Spring had turned, and with it came a welter of invitations for Niklos to all sorts of various events throughout the city. His plan was starting to bear fruit, and that pleased him. He also had cousins starting to make their way into the city from Kusheth, and there had been numerous late night meetings in the library to draw up plans.
He had been out meeting some acquaintances in Night’s Doorstep for a drink one afternoon and returned to Jacob proffering a letter on a tray. “I believe it comes from Cereus House, my Lord… don’t you know some of the adepts there?”
Niklos nodded as he took the envelope, frowning as the handwriting wasn’t quite familiar. “I do, Aliksandria and Petrea. I’ve known Aliks for some time. Petrea I’ve only known for a year or so. But we have exchanged letters in the past. My thanks, Jacob.”
Niklos made his way across to one of the parlors, opening the letter as he slouched into a chair. He scanned it, then frowned and read it again.
From the desk of Petrea nó Cereus, Second of Cereus House
at the behest of Dowayne Aliksandria nó Cereus
My dearest Lord Shahrizai,
I understand that you are undertaking a Grand Tour of the Court of Night Blooming Flowers. It would be my great honor were you to attend a private dinner at Cereus House a fortnight hence. I wish to personally ensure that you experience the full measure of our hospitality and graciousness during your visit.
Yours most sincerely,
Petrea nó Cereus
The curious thing was that, while it had the cadence of Petrea’s writing, the letters didn’t look correct. There was something off, which indicated that Petrea had not actually penned the note. However, he knew he wasn’t going to get an answer just staring at the paper. He moved over to the writing desk in the room and hastily scratched out a response.
My dear Petrea,
While my grand tour was actually this past autumn, I had postponed visiting Cereus because I knew there was much happening within the house and I did not want to bring any of my own confusion in as well. I would be most pleased to dine with you in a fortnight. Please provide me a specific day, and allow me to bring the wine. I look forward to chatting with you.
My best,
Niklos
He sealed the envelope quickly, using the Keys, and passed it to Jacob who nodded in acknowledgement as Niklos headed up the stairs toward his chambers. He wanted to add the dinner to his calendar before he forgot it.
~
Aimée lingered in the entrance hall of Cereus House. Hosting a Shahrizai was not an endeavor one approached lightly, if one had any sense. So of course, Aliksandra proposed that Cereus should extend such an invitation. It was then decided that Petrea should host the actual meeting. And of course, both were called away to deal with issues even more pressing than dinner with a scion of the most infamous family in all of Terre d’Ange. It gave Aimée some comfort that her Dowayne and Second had a genuine like and affection for Count Niklos Shahrizai. Strengthening his ties to Cereus House would only be a benefit in rebuilding the prestige of Cereus.
Aimée was pulled from her mind’s wandering when an older novice announced the arrival of her most esteemed guest.
His arrival had been greeted by a flurry of activity. He’d taken one of the family carriages, if for no other reason than to see what sort of gossip it would produce. Jacob had eyes and ears in the city, and that sort of information would eventually make its way to the man. Niklos smiled as he slipped out of the carriage, the Cereus servants bowing deeply. The driver and footman from the townhouse knew where to take the carriage, and service for waiting attendants was always impeccable at Cereus. Nik took the entry stairs slowly. Nothing had changed but it felt like everything had changed. Aliks was Dowayne and Petrea, unsurprisingly, was her Second. As he stepped through the massive entry doors, he frowned as he realized neither Aliks nor Petrea were anywhere to be seen. As he paused, another adept stepped forward to greet him.
She greeted Niklos Shahrizai with all the grace and elegance Cereus House was known for. “Lord Shahrizai, welcome to Cereus House. I am Aimée no Cereus. The Second has been called away by House duties that needed her immediate attention. I am happy to host you this evening in her stead if that arrangement suits you.”
Chuckling softly, he shook his head lightly. “Of course we’d set dinner plans and something would come up. I swear, as both of them found themselves more duties within Cereus, it’s been more difficult for an easy dinner. It’s a pleasure to meet you as well, Aimée. I would be happy to join you for dinner this evening.” He grinned and bowed to her. “Please, lead on.”
“Very gracious of you. Allow me to escort you to the appointed room,” Aimée replied.
Taking her offered hand, Nik allowed himself to be led through the halls of Cereus House, noting that new life had been breathed into the hall.
Nik’s eyes took in everything as they walked through the halls. Something had changed, likely with Aliks taking on the role of Dowayne. There was a different feel to the house, almost as if someone had told the whole host to stand straighter. The last time he had visited, there had been almost an air of indolence that was no longer around. He smiled faintly as he glanced at Aimée, a question on his lips. “How has the transition been, now that Aliksandra is Dowayne? Something feels different in the air.”
He was curious to see how she responded, and he wondered if he could puzzle out whether she’d been born to the House or if she’d been adopted in. Sometimes that made for the best game in his mind.
“The transition of Dowaynes is trying under any circumstance. However, the position and responsibilities of Cereus House have added complexity that—” Aimée paused, choosing her words carefully. “—would bring a less dedicated person to the edge.”
As they moved towards a secluded salon Aimée continued. “Cereus House is regaining blooms that have been neglected in less than careful tending. All Loveliness Fades, but one does not usually accelerate the process.”
At last, Nik is guided into a private salon filled with an impeccable aroma wafting from a selection of dishes displayed on a well laid table. The food even looked and smelled better than his previous experience of Cereus hospitality.
Niklos smiled and nodded at Aimée’s words. She felt like she’d been raised to the House as opposed to being adopted in, the poise and concern for the House being undeniable. His eyes flickered at the implication of difficulties that surrounded the word ‘complexity’. He would have to speak with Jacob and find out what the man knew. Surely, there was some rumor he could divine from somewhere. He glanced around the room, eyes widening slightly. “Will anyone else be joining us tonight? There looks to be enough food here for six, at least.” He grinned, gesturing to the table. “I am looking forward to sharing this meal with you.”