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Empire of Night Ch35
Lisril guided the group through the palace halls and to her parent’s quarters. This time, her mother would be happy with her; she could be nothing else, considering.
They came to the door, and she knocked, pulling Alex to her side, warding him against the cold as they waited. The door opened and revealed her mother. “Lisril.” Her eyes flicked over the rest of their group, Serra, Rosslln, and Eli.
If she was surprised, she didn’t show it. “Your magnificence,” she said, offering a bow, “you honor my family with your presence; please, come in.”
Eli bowed her head in acknowledgment, and Lisril led them past her mother into the merry warmth of the family’s quarters.
As they entered, the activity within came to a sudden stop, and her father, sitting in his traditional position by the hearth, jumped to his feet.
“Magnificence!” he cried, “we weren’t expecting you; we haven’t prepared to host such a distinguished guest, I-”
Eli held up a hand. “That’s quite enough, sir. Your hospitality shall be more than sufficient.”
Her Papa swallowed but nodded, not about to argue with the empress herself. “To what do we owe this unexpected pleasure?”
Eli smiled, taking Alex’s hand. “It’s only sensible I would accompany my man.”
Her father stared, eyes flicking from Eli to Alex and back before finally coming to rest on Lisril.
She smiled, Seizing Alex’s arm and pulling him close. “It seems my husband is easy to love.”
“I suppose,” her father said slowly, “I suppose he must be.”
He turned his attention to Alex, clearing his throat. “About our first meeting…,”
But Alex wasn’t paying attention. Instead, he looked past the wizened man and stepped around him without a word, going to the partition that separated the family’s beds from the sitting room.
“Hold on a moment!” her father cried, but Alex ignored him, slipping into the next room.
Lisril followed and found him standing by a bed, behind a woman, one of her father’s younger wives, who knelt beside the bed’s occupant, a little girl, wrapped up tight in the blankets, her breath coming quick and shallow.
“What’s wrong?” Alex asked.
The woman, her aunt Yuiliana, looked up at him, then back down to her child, bathing her head with a wet cloth. “She has a fever.”
Alex laid a hand on the girl’s forehead. “She sure does.”
The girl stirred, coughing, and looked up at Alex. “Oh,” he said, “I’m sorry, did I wake you?”
She shook her head. “It’s okay,” she said, voice small and rough, “you’re that man with the big nose.”
Lisril snorted, more at the look of horror on the girl’s mother’s face than her quip.
Alex tousled the girl’s hair, smiling at her. “That’s right, and you’re Hess, right?”
She nodded. “You remembered.”
“You’re hard to forget,” he said, “I hear you’re feeling bad.”
Hess grumbled and bit her lip. “You don’t have to worry about me, sir.”
He smiled. “I’m sure I don’t, but I will anyway,” he said, “Rosslln?”
She poked her head into the room. “Yes?”
“You remember my first aid kit?”
She nodded.
“Will you go get it for me? I want to give Hess something for her fever.”
“I’ll be back soon,” Rosslln said, then she turned to Lisril. “take care of him.”
Lisril tossed her hair. “As though there were any doubt. Go on, don’t keep him waiting.”
Rosslln nodded and trotted off, leaving them alone in the room.
Alex smoothed the girl’s hair. “Hold tight,” he said, “my lady’s going to bring something that’ll make you feel better.”
The girl nodded, and he smiled down at her, patting her shoulder. “Try and get some rest until then.”
He turned, joining Lisril and wrapping his arms around her. “Sorry.”
“No,” she said, squeezing him tight, “don’t apologize for that.”
He nuzzled his cheek against hers, and she led him to his seat in the family room.
He sat and smiled at her father. “Sorry, were you saying something?”
“Nothing important,” Papa said, sulking.
Alex shrugged and turned his attention to her mother. “It’s nice to see you again, ma’am.”
Her mother bowed her head respectfully. “An honor to host you again, sir. Good of you to visit.”
He took Lisril’s hand, reaching out and clasping his other with Eli giving her hand a squeeze before doing the same with Serra.”
“Thank you for having us,” he said, bowing his head, “have you been well?”
Her mother chuckled. “Of course,” she said, “you must think our fair empire a terribly barbaric place, but most lack your frightening propensity for misfortune.”
It was too close to a barb for Lisril’s liking, but Alex just laughed and leaned himself against her. “Sorry, I seem to have caused quite the ruckus.”
