Chapter 38:

The dining room had yet to be cleaned. Small platters and cups littered the area, spills of crimson liquid pooled here or there, and the birthday decorations seemed weary of the day; the flowers dripped over their vases, the paper banners that lined the roof had pulled free in some spots, and Eres felt no pleasure in knowing she’d be part of the effort in cleaning it up. No doubt the others would urge her to rest, considering the decorations were, in part, for her; but Eres had long since developed an acute intolerance to such slovenly sights. Eres’s flagging regard for noble society dampened considerably.

The party stepped around the mess as they entered the dining hall. Lionel seemed somewhat embarrassed, but his rapport with Hector was great enough that it led to no more than a casual remark. They each took their seats, Eres and Leo glancing curious eyes to each other, and Lionel poured himself a glass of wine—the servants were attending the party. 

“So,” Lionel said, sipping at his drink, “Tell me what dire news must be said in private.”

Hector leaned forward, his black sleeves shifting as he pressed against the table. “Your son is trustworthy?”

“No less than myself.”

“And the girl?”

Eres snorted. “I can leave if you want.”

Lionel set his glass back down with an audible tap. “Eres was raised here from childhood; she is my daughter. She stays.”

Hector nodded, face tightening as his eyes lowered, thoughts to himself. He looked at Lionel with a grave expression. 

“The Emperor is sick. Dying, if he has not already.”

Lionel took a sharp intake of breath, and his hands tightened around the wine-glass. 

“Mother—the Empress,” he continued, “is doing what she can to placate the court. But it won’t be long before one of us is crowned.” 

“I was there a month ago—his health was not so poor. What ails him?”

“Mother and I think it may be poison.”

Lionel rubbed his face. “Relan?”

“Malneshe. We think.”

Eres glanced at Leo, their faces brimming with surprise and a hint of curiosity. She swallowed. Political drama? She suddenly wished she’d brought a bucket of popcorn. 

“So,” Hector said, “The empire is soon to be in chaos. I fear the threads you sewed with the Emperor may not hold with the next.”

“Who is favored?” 

“I am, though not by popular choice. It is my mother and my father’s will—that I should lead is less than agreeably looked upon by the court. They wish for Jason to take the crown.”

“Jason? The boy is yet ten!”

“Ten, yes. And pliable.”

Leo leaned forward, face falling into confusion. “Why tell us? Shouldn’t you be talking with the king about this?”

Lionel glanced at his son. “I had yet to tell you the scope of my goings: I am chiefly involved with matters regarding Eremos.”

Eres scratched her chin. So it was a succession war? She was reluctant to get involved. Noble discourse was the last thing on her mind. Still, if they were to be swept up in it, hopefully it’d turn out well. Surely they wouldn’t need to fight a bucket full of princes, right?

“Hey,” Eres said, drawing the room’s gazes, “How many siblings do you have? Is it just that Jason kid?”

Hector’s face tightened somewhat, but his tone was amicable. “Myself and Jason.” He looked down at his feet, and his thumb picked at the table. After a few moments, he added, “And a sister that passed some time ago.”

Lionel, seeing the awkward expression on Eres’s face, swooped in. “Rest assured. The king and I have no plans on supporting Jason. You would make a better emperor than I could hope for.”

“Thank you,” Hector smiled, “Your words always give me comfort, Uncle.”

Eres’s ears perked up. Uncle? She hadn’t paid attention to the address last time, but a burning curiosity welled up. 

“Are you Hector’s uncle?”

Hector and Lionel exchanged a glance before they each laughed. Lionel smiled at Eres dotingly. “No. I’ve had dealings with the emperor for so long, an ill-tempered brat started following me each time I visited.” 

“And this crusty old man,” Hector said, “has a mind to put his nose in business it does not belong.”

The discussion turned light for a time, and Eres and Leo heard a few stories of Hector’s youth and impertinence. They lost track of time such that a servant came to fetch them, reminding the party that guests awaited their return.

They took their leave of the dining room, and Eres shot a remorseful glare at the mess she’d yet to clean as the doors closed.

“You’re obsessed,” Leo said.

“Blame my mother.”

***

Night painted the sun a dimming orange until it retreated beneath the cresting walls of the city, and the yard was lit by torches and candles and a bonfire that flickered in the encroaching dark. The people swayed in dance, each taking their fill of drink and merriment, and Eres and Leo had avoided an engagement she did not regret missing.

“We can still dance,” Leo said.

“Why?”

He looked at her, stunned. “Because it’s fun?”

Before she could refuse, Leo grasped her by the hand and dragged her to the edge of the fire where other couples had taken to. She bickered until they were swaying, then the fun of the movement overrode her embarrassment at her partner. 

The music was to their taste; it was not noble music, fluttery and loose as it was, but warm, and the fiery rhythm left her breathless as they danced with increasing fervor. 

Soon, Eres was drunk on the atmosphere as much as the refreshments. Her head was spinning when Leo finally allowed her a moment to breathe, and she found herself back at a familiar drink table, ignoring the stabbing glares of those who never found partners.

A tall figure came to her attention. It was Hector, who stood vigil at the thing, looking uncomfortable in the unfamiliar environment. In her drunkenness, she felt an urge to speak.

“Hey,” Eres said.

He looked down, smiling when their eyes met. “Happy birthday.”

“Oh,” Eres said, pleasantly surprised, “Thank you—though it’s Leo’s birthday. I just made mine the same day since I didn’t know it.”

“The Fritz family took you in?”

She nodded. “When I was a kid. I found Mom—Lana, and she pulled me off the streets.”

He said nothing, and a silence fell over them. Finally, when Eres considered walking back to Leo, he spoke. 

“Do you like it here?”

“Hmm? Yeah. I love it.”

He nodded. 

Eres sipped at a drink, the heat from the previous ones filling her head. She studied him, his red hair, his sorrowful expression.

She decided he was a good man, though far too broody. Polite and distant.

Her Leo was much better company.

When the heat of her drinks waned, she bid him farewell, and ran back to Leo for another round of dancing.