The evening’s chill had set into the palace as they arrived at Eli’s quarters; Lisril pulled Alex close, fingers curling in the soft fur of his cloak.

The servants, faithful and dedicated, had lit the lamps which illuminated the halls. Her bare feet were kept from the cold stone cobbles of the floor by a rich carpet of purple, which created the necessity that she step carefully, lest she ruin the delicate woolen fibers.

They were a step behind Serra, who greeted Lisril with a hug and lick on the cheek, and Alex with a demure smile before knocking for the three of them. The door swung silently open, Eli greeted them, and they stepped past her into the cheerful warmth of her quarters.

Inside, they were treated to a homely atmosphere, as homely as could be managed by an Empress.

On the far wall was a portrait depicting Elliza’s departed mother; off to the left, a fire burned in the hearth, tended by a palace servant, who Eli dismissed with a wave of her hand.

As the servant scurried off, Rosslln, who had been seated at the table set along the right wall, joined them, clean and looking like a proper lady.

“Oh,” Serra said. “And who might you be?”

“I’m-” Rosslln cleared her throat. “Rosslln, Alex’s… tour guide?”

Eli shook her head. “No, no, no, if you’re going to be escorting a man, you have to be more confident, or other women won’t hesitate to accost him; try again.”

The young woman nodded and offered her hand to Serra. “Rosslln, and you are?”

They shook. “Serra Faragal,” she said. “How did you come to be acquainted with Alex?”

“She tried to rob me,” Alex supplied, taking a seat at the table.

“She what?” Serra squeaked. “Lisril!”

But Lisril just shrugged. “You get used to him; besides.” She turned to the young woman. “You cut a sufficient figure when appropriately dressed. I suspect if we fed you, I might be able to make a fencer of you; you’ve a good build for it.”

Rosslln didn’t seem to know what to make of that. “Um….”

Eli put a hand on her shoulder. “That’s high praise coming from Lisril; she trained me in the use of the saber, you know.”

“Yes.” Lisril took her spot next to Alex, capturing his hand. “I suppose any student would be satisfying after that bitter disappointment.”

Eli stuck her tongue out at her.

“Um, thank you,” Rosslln said.

Serra sat across from Alex, setting a bundle of books down. “Last night, you mentioned a flaw in Jistis’ theorem of the concordance of geometric figures.”

“Oh,” he said. “Yes, I can demonstrate the proof if you, ah, pen and parchment, thank you.”

Lisril chose to focus on the conversation she had a prayer of understanding. “We’ll see if you still feel that way,” she said. “Once I’ve put some lumps on you.”

She and Eli both joined them at the table. “Lumps?” Rosslln asked.

Lisril chuckled. “Are you strong enough to protect him as you are?”

Rosslln frowned and said nothing.

“When you are with a man,” Lisril said. “You may be called upon to lay down your life.”

Rosslln swallowed. “I see.”

“I’m sorry,” Lisril sighed. “Perhaps that came across as more intimidating than I intended.”

“No,” the young woman said. “You’re right; I can’t protect him right now; will you teach me?”

“I will,” Lisril said. “Of course, but you should consider something else first.”

Rosslln met her eyes. “Yes?”

“Do you want to be here?”

The young woman blinked. “Well, I-”

Lisril nodded. “Rosslln, I love my husband dearly, but he tends to skip over important details and ends up dragging the whole world along with him. So, I will consider these things for him. If you want to take this meal, and perhaps a warm bed for the night, and then be gone, he won’t begrudge you; I assure you, he wouldn’t dream of detaining you. Alex just thinks these things are obvious, even when there’s no reason they should be.”

Rosslln looked at her, then at Eli, then past them, at Alex, still merrily buried in his discussion of maths, lost to the world, and said. “I want to stay, not just because I’m being fed and wearing clean clothes for the first time I can remember. Who else in the world would have given me a second chance after what I did? And, other men, say, even ones I didn’t try to rob, they wouldn’t look twice at a scruffy vagabond like me, and especially not when he’s loved by proper real Ladies, with land and all of it. So, I’d like to get to know him, um.” She turned to Eli. “That is if her Magnificence is willing to let me stay.”

