Scattered Suns - Kevin J. Anderson [10]
Basil frowned at the suggestion. “To Ildira. You leave in two days.”
Peter and Estarra had both heard wonderful stories of the Ildiran homeworld, bathed in the light of seven suns, but neither had visited the alien capital.
The Chairman explained, “Not long ago a new Mage-Imperator took the throne. It is appropriate that the Great King of the Terran Hanseatic League pay his respects. Recent months have been unusually hectic, but even so, we have been remiss in our duty.”
Peter gave a tired sigh. “Political games.”
Eldred Cain finally arranged his documents into a sufficiently neat stack. Although Peter saw the deputy often, he had rarely talked with him. For the most part Cain kept his silence, not hiding in Basil’s shadow but always watching. Now, however, he spoke. “They are necessary games, King Peter—and well worth the investment of ekti for the journey. We need to keep the Ildirans as allies in our war against the hydrogues. And we certainly need the Solar Navy to help us fight.” His voice was quiet, as if he didn’t like to bother anybody.
Basil nodded. “I could take care of the matter myself, but diplomatically it is a greater honor if our King makes the overture. That’s what the Ildirans understand. We’ll make it a swift journey and stay just long enough to meet and honor the new Mage-Imperator. You’ll be there on public display.”
Since they were in private, Peter decided to dispense with subtlety. “How do I know you won’t simply blow up the ship en route to get rid of me?”
The Chairman didn’t seem to take offense. “Because I will be with you. I wouldn’t entrust such an important diplomatic visit to the King alone.”
“Then I will go too,” Estarra insisted, standing close to her husband. They held hands, supporting each other.
Basil gave her a condescending smile. “That is not necessary, my dear.”
“Yes it is,” Peter said. “In addition to the obvious symbolic tribute to the new leader, it offers opportunities for pageantry, and an excellent way for me to be sure of her safety. I don’t want any...accidents to befall my Queen while I’m away.”
Basil sighed. “Now, Peter, I thought we were beyond all of that.”
“We will never be beyond all of that.” He softened the comment with a bland smile that masked his inner turmoil. Cain looked back and forth between the men, apparently disturbed by how little they trusted each other.
Estarra’s voice was soft and persuasive. “Remember, Mr. Chairman, my brother Reynald visited the PrismPalace and spoke very highly of Jora’h when he was just the Prime Designate. They were good friends. I should...tell the Mage-Imperator how the hydrogues killed him.”
“I’m sure you could use that to your advantage, Basil,” Peter said.
The Chairman conceded with grace. “As you wish. Yes, the King and Queen together will make a fine show for the Ildirans and for the newsnets. I’ll have functionaries take care of all the details.” Satisfied, he turned and walked briskly out of the Royal Wing.
After picking up his documents with spare and efficient motions, Deputy Cain paused beside Peter on his way out, sizing him up. “Why do you provoke the Chairman? It seems you have a personal animus against him.”
Peter looked at the pale man, searching for sincerity in his eyes. How much did he know about Basil’s other activities? “Maybe it has something to do with that time he arranged to kill us.”
Cain’s surprise seemed genuine. His face shifted, as if puzzle pieces were rearranging themselves in his mind, giving rise to new questions. His mouth opened, and Peter waited to hear what the deputy might have to say, but Basil called down the hall for Cain to hurry. They didn’t have a chance to finish their conversation.
Chapter 4—OSIRA’H
In recent days the testing had grown more intense, more desperate. Though none of the Dobro instructors had told Osira’h and her siblings the reason, she