Lisril wrapped her arm around his shoulder, squeezing him protectively against her. “It’s hardly your fault,” she said, “you’ve no control over the evil in women’s hearts.”
She glared at her mother, who met her gaze only for a moment before looking away. “You’re correct, of course,” she said, smiling at Alex. “You aren’t to blame at all, sir, for the actions of a few debased women. I only meant your impression of us must be terribly tarnished.”
He seized Lisril, wrapping his arm around one of hers and pulling her against him. “Don’t worry about that,” he said, “your daughter has bought you more than enough credit in my books.”
“Is that so?” Lisril giggled, wrapping her free arm around him. “I’m happy I can show the Empire’s merits.”
He kissed her cheek and turned to her mother. “When did Hess get sick?”
“Last night,” her mother said, “or thereabouts; she developed a cough for a little while prior and then came down with fever.”
“A cold?” he asked.
“I certainly hope so,” she said, “it didn’t seem to be anything more serious.”
“Perhaps I should look,” Serra said, standing, “better safe than sorry.”
The older woman examined her, lips pursed. “I have no objection,” she said at last, “but see to it you ask the child’s mother.”
Serra nodded. “Of course,” she said, bobbing her head and slipping into the bedroom.
Eli smiled. “I’ll add young Hess to my nightly prayers.”
“That would be kind of you,” Mama said, “your Magnificence.”
“Please,” Eli said, smiling, “we’re all friends here.”
Her mother bowed her head. “I’m honored, your Magnificence.”
Eli chuckled, shaking her head. “Be that way then; one day, I’ll get you to loosen up a bit.”
“That will be quite the feat,” Mama said, “I’ll look forward to seeing it.”
Alex laughed, and Serra slipped back into her spot. “It seems I’ve missed something interesting.”
She sighed. “Hess’ illness doesn’t seem overly serious, but the duration of her fever worries me. If it doesn’t break by this morning, please, come and wake me.”
Mama nodded. “We shall do so,” she said, “in the meantime-“
“I’m back!” Rosslln cried, bursting into the room.
Alex stood, joining the young woman and taking the small black satchel in which he kept his medical supplies and reaching out his other hand to caress her cheek. “Thanks, Sweetheart,” he said.
He twisted, looking over his shoulder at them. “I’ll be right back, Kitten.” She nodded, and he slipped from her sight.
There was always that little bit of anxiety when he left her side; it was silly; he was just in the next room. But that dark animal part of herself never failed to rear its head.
She pushed it down and smiled at Rosslln as she joined them. “Thank you.”
The young woman gave a proud little wiggle, puffing her chest out. “It’s nothing.”
Lisril chuckled. She wasn’t wrong; it was a small thing, but still. “Regardless, you’ve made him happy.
Rosslln ducked her head, concealing her pleasure, and Lisril turned back to her mother. “I’m planning to instruct my ladies in the use of Dyrantoro weaponry,” she said. It wasn’t a lie, really; she intended to teach them, even if it was Alex’s idea. It was just her mother would take it better coming from her. “Would you care to join us?”
Her Mama pursed her lips. “I suppose I could.”
“Could what?” Alex returned at that moment, squeezing in between her and Eli.
“I was inviting my mother to learn to shoot with us.”
“You’re going to allow your husband to be present?” Her mother asked, frowning.
Alex’s brow winged up, and she jabbed him with her elbow.
He jabbed her back but nodded slowly. “I was planning on observing,” he said carefully.
“A bit unorthodox,” her mother said.
“My husband is an unorthodox man,” Lisril spoke for him.
Her Mama’s frown deepened, and she seemed ready to object when Eli spoke up. “Leave it alone,” she said, “the Dyrantoro are a special case; even the church agrees, that ought to be more than enough.”
“Of course,” Mama said, bowing her head, “your magnificence.”
Eli nodded and turned to Serra. “Perhaps your mother would care to join us as well.”
Serra smiled. “I think she just might,” she said, “it’s something right up her alley. I’ll ask her later; if Lisril consents.”
Lisril nodded. “Of course,” she said, “your family is welcome.”
Serra smiled and reached across Alex to take Lisril’s hand, “thank you.”
“Nonsense; we’re as good as sisters and soon to be wed.”
Serra nodded. “Yes, yes, of course.”
Lisril settled back into her seat, and Yuiliana joined them.
“How is she?” Alex asked.
