Page 137 of Scorched Earth

Seldrid frowned. “So it’s a republic?”

Lydia opened her mouth to answer his question, then bit her lip, her knowledge likely to raise questions she wasn’t interested in answering.

“It’s ruled as a republic,” Agrippa answered. “But it’s never been formally declared as such. The throne of the emperor still exists, but it remains empty. The last emperor was assassinated, along with every individual who might claim any form of relation to him, and no one has ever gained enough personal power to claim it.”

“Fascinating.” Seldrid cast a sideways look at Malahi, who stared out the window where Killian rode alongside the carriage. “Malahi, what are your thoughts about republics?”

Sighing, Malahi turned to meet Seldrid’s gaze, having apparently been listening more than Lydia had realized, for she said, “Mudamora needs unity above all else. If there is a better path to that than me as queen, I will gladly support it, but I know those men and women. They want the crown for themselves, whereas those who work to the benefit of Mudamora avoid the role that would allow them to achieve those admirable ends.”

“You’ve been dealt a bad hand, Malahi.” Seldrid’s tone was grim. “But it would be a disservice for me to lie to you. You have very few true friends among the Great Houses.”

“I think the only friends I have in all the world are those surrounding me now.” Malahi reached for Lydia’s hand.

“A not unformidable company.” The carriage slowed, and Seldrid squared his shoulders. “We’re here. Allow me to formally welcome you to Teradale.”

They passed through a set of gates connected to a low stone wall, and beyond, Lydia saw rolling green fields filled with long-legged horses, the vibrancy of the scene making the blight seem a distant threat. The carriage carried on down the road, finally slowing as it eased around a large fountain surrounded by beds of brilliant tropical flowers. Killian’s dog appeared from around the building, racing at top speed toward them and barking with excitement. Killian dismounted and met the dog with equal enthusiasm before approaching the door to the carriage.

“Welcome.” He took Lydia’s hand, and she gave him a tight smilethat conveyed the tension of the conversation that had taken place inside of the carriage. Agrippa helped Malahi out, Seldrid following. Lydia turned to look at the beautiful palace, but her admiration was cut short as Lady Calorian flew out the front doors.

Killian’s mother raced down the steps, elegant skirts hiked up to her knees. “Killian!” she cried, then her arms were around her youngest son’s neck. “Oh gods, they said you were alive, but I could barely bring myself to believe it. But you’re alive. My baby is alive.”

Seldrid laughed, and Lydia didn’t fail to notice how Killian’s cheeks colored as he patted his mother on the back. “I’m fine, Mother. You don’t need to act as though…” He trailed off, finally seeing the tears on her cheeks as he pulled away. “Truly, I’m fine. I’d have sent word, but we were in Derin and then Anukastre, so it wasn’t possible.” And then, as though it were a remedy for Lady Calorian’s emotion, he added, “I’ve brought Malahi back.”

At Malahi’s name, Lady Calorian seemed to recall herself, straightening her skirts and wiping her cheeks dry as she surveyed their company. To Lady Calorian’s credit, she did not react to Malahi’s appearance, only inclined her head. “Your Grace. It is a blessing from the Six to see you returned to Mudamora. Our house is yours.”

Malahi kissed both of the woman’s cheeks. “It is good to see you, Lady Calorian.”

The silence stretched a heartbeat too long, then Lady Calorian said, “Please come inside. The journey from Serlania is unpleasant in this heat.”

Malahi swayed as though to follow, then in a flurry of words, said, “First, I would like to introduce my husband. Agrippa.”

Though he surely felt the awkwardness of the moment, Agrippa bowed low. “A pleasure to meet you, my lady. Thank you for welcoming us into your home.”

Lady Calorian’s face blanched, but she only said, “How lovely to meet you. That’s a Cel name, is it not? Seldrid is endlessly curious about your countrymen, though in truth, my sentiment toward the Cel and your invasion of Gamdesh is somewhat darker. Though this wouldn’t be the first war to be tempered by unions between enemies. Was that your goal? Or did you even have one?”

Anger washed over Malahi’s face, her lips parting to retort, but Killian’s mother only lifted a hand. “What’s done is done, girl. If you were still available for marriage, there might have been some hope for you regaining your position, but no longer. You’ve secured Ria’s claim, sure and true.”

She rounded on Lydia, her eyes immediately falling to where Killian’s hand grasped hers. “Spare me from the impulsivity of youth. Who, pray tell, are you, young lady?”

Killian kept his grip on her hand. “This is Lydia. She’s one of Hegeria’s marked.”

Lady Calorian’s eyes narrowed slightly, though she only inclined her head. “You are welcome, Marked One.”

“Just Lydia.” Her cheeks warmed under the woman’s scrutiny; she was certain that Lady Calorian knewexactlythe nature of Lydia’s relationship with her son. “Thank you for your hospitality.”

“Well, well,” a familiar voice said, and Lydia’s gaze tore from Killian’s mother to rise the steps, where she found Hacken standing with a blond woman on his arm. “The prodigal son returns.”

Killian stiffened, a scowl rising to his face as his eyes fixed on his brother. She squeezed his hand to urge him to remain calm, because there was no doubt that Hacken was trying to provoke him.

“Cousin Malahi,” Ria said, “it is a gift from the Six to see you alive and…” She looked Malahi up and down. “Alive, that’s what matters.”

Lydia had met Ria in Rotahn and her opinion of the woman was not improving.

“You overstep, Ria.” Malahi smoothed her skirts, fussing with the lace detail as though this conversation was of only minor interest. “I would see this document you claim names you my father’s heir, for I do not believe he’d disinherit me in favor ofyou.”

Ria sighed. “I’m sorry, cousin. This must be painful for you, but I’m afraid that I must honor my uncle’s wishes, which he sent to Rotahn just prior to his death. Truly, it was the greatest foresight on his part to send them to me. He must have known that his end was coming.”

“He didn’t see it coming.” Lydia’s tone was cool. “He had no notion that Rufina and Cyntha were one and the same until nearly the moment he died.”