Cassius returns again, this time from his post at Blacktower.

Length: 3000-7000 words, POV: Cassius, Rating: PG
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Now

Cassius rode through the streets of Monsilys and up the hill to the palace. “Commander,” said the man on the gate, “welcome home.”

“Thank you,” Cassius said, dismounting and handing over his horse’s reins. “It is good to be here.”

“And may I say, congratulations on defeating that bastard Fabian plot.”

“Congratulations are unnecessary. I saw only an opportunity to serve the Empress.”

“Of course, commander,” said the man.

Just inside the atrium, Cassius was met by Cesare. “The Empress will see you as soon as you have washed and put off your travelling clothes.”

“Thank you, Cesare,” said Cassius.

He had expected his rooms to be in the state he left them when he had hurriedly packed for the ride to Skya, but he had reckoned without Llewellyn. Everything was in its proper place. His bed was made with new pillows, blankets and furs, and when he opened one of his clothes chests, he found his tunics had been stored in linen. He sat down on the end of the bed and put his head in his hands, and it was some time before he stirred himself to wash and change.

He walked to Adrienne’s apartments with the scent of the herbs Llewellyn had put down to deter moths and mould teasing his nostrils. When Cesare announced him, Adrienne beckoned him over to where she sat with her mother, and a dark-complected man.

“Empress, Lady Kyria,” Cassius said as he sat down in the seat indicated. He accepted Adrienne’s outstretched hand and kissed it. Kyria sat with her hands folded in her lap and acknowledged his greeting coldly.

“Uncle Cassius, have you met Lord Acilino del Carmac, the Ilasian Ambassador to Jovan? Lord Acilino, my uncle, Lord Cassius Sylvanus Nero.”

“Lord Cassius, I am pleased to see you returned to court.”

“It is good to see you again, Lord Acilino. I hope you are well.”

“Uncle, I must thank you for your quick thinking and loyalty in suppressing the plot against our realm at Blacktower.”

“It has always been my honour to serve and protect the realm of Jovan.”

Lady Kyria sat up straighter and said, “Adrienne, will you explain to Lord Cassius why he has been recalled?”

“Yes, mother. Uncle, a situation has arisen in Ilas which King Lupe, trusting in the long and cordial relationships between our countries, has asked Jovan’s assistance to resolve. With your agreement, we are minded to grant King Lupe’s request.”

“Oh?”

“Ambassador, will you explain?”

“Lord Cassius will appreciate the delicacy of the situation we face, I am sure,” said Lord Acilino. “You are aware that the princess Isobel of Ilas was married two years ago to Prince Nadzic of Veribias. A month ago, she returned to Ilas, under distressing circumstances. Her husband is dead, and the Veribians accuse our princess of killing her.” The Ambassador paused. “I admit that the fact of her fleeing the capital at Nuath the night of her husband’s death does not seem to be in her favour. But whatever the facts of the case, the Veribians are demanding her return to be interrogated and, if found guilty, executed.”

Cassius found his eyebrows rising involuntarily towards his hairline. “I see.”

“As you will understand, King Lupe considers this impossible, and the Veribians have, in retaliation, launched an armada bound for Ilas. We believe they will shortly attempt to land an army on our shores to seize the princess by force.”

“King Lupe has requested that I send you and Lord Valentin to his aid. You would command a Jovani army to help defend Ilas.”

“And Valentin goes to intercede with the Veribians and sue for peace?” said Cassius.

Adrienne paused. “King Lupe remembers the former close relationship between Lord Valentin and Princess Isobel. He believes Valentin may be able to be a comfort to her, and perhaps also learn the truth of the events that led to her husband’s death.”

“I see,” said Cassius dryly. Blessed few, Valentin clearly had former paramours strewn across all the known and unknown lands. “What does Ilas offer in return for this assistance?”

Straightening her shoulders, Adrienne glanced at the Ambassador and said, “That is a matter still under negotiation. There is another thing you may wish to consider. Your cousin, Princess Mila Jaune of Caith’il Deran, is married to the heir to Ilas.”

“Empress, I will of course do your bidding, as will my brother,” said Cassius. “If you wish us to defend Ilas, we will.”

“Thank you, Lord Cassius,” said Adrienne with a nod.

Valentin arrived a week later. Cassius met him after he had been in to see Adrienne.

“Ilas, eh?” said Valentin, looking tired. He paced across Cassius’ room and sat down at the table.

“I was only just there, you know,” said Cassius.

“Oh?”

“I took Llewellyn to have his brand struck off.”

Valentin looked up sharply. “I see. And where is he now?”

“His first decision as a freed man was to return to Cambria.”

Cassius saw the wry smile before Valentin stifled it. “He’ll be back, Cassius.”

“Perhaps. And how goes your family?”

All hint of humour vanished, and Valentin’s expression became enigmatic. “You must congratulate me, brother. I am to be a father again.”

“I–congratulations,” said Cassius, swallowing his shock. “I had thought you and Lady Luvina were estranged.”

“My lady wife has convinced me that my estates–and hers–are not secure unless I have insurance in the form of an heir to stand in his place should Prince Felix be called to the place beyond death before he can beget progeny of his own.”

“I suppose that is practical.”

“Yes, practical,” said Valentin. “We have both been very practical the last few months, haven’t we? You, I hear, have singlehandedly fought off an invasion, while I have successfully planted my seed in my wife’s belly. And all the choirs of Jovan’s Priestesses may sing our names to the ears of the Blessed Few.”

“And now we are sent to Ilas. When I was recalled, for some reason I though it must be because the Empress had discovered something.”

“Something?”

“About the past.”

“There is no one who would tell her,” said Valentin, pouring himself a goblet of wine.

Cassius frowned. “No one who would tell her, brother?”

For a moment Valentin was still, then he raised the goblet and drank. “Well, there’s Magnus the Papirian, of course, but he could have struck any time these last eighteen years, and instead he has been abroad.” He paused. “Although I admit I would sleep more soundly if I knew he was dead, and the rest of his ilk with him.”

“I would drink to that, if you passed me a goblet,” said Cassius.

Wordlessly, Valentin did so, and they drank.

Almost two years ago

 

They stood shoulder-to-shoulder in the throne room, hands clasped in front of them, as Adrienne smiled down at them from her throne. To her right stood Cesare, and to her left, Lady Kyria, who looked down at them coldly.

“Lord Valentin, Lord Cassius, it is our wish that you make your home in Monsilys for the foreseeable future and take up your seats on the Imperial Council. In these sad and uncertain days, Jovan needs to see gens Sylvana united and standing together to protect our people. As your niece and your Empress, I request your service.”

Cassius was the first to bow, which he did with a soldier’s crisp clicking of his heels. “It will be my honour to serve you thus.”

After a moment, Valentin followed suit. “Empress, we are yours to command,” he said, sweeping his leg out in front of him and bowing gracefully.