At the end of the day, Indenuel was exhausted. He did nothing but sit there as Martin and Empress Minai continued to go over the details vital to bringing peace, but it was also boring. And he was reminded how little sleep he had gotten the past month. The devil’s sleep was not relaxing at all.

They broke for dinner, which they had in the banquet hall. Indenuel ate, smiled, tried to be present, but felt spent. He tried not to show it, because he knew Empress Minai wanted him there, but he came away from this negotiation knowing far more about trade routes than he ever expected.

Indenuel bowed to Empress Minai as she prepared to leave for the day, knowing full well there were plenty more days of these negotiations. Once the carriage was out of sight, Martin turned toward Indenuel, smiling. “You have done a historic thing here today.”

“Thank you,” he said.

“We will of course ask for a summary of what you talked about. It is getting late, though, and you need to get back to the dungeon, so we can have a scribe write down what you say once you get there,” Martin said.

Indenuel finally was able to do the thing he wanted to do since he felt the warmth. He lifted his shirt just enough that he should see the mark on his belly, but it disappeared. Empress Minai had forgiven him, and the mark was gone. He then looked at Martin, letting him see. Martin noticed his stomach, then frowned. He grabbed his elbow and took him over to a lantern, even though it was still light enough to see. Martin held the lantern close, his jaw dropping. Navir approached, raising an eyebrow.

“How?” Martin asked.

“I asked for her forgiveness, and she gave it to me,” Indenuel said, simplifying it greatly.

“I…” Martin still stared.

“Get him inside the Cathedral. Dalius will make a full assessment,” Navir said, motioning Dalius over.

Indenuel was taken into the negotiation room, and for the second time that day, took off his shirt. It was such a weird day.

Dalius leaned over, studying Indenuel’s chest before motioning for a lantern despite the light already in the room. He touched Indenuel’s shoulder, shaking his head. “I declare him cleansed. The mark is gone.” Dalius seemed just as surprised as anyone else.

“Great,” Indenuel said, stuffing his shirt back on. “I will get those notes to you tonight. Empress Minai still wants me to attend the negotiations, so don’t start without me.” Indenuel walked right past the High Elders, putting on his jacket. “Tolomon, when we get home, have Pablo make the biggest pot of dreamless tea he can. See you tomorrow, High Elders.”

He walked out the door with Tolomon following behind. The High Elders were all still too shocked to say anything, and he closed the door, heading out of the Cathedral and down the steps.

Once he was home, he wrote swiftly what had happened, and began to fabricate the lie. When he had asked Tolomon to leave he talked with the Empress, managing to obtain her forgiveness before he took off his shirt to prove he wasn’t marked, which made her realize that Indenuel had used the God-given gifts to win the battles, since no one could be cleansed that quickly. He handed the paper to Tolomon, who read it over.

“Is that what really happened?” Tolomon asked.

Indenuel stood up, heading for his room. “As far as you are concerned, yes. At least until the negotiations are over, and you no longer need to answer to Navir.”

“Indenuel,” Tolomon said far more quietly, studying him. “It is my duty as a Graduate to ask. Is there a planned assassination attempt on the High Elders?”

“No. I assure you, there is not. Nor did I promise to physically hurt them,” Indenuel said.

Tolomon nodded. “That is good enough for me. Would you like me to have Pablo send this to the other High Elders?”

“Yes, please.” He entered his room where a mug of tea was waiting for him. He couldn’t believe he was finally back. The mark was off. Once the negotiations were done, he could get married. He could see Matteo, Emilia, and Isla again. He could actually sleep.

Indenuel drained three mugs of tea just to be certain. He was asleep by the time his head hit the pillow and he had one of the best nights sleep of his entire life.

***

The negotiations lasted a week. Indenuel was there, every day, doing his best to smile and understand what Martin and Empress Minai were talking about. He hardly talked at all, except when the issue of slavery came up. Martin and Empress Minai’s conversation was starting to get heated and defensive in the most diplomatic way possible. Empress Minai was adamant that slavery did not exist among her people, but Martin mentioned how the Oraminians believed the same thing before they discovered abhorrent examples of slavery.