Eli crossed her arms over her chest. “Well, certainly not, if you’re going to insist on such ceremony in my own quarters.”

Then, her face softened. “When I’m not in pubic-” She stopped, shook her head. “Let me start again; how old are you? You can’t be much younger, or, no, perhaps you’re even a bit older than I.”

“I’m forty-nine,” Rosslln said. “A year older than your- ah, well, a year older than you.”

Eli nodded, expression growing wistful. “Growing up in my position,” she said. “I didn’t have many friends, didn’t even get to interact with my sisters. Still don’t; they have their own queendoms. So, if you would, a friend my own age would be nice.” She glared. “And in private, my friends call me Eli.”

“Friends,” the young woman said, stunned. “But I’m- well, it’s more what I’m not, isn’t it?”

Eli rolled her eyes, shaking her head. “Do you know, I’ve spent my whole life surrounded by the nobility, and if I’ve learned anything, it’s that most of them are boors and pigs, and I’m quite certain more than half delight in the torment of their husbands. You’ve made a better impression already than most any member of parliament to whom I’ve had the misfortune of being introduced.”

“You don’t get on with parliament?”

Eli shook her head. “I don’t want to burden you; suffice to say, there’s political friction.”

“No,” Rosslln said. “If I’m to be your friend….”

“You might not remember,” Lisril said.

“Lisril!”

“No.” Lisril turned to Eli. “She’s right.”

The Empress sighed but raised no more objection. “You were young at the time, so as I said, you might not recall, but Eli’s parents died quite suddenly. It was right after the unification of the continent. They were sailing down south to inspect the Empire’s newest acquisitions when their ship was seized by a storm and sunk with all hands aboard.”

Rosslln nodded, and Eli picked up the story. “I was too young, then, to ascend the throne, and parliament took it as an opportunity to solidify their power. They were stymied, in large part, by my Aunt, who serves as Matriarch; it was at this time that the inquisition came about. She saw their actions as a threat to the faith and created the institution to strengthen the ties between church and throne.”

“In any case,” Eli said, waving the past away. “I did eventually assume the throne, with the station of Empress intact. Parliament never quite forgave me for it, though.”

“It doesn’t help,” Lisril said. “that they look at her, see a young, unwed woman, and presume that these equate to moral or mental failures, as though they were not once young and unwed.”

Rosslln nodded her understanding, and at that moment, Eli turned. Lisril followed her and found Alex with his hand on the young Empress’ bicep.

“Seems it’s pretty late,” he said. “And it probably doesn’t mean much coming from me. But it’s a terrible thing you’ve been through, my sympathies.”

Eli smiled and placed her hand over his. “It means the world,” she said. “Thank you.”

He smiled, squeezed her arm, and gave her a shake.

“I’ve been rude,” she said. “Would you care for some refreshment while we wait for our meal?”

He rested back into his seat, nodding, and Eli went to a cupboard, fetching out cups for each of them and a bottle that was quite familiar.

“You still have that?” Lisril asked.

Eli smiled, placing down the cups and cradling the bottle in her arms. It was an oaked mead, a fine vintage. Which Lisril had herself given as a gift celebrating Eli’s majority and ascension to the throne.

“It’s still unopened,” Eli said. “I’ve been saving it for a special occasion, and I thought this would be a good opportunity.”

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Eli poured the drink and raised her cup. “To new friendships and old.”

They raised their glasses, and as they drank, Eli leaned back in her chair, eyes closed, shaking her head. “Lisril, you robbed the world of an artist when you took up the sword instead of brewing.”

Lisril laughed, and Alex took her hand. “That’s not fair,” he said. “I’ve seen my wife in a fight, and she gave the world an Artist when she picked up the sword.”

“I suppose she did,” Eli laughed

“In any case,” Serra said. “Had she been a brewer, the Lady’s plan we see before us would never have come to pass.”

“True.” Eli nodded over her cup. “And a tragic thing that would be.” She raised her glass once more. “To the grace of the Almighty, then.”

