Chapter 42: The Nar Gambit

After a lazy morning, I finally nudged myself out of my warm bed. Dawn had cracked some time ago, and through the thin window, light illuminated the room. As I sat up, I broke the sunbeam resting on One's sleeping face. Reaching down, I gently ran my thumb across her cheek, brushing away a lock of hair. She stirred slightly at my touch.

I was surprised to still find her there. When I woke up with a warm body pressed into my back, I expected to find Five or Six. One had gone to bed with me, and normally, another Numbered would be in her place by morning. Only Four wouldn't have been likely in bed with me. However, I had a feeling that might change soon. But I wasn't going to push it. Four was one of my more functional Numbered, but that might make it all the more difficult for her to fit in.

After I finally managed to get up and dressed, I went down to find Six finishing making breakfast. It was a little odd to see the regal woman wearing one of her fancy dresses and heels with an apron tied behind her back. The smell of cooking eggs and cheese in a cast iron skillet hit me as I stood in the doorway.

Her loose hair fanned out as Six looked over her shoulder and flashed me a mischievous smile. I sat and just watched her work. There was a certain rhythm to her movements as she worked the food, as if she was dancing to a tune I couldn't hear.

With a brilliant smile, she put a plate down in front of me. She sat down next to me and stole the first bite right off my fork. When I remembered her proclivities in the bedroom, the peculiarity of her making food diminished significantly. However, I hoped she washed her hands before she started cooking. The rest of the Numbered soon made their way in, and as we ate.

"As I'm sure you are aware," Four said in a tone that told me she was not at all sure that I was aware, "Gaston, the leader of the Nar, is not your biggest fan. He's a bit angry and impulsive, and overall, I was pleastnly surprised that they were willing to meet. I thought there was a chance, but it was an outside one. But Doja has told me that they would be available this morning, and she set up a meeting with them on neutral ground. You're only supposed to bring two of us, though."

All four of my Numbered frowned at that. They didn't like the idea of leaving me unprotected, no matter how unnecessary it was. I didn't feel a threat from anyone I had met in person. After I had met the old man and James the Blue, I was sure that I would know a threat when I saw one.

"Doja's people will be there, though?" I confirmed in an attempt to assure them that I would be fine. Four nodded. "Apparently, they're neutral enough for the Nar, so I'm not too concerned."

Five grumbled some disagreement but didn't say anything intelligible. After taking another bite of my breakfast, I considered what I wanted to bring. Five would probably be the best choice if I was concerned about my safety, but honestly, I wasn't. One was a must, as her ability would be invaluable in any negotiation, and that left Four or Six. I hadn't seen either fight, but I was sure they would be able to handle themselves just fine. Both would be useful in the meeting as besides One they were the more people inclined of my Numbered. Well, it had been Four's idea for the meeting in the first place, so I didn't feel right leaving her out.

"One and Four," I said, "you'll be coming with me."

Six looked unsurprised, but Five put on a pouty expression that fit perfectly on her plump lips in a very tempting manner. I forced down my baser instincts and gave her a stern look.

"It's only fair," I told her in a firm voice that brooked no argument.

She looked at me through her lashes before giving up and nodding solemnly.

***

We arrived at the meeting spot, and Doja welcomed me with a small smile. She led us to a similar room to the one where we had talked last night. The Nar representative and his two bodyguards were already there waiting for us.

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I sat down across from Gustav on the long table separating us, and we just watched each other for several minutes. One and Four sidled up behind my chair, one of my Numbered on either side of me. One reached over and rested her hand light on my shoulder. She began to massage the muscle ever so gently. It took some effort, but I resisted leaning into her touch. Four stood about half a foot away from me, showing support but not too much affection.

Eventually, Gustav spoke first. "So you want my vote?" he asked with the slightest hint of a sneer in his voice. I considered him, scanning over his features, trying to determine anything new about him. His features were more relaxed than yesterday, but try as he might, he wasn't able to hide the resentment he held from me. As I studied him, I tried to understand why he had taken the meeting.

"I think it would be one simple way to break the impasse," I said noncommittally. "But if you would entertain the idea, I'd be more than willing to hear you out."

He blinked at my very much non-aggressive negotiating tactic. I really didn't want his vote, but I did need it in its own way. Any concession I would give him to buy it would certainly come back to bite me later. Besides, he was one of many who could potentially give me the vote, so logically, that gave me more leverage.

"Well," he said, "I don't actually want to give you my vote for obvious reasons, but perhaps if you make it worth my while."

I nodded. "Of course, of course. Well, I presume a chest of gold would be too gaudy for you, so I have to think about what else you would want. Perhaps a promise for me not to interfere with your business, as long as you keep to your own territory. And maybe first right of refusal of any contracts related to any interest you have."

The Nar man nodded. It wasn't really giving him much, as that was what I was already doing in my own territory, and I assumed that most would want the same in theirs. I had no interest in policing or really governing over the court in any official capacity, regardless. Not that he had to know that.

"I'm humbled by your offer. I don't need much more than that. But a chest of gold would go a long way to helping me ease the concerns of some of my members." Gustav nodded, a smile breaking through the sneer on his lips.

That was too easy. I didn't let the frown touch my face, but I wasn't surprised when One leaned to whisper in my ear. "He's lying. He will betray you."

"Good," I said and slapped the table as I stood up. "I look forward to your vote then," and turned and walked out as quickly as I could without seeming suspicious. Both of my Numbered spun with me and gracefully fell into step as we made our exit. Four watched our backs as One scanned the street before we stepped out. I waved Doja goodbye. We would talk soon.

"That went well," Four said once we were out of earshot, but I shook my head.

"No, no, it didn't. They should use the favors I would owe them for their own ambition. But I don't trust them. That was far too easy."

One leaned forward and confirmed my words. "They had no intention of giving the vote. I'm not sure what game they were playing. But the tracheary in their aura overwhelmed any of the self-interest that working with us should have provided. Whatever they were planning was not greed motivated. That lever just wasn't there to pull."

Four grimaced. "I'm sorry, master," she said, blood draining from her face. "I failed."

I nearly stopped to console her, but we were vulnerable right now. As we walked, I spotted at least three different watchers from the building around us. Their motives were not clear, but I wasn't going to be comfortable until we were back home. One reached behind my back to pat Four's arm.

"We will talk of punishments later," she said in a sweet voice. Something in her tone made it clear to me that I wasn't involved. That felt odd, but Four just nodded in solemn acceptance.

I shook my head. "No, no, we won't. Was it just the Nar, or did the Olias betray us as well?" I asked my two Numbered.

One shrugged. "I couldn't tell. They don't seem any different."

Four shook her head vehemently. "No, they definitely didn't. I might not have correctly guessed what the Nar would do, but I am certain that Doja would not have betrayed us."

"If you say so," I said, accepting Four's words at face value as we walked back into our own residence.

We quickly filled in Five and Six on what had happened in the brief meeting before we went into the sitting room. Five kept watch on the doorway as Four and One sat on either side of me. Six hummed thoughtfully as she ran her nails through my hair as she leaned on the couch behind us. "We need to figure out an alternative soon. We have some time, but eventually, the others will put their differences aside and band together against you."