It always seemed like there was more need for him to be in Kusheth immediately following Midwinter. Or perhaps that was just how he viewed it. The City felt terribly close as the days slowly started to grow longer, and Kusheth had a wildness that somehow made it easier to breathe. So as usual, he’d retreated from The City and made his way to his lands. It was calmer there, and there was little to worry about in the depths of winter. But as autumn waned, he had found his way back to The City. The first merchant trains would be arriving at some point with the turn of autumn, goods from Caerdicca Unitas and Aragonia once again becoming available. He had purchased a number of cases of a good Aragonian red for the cellar at the townhouse. There was even some Chalasse brandy tucked away in the back of one of the cupboards…He made a mental note to have the Steward acquire more of it. Far superior to the Somerville product, and the old Duke was a canny political man. Brilliant, if he was being honest with himself. That thought brought him around to what had really been on his mind off and on since the Masquerade at Cereus House: the necklace.
He had no problem with the Dahlia’s sudden rise to power, though of course it wasn’t that sudden, and of all the Houses on the Mont, he was unsurprised it was that one making a political play. At least, he thought he had no problems with it. He’d even argued in some of the family councils that Blessed Elua’s precept suggested support of the Dahlia, if in fact, her feelings were true. And they certainly appeared to be. The King’s feelings were well known, adding to his arguments. But for her to arrive at the ball, wearing that necklace—that put an entirely new angle to things. The gossip had been deafening for weeks after the ball, and that was in Kusheth. Everyone knew that there was now a much deeper game occurring, and he had to be on top of it.
Pulling out a sheet of parchment, he sat at his desk, frowning as he hesitated putting pen to paper. How should he approach this situation? With a sharp bark of laughter, he shook his head. He wasn’t planning on courting her…She obviously had most of the attention she needed. Two of the most powerful men in the Realm? A minor Shahrizai count couldn’t even compete.
My Lady Odilia nó Dahlia,
I regret that it has taken so long for me to pen this letter to you, but I was inexcusably called away to my estates soon after the Midwinter Masque, and I have just recently returned to The City. I was wondering if I might entice you to come for a visit at the Shahrizai Townhouse for a quiet dinner? The chef we retain here is…quite good… which you may have heard from various people on the Mont. I look forward to your response, and I remain,
Most Respectfully,
Niklos Shahrizai, Count of Angers
He waited for the ink to dry, then sealed the note. Stepping out of his chambers, he caught one of the maids and pressed the note into her hand, indicating where it was to be delivered. The maid curtsied and headed to one of the servant’s passages, assuring him before she left him that the Steward would have it delivered promptly. He grinned, moving towards the library. There might not be a response today, but the wheels were in motion once again.
~
A tiny smirk played about the lips of the Dahlia Second as she read the note from the Shahrizai Count. She glanced to her jewelry box where the damning necklace lay, quite innocently, on a bed of velvet. She knew why Count Shahrizai was sending her a letter. Her patron had warned her about the attention that this move would bring. And here it came.
She would not back down from it now.
She set pen to paper.
My lord of Angers,
It is my honor to receive your invitation. I am sure that your chef will delight my tongue the same way that your stories of your travels will delight my ears. I cannot say that I have traveled far from the City of Elua, so I am sure you will fascinate me with the tales of your exploits and exports.
I accept your invitation. And I will look for your carriage. I am sure every political player in the City knows to watch for the Three Keys. We know your family’s ambition. It is something I admire in your line.
Sincerely,
Odilia nó Dahlia
Second of Dahlia House
Now all there was to do was wait.