Page 31 of Conspirators' Kingdom

“IsthisMagistraAmbera professional interrogator?” Mereruka asked the strategos.

“She is a silver-tongued mage, her commands are impossible to ignore. We’ll have answers with only a few questions from her,” Marduk replied.

Gods below, Mereruka thought. She could put all his schemes in jeopardy with only a few questions. She sounded like an enchantress, or a siren perhaps. Such creatures were not to be taken lightly and often found themselves in positions of extreme power or wretched servitude. If Mereruka played this right, he might be able to rid himself of his enemies entirely.

Djadty stood nearby, glaring at the fae servants who had already been questioned. It still amazed Mereruka that a man as blunt, unimaginative and lacking in magical ability as the soldier had managed to swap in cursed swords despite all the servants involved.

“How were you able to overcome the berserker curse, Strategos?” Mereruka asked. “It’s an impressive feat.”

He had his suspicions about the emperor, but hoped this would prove them definitively. He’d rarely failed at casting a spell in the past, but the powers of a null might explain it all.

“I don’t believe I did, Prince Mereruka. I don’t even recall picking up the blade.”

A careful, unhelpful answer. Damn.

“I’m curious about the boy. Bas, was it? Not many fully-grown men can stop my swing, let alone an unarmed one.” Marduk smiled at Bas, who stood by their side, having already given his account of hearing one of the fae with spell sight gasp the name of the curse before running into the ring.

“I’m a shapeshifter, Strategos. We’re strong as a general rule. And I’m nearly an adult. I’m already forty-two.”

Marduk gave a sharp intake of breath, his eyes widening.

“Forty-two? When do shapeshifters come of age?”

“Fifty for most, one hundred for others,” Bas replied.

Marduk looked to Mereruka and again to Bas.

“Forgive me for being rude, but how long do shapeshifters and fae live, usually?”

Mereruka saw Bas’ ears twitch and focused his own hearing. Two sets of steps had entered the ring. Taisiya had undoubtedly returned.

“Barring incurable illness or a violent death? Around six hundred years for shapeshifters and one thousand for the fae, give or take a few centuries,” Mereruka answered, nonchalant.

It would no doubt come as a shock to the short-lived mages. Better they learn their place in the world than to believe themselves a blessed race. If he was to be tied to this land for a century or so, he’d be damned if they went and kicked hornets’ nests across the seas out of a misplaced sense of superiority.

“Though some shapeshifters, like dragons, are special exceptions. They too live about as long as the fae,” Mereruka added.

“Ah,” Marduk replied, a frown creasing his brow.

“Alexandra! We have a job for you,” the empress called and waved, interrupting the conversation between Mereruka and the strategos. “Prince Mereruka, I’d like to introduce Magistra Alexandra Amber.”

“A pleasure, Your Grace.” Mereruka inclined his head.

Eyes wide as she took him in, the magistra curtsied low.

“It is an honour to meet you, Prince Mereruka.”

Introductions done, the magistra lifted her head and made her way to the empress while Taisiya remained by Mereruka’s side, her polite, disinterested mask firmly in place.

“I’m happy to be of service, Your Majesty.” Alexandra smiled.

The woman possessed pale brown skin, white hair and strikingly amber eyes. She looked younger than Taisiya, despite her taller stature. The mages gave her a wide berth. Mereruka turned to Taisiya, her polite, disinterested mask firmly in place.

“So, what questions do you want answered?” Alexandra asked.

She stopped before the group of those already questioned. It must be the first time she’d seen the fae. Her eyes were riveted on them. The mages paled.

“Ask the prince or strategos. They’re in charge of this mess,” the empress replied.

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