“If I may,” Indenuel said. Both of them looked at him. “Perhaps what we are trying to say is we need a definition of the word slavery instead of examples. In Santollia, it has been made clear to me that slavery doesn’t exist as long as the employer is paying them two coppers a week.” Indenuel gave the softest glare in Martin’s direction. “Therefore, as long as there is payment, it isn’t slavery.”

Martin about said something but stopped, looking at Empress Minai. “We pay all the people who are under our employment, and throughout the country. To my understanding, the lowest paid individual is given the equivalent of your five coppers.” She said it in Santollian, looking right at Indenuel.

“That is very generous of you,” Indenuel said before shooting Martin a look that was nothing more than an acknowledgement that he felt this part of the negotiation was over.

Martin gave a smile. “Yes, well, let us go into more detail about what we agree would be an acceptable definition for what all countries would consider slavery.”

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Empress Minai gave Martin a pointed stare and said something in Kiamese. “Of course,” the translator said.

Indenuel took another drink of wine, leaning back as they continued, smiling as the Empress suggested a higher payment in this definition of whether a person was a slave or not.

The treaty was done. It had been reviewed, and everyone in attendance agreed. Indenuel felt a small amount of pride at the treaty Martin and Empress Minai had created. The others had a few suggestions, mostly from Navir. Some were acceptable changes, others were not. King Ramiro and Queen Lisabeth read over it, agreeing to it entirely.

It was a festive occasion on that last night. Indenuel stood as the King and Queen and High Elders signed it, and Empress Minai gave her final signature. The feast was loud and boisterous. There was a relaxed feeling in the banquet hall that Indenuel could not deny but did not join himself. He watched other couples dancing and he smiled as he held Inessa’s hand.

“Do you know how to dance?” Indenuel asked.

“Not very well. You?” Inessa asked.

“Not at all. Do you think the nobility will expect us to dance at our wedding?” Indenuel asked.

“Let’s not worry about what the nobility expects,” Inessa said.

Indenuel smiled, giving her hand a squeeze. “Alright. Let’s not care what they think.” He kissed her, not realizing how deep they were getting until Tolomon grabbed their elbows and pulled them away.

“You have to respect what the nobility thinks a little,” Tolomon said with a humor to his voice. “Lord Zacharias will have you imprisoned for indecency if you’re not careful.”

“We are being careful,” Indenuel said.

“Believe me, I know Lord Zacharias. He enjoys making sure everyone follows the laws of decency,” Tolomon said.

Indenuel sighed, holding her hand again. “Well, now with the negotiations done, I’m sure our marriage will be the next thing on the High Elder’s agenda,” Indenuel said.

“Thank God,” he heard Tolomon mutter.

“Nathaniel! Rosa!” Inessa said, her face brightening. “Hello!”

Rosa walked over with a smile, hugging Inessa as Nathaniel approached close behind. “When is the date?” Rosa asked the moment they broke away.

“Still deciding. But a lot sooner than expected,” Inessa said.

“Thank God,” Tolomon muttered again.

Nathaniel smiled before looking at his shoes.

“Oh, she’s coming. The Empress is coming over here,” Inessa said, almost hushed.

Indenuel looked up to see Empress Minai headed right for them. He squeezed Inessa’s hand again, waiting. The nobility seemed to part for her and her translator. Indenuel bowed to her. The others around him bowed or curtseyed. Empress Minai bowed.

“Do you dance, Warrior?” Empress asked.

“My humble upbringing denied me the opportunity to learn such a skill,” Indenuel said.

“No doubt you have been far too busy to learn since coming to Santollia City,” Empress Minai said.

“Indeed. But perhaps now the war is over, I can learn,” Indenuel said.

“Yes, you will have a lot of time now. I came to personally invite you to Kiam. There is much about my people and my culture I would like to show you and your countrymen,” Empress Minai said.

You and your people. Not High Elders. The treaty was there, but Empress Minai was clear in who she actually wanted to share her culture with.

“I shall anxiously await such an invitation,” Indenuel said.

“Let me get settled into this newfound treaty we have signed, and it will give you some time to get used to your new role as well,” Empress Minai said.

Indenuel nodded before letting go of Inessa’s hand and placing his arm on her elbow to bring her closer to the Empress.

