a different thing entirely. “How charming,” I drawled. “Your human really has tamed you. His Imperial Majesty tells me you were very different before you met her and would’ve reveled in this destruction. We all need the excitement, don’t we?”
I half-expected him to be offended at my less than kind reference to his mortal wife. If he was, he didn’t show it. Instead, he took a deep breath and straightened his back. “I don’t care about excitement, Grand Lich. All I want is for my family to be safe.”
“Well, you’re not making things easier for them by questioning your betters,” I pointed out. I didn’t resent him for losing his temper, but I couldn’t have him undermining my authority, not at such a delicate time.
Radu dropped to his knees, acknowledging his mistake. “Forgive me for speaking out of turn. If it is in your possibility, make sure Cezar is spared. Please.”
I didn’t have the heart to continue mocking his emotions, not when he’d just humbled himself in front of me like this. “Believe it or not, I don’t want the war any more than you do. I will try, but I can’t make you any promises.”
It was an impossible situation. If anything happened to me, Octavian would launch a war on Chronikos that made the current siege look like nothing more than a skirmish. He might have trouble pushing past the wards around The Land of Time, but the undead had an eternity at their disposal and an unending supply of troops. He’d never bothered to claim more territory for The Voievodat because ruling the world would be far more tedious than conquering it, but he’d make an exception in this case. He didn’t like Eranthe, and if he saw her as the reason for my death—which seemed likely—he would try to hurt her, even if his nephew got in the way.
On the other hand, going along with Octavian’s plan was even worse, and not just because Cezar would lose his soulmate. We couldn’t wait any longer to fix the anomaly created by that botched ritual. My inability to control my power was a sign, and if things kept going in this direction, the Axis Mundi itself might collapse.
No, I couldn’t make Radu any promises, mostly because I could see no way that this would end without more pain and bloodshed. But I’d always known that would happen, from the moment I’d sent Cezar and the others here. Sacrifices needed to be made for the good of the world.
“You’re right, Radu,” I admitted with a smile he didn’t see. “I did use your son and his friends. I did lie to them. But the gods set us on this path long ago. We’ll just have to make the most of it.”
It was a small miracle that he didn’t lose his temper again, although he came very close. “I don’t believe in any gods, Grand Lich,” he spat as he got up. “Nothing is invincible, not even a deity, or a demigod. “
“Perhaps not, but that is the point, isn’t it? We all fight our battles knowing full well that we’re risking our lives, our families, perhaps even our souls.” I leaned in closer to him and brushed a finger over his cheek. His skin started to peel away where I touched him. “Tell me, Radu... What are you willing to risk to accomplish your goals?”
He didn’t answer. The scent of fear filled the air at my display of power. Despite his fierce defense of his family, Radu knew very well that I was right and I could destroy them all with a single wave of my hand.
His heart started beating faster, almost too fast for a vampire. His nostrils flared and his body went as taut as a bowstring. At this rate, he would need to feed again just because of his accelerated heartbeat.
I would have enjoyed his terror more had I actually hurt him on purpose and not lost control of my magic. This whole episode said more about me than it did about him.
I took a step back and wished I hadn’t forgotten to put my gloves on after I’d woken up in my quarters. Of course, I didn’t let my frustration show. “Was there anything else you wanted to discuss, Radu?”
“Just one last thing, Grand Lich. You should be careful. You don’t know everything in this world. You might think that you do, but everyone has secrets, and the emperor hasn’t told you every single thing.”
I didn’t like the sound of that. I narrowed my eyes at him, tempted to ask him what he knew, what plans Octavian had made without consulting me. Whatever it was would likely go against my decisions, and that wouldn’t end well.
In the end, I decided to let the issue go. It was a power play and nothing more. If I let him get to me, he would win this subtle battle, and that was one thing I would never allow.
“I don’t have such expectations of His Majesty. He is the emperor. It’s normal for him to have secrets. You of all people should know that.”
“Of course, Grand Lich. I understand.”
I turned away from him, not really satisfied with the outcome of the conversation, but already setting it aside to focus on more important things. The war wouldn’t end itself, and I didn’t have much time left.