They drank, refilled their cups, and presently their meal was set before them. As they ate, the women made small talk, Alex, never much for such things, remained largely silent.

Finally, Eli set her cup down and looked at him. “Is aught amiss?”

“No.” He shook his head. “I’m just enjoying listening to everyone get along.”

She smiled. “Good, so long as you’re enjoying yourself. But actually, there was something I wished to discuss.”

He nodded and leaned forward, and she set her hands on the table. “It is my ardent wish to bring our countries together; I know there’s still hesitancy on Earth, but it’s plain to see. We are one people, made in the image of the divine; we should by no means remain separate.”

Lisril nodded when he glanced to her, encouraging him on. “I can’t say I disagree; we do seem made for each other.”

“Just so!” Eli nodded, clearly excited by his receptiveness. “Now, in the Empire, it is traditional to bring two kingdoms closer by way of a grant of title and land to a person of high station.”

“I realize,” she hurried on. “That your country doesn’t recognize noble titles, but I feel that in you, I have found a perfect candidate.”

He frowned, looking to Lisril for guidance, and she gave a small but enthusiastic nod, but still, he shook his head. “I’m flattered,” he said. “but I’m not sure I can accept.”

Eli’s face fell. “Whyever not?”

“It’s not that I’m not interested,” he said. “But I have business arrangements on Earth; I work with the government fairly often; foreign entanglements would cause complications.”

“I see,” Eli said softly. “Yet, I do think it would do well for our relations. Is there nothing I can offer to make the consternation worthwhile?”

He puffed out his cheeks. “I mean, I imagine you could offer a lot.”

Eli smiled. “You’ve something in mind; I can see it.”

He seemed to consider it, then shook his head. “No, it’s not reasonable.”

“I’ll be the judge of that.” The Empress crossed her arms over her chest.

He shrugged. “I want the moon and every planet except Nyx.”

The room was silent for a moment, then the look of shock on Eli’s face broke Lisril, and she filled it with her mirth. “He did warn you.”

“I thought a Lady had to improve her land to keep it,” Rosslln said.

They do,” Serra said. “But I don’t imagine Alex would even want these lands if he couldn’t make use of them.”

He nodded. “Oh yes,” he said. “I’d ask for the star too, but a practical application to get at the metals in it is a ways off.”

Now Eli laughed. “What a wonderfully audacious man you are.”

“Is that a no?” he asked.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” she said. “Parliament will hate it, so of course I have to.”

“And I’m the audacious one,” Alex chortled.

She giggled. “Well,” she said. “I’ve actually been approached regarding extraction rights on other planets by some Dyrantoro companies, so it’s not an entirely foreign idea. On the subject of usage, I must, of course, insist this industrialization of the system benefit Nyx.”

“Maybe,” he said. “It would be best if we were partners in the endeavor.”

“Partners?” Eli smiled. “Why, I think working closely with you on this matter would be most agreeable.”

“I suppose it’s a deal then,” he chuckled.

She raised her glass. “And to the fortune it will bring.”

They drank, and as he set his cup down, Alex glanced at the candles placed on the table. Lisril had seen it, too; it was getting late.

Eli must have seen the direction of their gazes, or perhaps the odd hours were catching up to her, for she yawned and stood. “I fear I have detained you all too long, especially after such a long day.”

Alex followed her up, and the rest of the room followed him. Serra caught his hands and pushed a fat volume into his arms. “The debates of Madam Esteles, I should very much like it if you had a look.”

He nodded. “I’ll make sure I do.

Lisril smiled and took her friend’s hand, giving it a squeeze before turning to Rosslln. “Would you like to come along with us, then?”

“Oh.” The young woman looked around. “I suppose, uh, what I mean is, I don’t want to intrude.”

“It’s not an intrusion,” Eli said. “If you’re being invited. I’ll provide a room if you’re uncomfortable, but he brought you, so surely he must desire your company.”

Rosslln seemed unconvinced but nodded along. “Then I’ll come along.”

Lisril clapped her on the back and collected her husband. “Serra,” she said. “perhaps you’d like some time alone with Alex; I’m sure we can find some time in the next couple of days.”