The woman smiled at him. “Resting,” she said, “thank you, sir.”
“Not at all, remember my instructions, don’t give her any more than I told you. I’ll come back and check on her soon; bring her a treat.”
The woman nodded. “I’ll be careful to follow your instructions.”
He nodded back and leaned himself against Lisril’s shoulder.
She smiled, squeezing his hand. “Mama,” she said, “have you heard any rumors around the castle? What are people talking about?”
“Too close to the throne for your own good, hm?”
“More I’ve been away too long,” Lisril said, “my connections aren’t what they once were.”
“I see; I suppose it’s to be expected.”
She stood. “I’ve been rude; allow me to offer you a drink.”
“Mama,” Lisril said.
“Patience, I’m not going to run off.”
She went to a cupboard, retrieving a decanter filled with amber liquor. “Darro,” she said, “the cups.”
Papa jumped to his feet, scurrying back and forth, bringing glasses to the women, he handed one to Lisril, and she smiled at him, “I need another.”
Papa frowned but didn’t question her and returned with a second glass which she handed to Alex.
“Lisril!” Papa cried, but she waved him off.
“Be about yourself,” she said, “I’ll worry about my husband.”
His lips thinned, but he bowed his head in deference and backed away, rejoining her Mama as the glasses were poured.
Mama sat back as Papa joined her, patting his thigh and sipping from her glass. “Your husband is all over the palace,” she said, “of course, his misfortunes and-” she glanced at Eli, “relationships. But that’s not what interests me, really. The human military leadership is the big news.”
Eli shifted in her seat, leaning forward.
“I see I’ve piqued her Magnificence’s interest,” Mama said, “the palace servants have taken to speculating on the purpose of their visit; there seems to be some consensus that war seems likely.”
“War with whom?” Eli asked.
Mama flicked her ears dismissively. “It’s not clear, I’ve heard that the crusade in heaven is imminent, but I’ve also heard that her Magnificence is preparing for purges on the frontier.”
Eli frowned. “Do you know where these rumors are coming from?”
Mama shrugged. “Who knows,” she said, “impossible to say, does it matter?”
“I suppose not,” Eli said, “I need to find a way to combat these rumors; they’ll create unrest if left unchecked….”
She shook her head. “But that’s my problem; I’m sorry for troubling your home with my worries.”
Mama chuckled and shook her head. “An odd apology, considering where we are.”
“Where?” Eli demanded, “in your own sitting room?”
Mama smiled. “My sitting room it may be,” she said, “but it’s situated in the Empress’s palace.”
Eli made a face. “You know what I mean.”
“I appreciate her Magnificence’s sentiment,” Mama said, “but you needn’t be concerned. I am your lady, as are my wives and daughters.”
There was a murmur of agreement, and Eli placed a hand over her heart. “Thank you,” she said, “your loyalty won’t go unrewarded.”
Mama bowed her head deferentially. “Thank you, Magnificence.”
They went on that way for a little while, Alex settling in closer to Lisril, listening to the conversation go back and forth.
Finally, their drinks were empty, and Lisril gave Alex’s hand a pat. “I’m sorry to cut things short,” she said, “but I think Alex should get some rest; he’s used to being out and about during the day.”
Mama nodded. “Of course, thank you for visiting.”
Lisril stood, Alex following after her. “We’ll make time again later,” she said, “I promise.”
Her ladies stood, Mama’s following their lead.
“I’ll look forward to seeing you again, then,”
“If it’s alright,” Alex said, “I’d like to look in on Hess in the next day or so.”
Mama nodded. “That should be fine,” Mama said, “if it’s alright with Lisril.”
“We can talk more tomorrow,” Lisril said, “we should be ready to shoot tomorrow night.”
Mama nodded. “I’ll make time,” she said.
She led them to the door and saw them out as they stepped into the hall; a voice called out from off to their right.
“Mister Hagan!”
She turned and found the girl from the Dyrantoro delegation striding toward them.
“Please,” Alex said brightly, “Mister Hagan is my father; you can call me Doctor Hagan.”
The girl huffed. “Fine, Doctor, could you come with me, please?”
“Sure,” he said, “come on, girls.”
“Just you,” the girl said.
“Oh,” he said, shrugging, “never mind then, I’m busy.”
The girl sighed. “Very well, bring them along, then, but I must insist you come with me.”
He nodded. “Far be it from me to cause the bureaucracy problems; lead the way.”