I should’ve known better than to think I could get a break of any kind today. No sooner had I returned to the main deck than I was intercepted by Baltasar’s father.
I took one look at his determined face and let out an irritated sigh. “Pythios, do you want to argue with me as well?”
I didn’t have the patience for that. Pythios was usually sensible, but he had taken a lamia to bed, so I doubted his overall sanity.
“I wouldn’t dream of it, Grand Lich,” he said, having perhaps noticed my foul mood. “I merely had something to talk to you about. It’s about Mormo. She—”
“Went and got herself caught,” I cut him off. “Yes, I know. I did warn you all to not linger in Chronikos. I can’t help her, not now, at least.” Well, I could, but my other self would probably not react well to me busting her captive out of prison.
As it turned out, that wasn’t what Pythios wanted to discuss. “I know that. Mormo chose her own fate. She just wanted me to give you a message.”
Why would Baltasar’s mother send me a message? Whatever it was couldn’t be good, since she liked me even less than Radu did. I was already getting a headache just thinking about it.
But I was the Grand Lich and I’d made a vow to The Voievodat. I couldn’t just discard things like this, not when the information could be important for the future of my chosen homeland. “All right. I’m listening. But be brief. I’m needed elsewhere.”
“Of course. It was quite vague anyway. She said that when the moment comes, you need to look at the water.”
“Look at the water?” I repeated. “What in the world is that supposed to mean?”
“I’m afraid I’m just as confused as you are, Grand Lich,” Pythios replied. Together we stared out at the ocean, but it provided no answers. “This war... It won’t end well, will it?”
The soft pain in his voice gave me pause. I normally would’ve dismissed the inquiry, but unlike most people I’d spoken with lately, he’d yet to question my decisions or argue with me. “Probably not, no,” I admitted. “I will try to minimize the damage done to your family, Pythios. I don’t think it’s time for Baltasar and Mormo to embrace death. But in the future, we have to be prepared for the worst.”
“I am,” Pythios replied. “I have been, since Mormo left.
“You’re right, Grand Lich. This will only end in death, but we have to believe it won’t be the death of The Voievodat.”
“I won’t let that happen.”
That was one promise I could make. The Immortuos Voievodat had been my home for centuries and had welcomed me when I’d had nothing. It wouldn’t collapse, no matter what I had to do.
I might not be able to be the Grand Lich for much longer, but I would make Eranthe see sense and accept the role she needed to occupy. There was no other way.
The two of us couldn’t exist at the same time, not anymore. The gods had defied the laws of nature for my creation, but I wouldn’t have The Voievodat pay the pri
ce for that crime.
“There is only one thing that is eternal, Pythios, and that is death. We can’t lose this battle, because death is on our side.”
That drew a small smile out of Baltasar’s father. “As you say, Grand Lich. Does that mean you’ll come see my legion? I do believe my risen need a small boost in numbers.”
It was with great difficulty that I managed to hide the relief I felt at his request. “By all means, Pythios. Lead the way.”
I wondered what it said about me that I preferred the company of undead revenants and mindless minions to that of actual people. Probably nothing good, but at this point, I didn’t care.
A group of skeletons was better company than Cezar’s annoying father and my stubborn emperor. The animated constructs might not have minds, but that wasn’t a bad thing. At least they wouldn’t make unreasonable demands and insist they knew best when they obviously didn’t.
Gods, you’d think that being from the future would earn a woman a little more faith. What a world to live in.
* * *
Baltasar
“So tell me again why it was necessary for us to meet on an iceberg. I’m not sure I understand.”
“Since it’s officially in international waters, it will be a neutral territory,” Eranthe explained. “But leaving Chronikos is always dangerous for the avatars of the seasons so creating a concentrated amalgamation of elemental power was our best bet.”
She stared out into the distance, past the wards, where we could see her sister guiding the iceberg in question closer. She wouldn’t be able to get it to the shore, since the heat from the shields protecting Chronikos would damage her work. We would have to fly up to it, and then, head out to the meeting point with the emperor’s fleet.
I was still on the fence about what I was supposed to do during this meeting. Unlike Cezar, I wasn’t that important. The House of Sideris was nobility, but I was, in the big picture, expendable.