“Yes.” She nodded. “I would like that.”

Lisril nodded back. “Then we’ll see what we can do. Come on, Rosslln,” she said, leading them to the door.

“It was nice sitting with you all tonight,” Alex said.

“The feeling is mutual.” Eli smiled broadly. “It’s so nice to be among friends. I hope you’ll all eat with me tomorrow evening, as well.”

Lisril opened the door and led him into the hall, Rosslln a step behind, Serra and Eli standing in the doorway. She turned to accept the invitation when something caught her ears. A sharp metallic click and the snap of cordage being pulled taught.

Her body moved even before her consciousness registered the noise, and that was all that saved him. She threw her body against Alex, shoving him back into the room where he fell in a heap with Eli and Serra.

She heard, rather than saw, the fallout because, in the same motion, she twisted toward the sound and was struck hard in the chest.

A blinding pain, hot and sharp, raced up her side pounding at her temples; she recognized the feeling. A rib, or maybe two or three, had given under the impact.

She locked eyes with the assailant, crossbow still in hand, tucked into a shadowy alcove nearby.

She reacted a moment too slow to draw and fire her sidearm, and in that moment, the assassin threw her bow away, and a knife jumped into her hand.

The woman charged; instinct and training took over. Lisril stepped into the attack, hand in her jacket, and in the same motion that drew the baton out and flicked it into extension, she struck at the woman’s wrist.

The assassin cried out, bone giving under the heavy tungsten rod, and Lisril pivoted, pulling the baton down as she did, coming to rest next to the woman and driving the handle into the base of her sternum.

The assailant doubled over, gasping and coughing, clutching at her chest.

Lisril hooked her leg, ankle in front of ankle, knee behind knee, and twisted, forcing her to her knees. As the woman went down, Lisril’s bludgeon came up, and she cracked it down across the back of the woman’s skull.

The assassin slumped forward, unmoving, and Lisril pushed the body over with her heel.

The assassin’s eyes stared unseeing at the ceiling. Dead? Almost certainly. But this bitch, this fatherless whore’s daughter, had tried to kill Alex, tried to lay her filthy hands on Lisril’s angel.

Almost wasn’t nearly certain enough. Lisril laid her long claws, capable of tearing through the hide of any animal Nyx had to offer, over the assailant’s neck, and with a sharp backward kick, tore her throat from her neck.

The whole affair, from start to finish, had lasted perhaps ten seconds, and when she came out of the haze of battle, she found herself surrounded by queen’s guard.

She signed that they should clean up the trash, and she needed to check upon her husband.

She returned to Eli’s quarters and was immediately met by Alex, his hands framing her cheeks. “Are you alright?” His face was pulled tight with strain. “You’re not hurt?”

She licked his lips. “I’m fine.”

“You are the furthest thing from fine.” Serra inserted herself between them. “Look at yourself.”

Lisril did and saw the bolt still caught in the thick cloth of her shirt and jacket. “It’s nothing.” She reached for the bolt, hands shaking as the adrenaline fled her. She seized the bolt shaft and pulled, but the strength left her as pain spiked through her side.

She grimaced. “Alright, not perfectly fine,” she admitted. “But my armor held, I assure you.”

“I’ll be the judge of that.” Serra led her to a chair, helping her remove her jacket, and, with a small knife, split the seam of her shirt.

The bolt came free, and Serra examined it. “No blood.” She looked at Lisril’s armor, attempted to cut it open, and found she couldn’t.

A deep frown creased her friend’s brow. “I need this off.”

“There’s a catch.” Lisril reached for it but couldn’t make the extension through the pain. “Pull it down.”

Serra did so and eased the flexible armor down to her hips and began gently poking and massaging Lisril’s injured side, where an ugly purple bruise was already beginning to form.

“Fifth, sixth, seventh,” the surgeon said under her breath. “Three broken,” she said at last. “I should think. Perhaps another two cracked, but it’s hard to say.”

Alex, who was crouched nearby, fretting himself into distraction, said. “I didn’t know you were a doctor.”

