Page 82 of The Rebel's Prize

His expression darkened again.

Lucien cleared his throat. "We believe Queen Sophia will be as eager as you are to uncover the details of this plot. Her palace was attacked as well. She only holds her throne because King Stefan and then Queen Eloisa were both murdered. I think it would be foolish, at this point, to assume that there are no connections between the attempts here and in Anglion. After all, Illvyan magic was used in Anglion in the attack on the palace. Someone had to provide the scriptii. And if the memories of those who were involved were amended with this magic, then that could explain why we've never gotten to the bottom of it."

"That and the fact that the temple was likely actively working to hide it," Aristides said slowly.

"Yes," Chloe agreed. "Domina Skey was ruthless enough to do whatever she thought was necessary in her execution of her attempt to control Eloisa. Including using forbidden magic."

"She wasn't a water mage, though," Aristides said.

"No. But you don't have to be to use a scriptii. You just have to be able to work the trigger and then destroy the object if it's not set to destroy itself."

The emperor pursed his lips, twisting the heavy Imperial signet on his left hand restlessly. "It seems we may have been overly hasty in allowing them to execute Domina Skey."

Lucien couldn't argue with that. "Perhaps. But this plot is not the work of one person alone. There will be others." His hand curled into a fist. "This is important, Your Imperial Majesty. If Elarus is willing to help, it may be our best hope."

Aristides sighed, looking suddenly exhausted. He probably hadn't had a good night's sleep since the attack. Given the suspicions over Alain, in his place, Lucien wouldn't sleep either. But it was Lucien's job to ensure that the emperor acted as the emperor, not the dismayed father.

"All three of you agree on this?" Aristides asked.

"Yes, Your Imperial Majesty. I understand that you may be reluctant to believe me, and I cannot prove to you that I'm telling the truth, but I think this is the best course of action," Chloe said with a ring of authority that made Lucien think of his mother.

Perhaps Chloe was becoming the marquesse after all.

Aristides scrubbed a hand over his face, the rings on his hands glinting. "So be it. I will send a message to Queen Sophia and request her assistance. Perhaps I should send Lady Margaretta to carry it. That would take care of one set of problems, at least. It has been somewhat difficult to prove to the Anglions that our society is a safe and peaceful one when they have been subject to nothing but chaos and mayhem since they arrived."

Lucien cleared his throat. "That may well be an argument for keeping them here rather than sending them away. If we can show them that we have gotten to the bottom of the crime, give them a chance to see us, how we work together and keep order, then that may leave a better impression than sending them home in the wake of an attack."

Aristides considered for a moment. "You may be right. Though I cannot stop them if they choose to leave. Or if Queen Sophia requests their return."

"Has Lady Margaretta given any indication that she wants to leave?" Chloe asked. "She stayed after what happened at the parliament. I don't think she scares easily."

"No, she has not asked," Aristides admitted. "I do not suppose you would care to go, Lieutenant de Roche? It would fall within the remit of the diplomatic corps."

Did he want her out of the city? Or was he offering her a way to get away from danger? Lucien tried to keep his face neutral but sent reassurance over the bond to Chloe. If she wanted to go, he would let her. She might well be safer in Anglion. Though the thought of being separated made his jaw tighten.

"No, Your Imperial Majesty. I believe it's better that I stay here with Lucien. The healers...well, they are still keen for us not to strain our bond."

Aristides quirked an eyebrow. "I understood that you had broken that bond?"

"We had. But we have formed another."

"Does this mean you have come to the end of your mutual idiocy?"

"Your Imperial Majesty?" she squeaked.

"I mean you have given up whatever nonsense it is that had you seemingly determined to deny that you are in love with each other."

"What?" Lucien choked.

"I am not an idiot, Lucien," Aristides said, looking amused for the first time in the entire conversation. "You married her in Andalyssia because there was no other choice. But you made no effort to get out of it once you returned."

"I was unconscious for quite some time."

Aristides snorted. "And then wide awake for even longer. You could have divorced her. You did not. Chloe could have even asked me to let her out of the marriage, given the circumstances, but she did not. You two care about each other. You just need to stop pretending otherwise and get on with it." He waved a hand. "Yes, there are complications from your past, but what is done is done. Do not turn away from happiness. You never know when things can change for the worse." His eyes narrowed. "Though I trust you will not be asking if there can be celebration of your nuptials. I am not sure the empire can stand the excitement of whatever might happen at a third de Roche wedding ball."

Imogene giggled at that. Easy for her to be amused.

Lucien recovered first. "No, Eleivé, that won't be necessary."

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