“Empress Minai, may I introduce you to my betrothed,” Indenuel said. Inessa stiffened next to him, looking frightened before dropping into a low curtsey,

“Inessa,” she whispered in introduction. “Betrothed of Indenuel the Warrior.”

Empress Minai bowed, again holding her fist in her other hand. “A woman betrothed of the Warrior, I shall of course extend you the same curtesy of speaking to you in your own language.”

“Thank you,” Inessa said, not looking at Empress Minai.

Empress Minai studied Inessa. “You must be an incredible woman yourself to capture the Warrior’s heart.”

“I… thank you,” Inessa said.

Empress Minai smiled softly. “The treaty has already been signed, Betrothed of the Warrior. There is very little you can say to offend me now.”

Inessa smiled, finally looking up to see Empress Minai. “It is simply an honor to meet you.”

“Congratulations on your betrothal. I do not know what they do in your culture, but I grant you a blessing from mine.” She took both of their hands and held them together. “May you strengthen the other when they are weak, may you be joyous when the other is happy, may you help the other up when they fall. Never forget the happiness you feel now and look forward with joy to when your love will undoubtably grow. Work together as trials undoubtably will come, so your marriage may help you become a force that is stronger than who you are individually.” Empress Minai let go of their hands.

Inessa nodded, smiling. “Thank you, Empress.”

Empress Minai looked at Indenuel. “She has an angelic spirit. You are well matched.”

“Angelic?” Indenuel asked.

“Yes, an angel’s soul.” The Empress looked confused. The translator talked quietly to her in Kiam, and she nodded. “Forgive me. It is ancient word you no longer use.” The empress smiled.

“Angelic,” Indenuel said, testing the word out. “It is a beautiful word. How did you lean Santollian?”

“We had books smuggled into Kiam during the war. I must have read an ancient one.” Empress Minai smiled. “Needless to say, you have a sweet spirit, Inessa.”

“Thank you,” Inessa said.

Indenuel smiled before he remembered the length he had gone to protect Inessa. Empress Minai bowed again before leaving. Indenuel was quiet, the shame starting to trickle in again.

“Would you like to dance?” Nathaniel asked quietly to Rosa.

“I would, yes,” she said, almost as quiet.

Nathaniel took her hand, and they headed toward the other couples dancing. Indenuel watched Empress Minai as she walked toward other nobility. The grey eyes had been so soft, but he remembered other grey eyes that hadn’t.

The orchestra started up with a lively tune that made Indenuel jump. He backed against the wall, breathing deeply.

“Indenuel?” Inessa asked.

“It startled me. That’s all. It’s a silly thing, I’m alright. It’s…” He stopped talking. The nobility were jovial, almost at fever pitch. He kept telling himself that it was peaceful, but his mind wouldn’t let it go. It was loud, almost like screams, but it wasn’t. Of course no one was screaming. They were all safe here. They were having a celebration dinner, and it was fine.

Tolomon took his elbow, leading him through the crowd and out the doors into the fresh air. “Inessa, go get some wine,” Tolomon said.

Inessa nodded, moving back into the palace.

“The mark is gone. It’s gone. Why am I… why do I still feel like I’m on the battlefield?” Indenuel asked.

“Just because you don’t get demon induced nightmares doesn’t mean the horrors of war will leave you,” Tolomon said. “Demons always make it worse, but you’re still stuck with the memories.”

Memories. Screaming. Shouting. Blood. Carnage. Cold. Rain. Heat. Fire. Silence.

Indenuel gripped his knees, trying to take steady breaths. Tolomon had a hand on his shoulder. “Mark or not, you will be haunted by the war for the rest of your life.”

Indenuel nodded, tears in his eyes. He looked up at the four stars in the sky, trying to ground himself. It was nighttime. A quiet, peaceful night. It’s how all the nights began before he began his slaughter. But he wouldn’t slaughter. Not anymore.

Tolomon pressed a wine glass into Indenuel’s hand and he drained the entire thing. He straightened, running a hand through his hair, not caring that it messed up the hairstyle his servants spent so long creating.

“I’m fine,” Indenuel said, looking at Tolomon before smiling at Inessa. “I’m fine. The music just startled me. That’s all. It’ll get better. Once it’s not nearly so fresh a memory.” He kissed the top of Inessa’s head. “Let’s go back. I’m fine now.”