Serra smiled. “I am a member of the Lady’s order of Surgeons,” she said. “And I am ordering that your wife must rest.”

Lisril shook her head. “He needs protection.”

“And someone else shall have to provide it,” Serra said. “You’re in no condition.”

“Is no one ‘gonna mention?” Rosslln asked. “That that just happened, right outside the Empress’ quarters?”

It was a good point, and with the immediate danger past, Lisril turned to the Empress. “Eli, what’s the meaning of this?” she asked.

The young Empress glanced around at the gathered people, and Lisril fixed her with a withering glare.

“No,” she said. “They tried to kill my husband; you’ll tell me and tell me now.”

The young woman sighed. “You’re aware of the problems on the frontier, of course.”

She nodded. “But I thought things had calmed down since we met our brothers.”

“Problems in the frontier?” Alex asked.

“Yes,” Eli sighed. “I told you about the struggles between throne and parliament, the disruption caused by my mother’s sudden death made incorporating the new territories problematic, and the result has been constant and spreading rebellion and subversion. But, our meeting you and the revelation of those demons, the servants of the betrayer, who assail the heavens themselves, calmed things considerably.”

“The pagans never accepted the True Faith’s doctrine concerning the comings and goings of the Takers, so to have the Word proven out so vividly greatly calmed their rebelliousness.”

Alex nodded, and Lisril too. “This is as I understood the situation when I was dispatched.”

“Yes,” Eli said. “But, amongst even the faithful exist heathens, who reject the Word; it seems these have come in contact with the separatists and brought subversion and faithlessness to the very capital.”

Lisril sucked her lip. “How did they get into the palace?”

“I don’t know,” Eli said. “But I will find out.”

“But,” Rosslln said. “She didn’t seem to be trying to kill you; why Alex?”

“Our Dyrantoro brothers have been canonized as the lost half of our race; it has something to do with that; surely, also, his being attacked presents a complication to diplomatic relations with Earth.”

Lisril’s foot tapped. “Well,” she said. “Fortunately, they failed.”

Eli nodded. “Forgive me.” She bowed her head to Alex. “For failing in your protection.”

“Nonsense,” Lisril said, taking her husband’s hand and squeezing it tight. “He has wives, his safety is our responsibility, and he is quite alright.”

“Yes,” he said. “I’m alright, and Lisril will be ok; I’ll take her down to the marine base for an accelerator, that and a couple days rest will have her on her feet.”

“Days?” Serra shook her head. “She’ll be in bed for at least a month.”

“Not with modern medicine,” Alex said. “A minor break like this is no problem. Two days, three tops, you’ll see.”

Serra clearly had her doubts, but Lisril didn’t; Alex wouldn’t lie about something like that.

“Elliza,” he said. “I’m going to send to Earth for some of my things.

“What things?” Lisril demanded.

“Some body armor-”

“Mine shall suffice for both of us, Alex,” Lisril said.

“And weapons,” he finished.

“Alex!” Lisril hissed. “You are not to walk about armed!”

He stared blankly at her for a moment, then turned back to Eli. “Anyway, I’d appreciate it if you could smooth the process out, given the circumstances.”

Eli glanced between the two of them, then nodded. “There shall be no delay.”

“I suppose that’s that, then,” Lisril sighed. “I’ll have some things to add to your list, I suspect.”

He took her hands and pulled them to his chest. “We’ll get you patched up soon, Kitten; I’ll get permission from Callahan tonight,” he murmured.

She nodded. “Thank you, Angel.”

“Serra,” she said. “Perhaps if you can get away from the archives, you’d like to come and see a bit of Dyrantoro medicine.”

She frowned, looked to Eli, who tilted her head in assent. “I think I would like that.”

“For tonight, let’s get you into bed,” Alex said

“I’ll provide an escort and post a guard outside your door. Sleep well; I’m sorry all this happened while you were under my care,” Eli said, standing and returning to the door.

Alex offered Lisril his hand and her dress. “No.” He shook his head. “It’s not your fault, and we’re all still here.”

Eli sighed and bid them farewell, sending one of her personal guards along to ensure their safety.