Frost and Flame, Foes in the Dark (book 2)

Chapter 11, Plans for the Future

Year 783 Octavus, day 17 of the seventh month of Domorus

Akana stared at the scorch mark on the floor. His eyes going to the only other fire mages in the house. Ceren was happily refilling Cessare's cup with no care in the world while Cessare avoids Akana's eyes.

"Do I want to know why there is a scorch mark on the floor?"

"I was guarding the mansion yesterday."

"And the floor attack you?"

"No, there were two rats fighting. I separated them," Cessare said casually, glancing at Ceva and Alacer. Ceva had been glaring at Alacer all morning while Alacer just smiled at her like they were courting each other. She was without a doubt going to kill him in his sleep.

"Just don't damage the floor anymore," sighed Akana. "I don't want to pay for it."

"Understood, dominus," Cessare saluted.

Akana turned to Sidastir who just walked in with Magnus. Magnus stopped and watch Ceva and Alacer, clearly confused over the strange atmosphere. Not sure if he should hit Alacer or not, he decided to sit down between the two which direct Ceva's angry glare towards him instead. Akana almost pitied him for his foolishness.

"So is the Trinetournament going to start today?" he asked Sidastir who come over to stand beside him.

"Not really, it's just some official announcement. The participants will receive information about the tournament today."

Akana frowned in confusion. "Why didn't they give it during the parade? Wouldn't that have been more efficient?"

"They are Relevis. Efficiency isn't in their blood," Sidastir replied.

"Well, Ceva and I will be with you this time."

Alacer finally broke eye contact with Ceva. "Her? Why? She isn't from Eitir and it is a conflict of interest if a..."

"The Balkravs don't have a participant in the tournament so we have put our support behind our closest neighbor and ally," Ceva cocked an eyebrow. "Didn't you know?"

Alacer's eyes narrowed, though his smile never faded. Akana could just sigh at this clear demonstration of power, "We have received the written approval of the Keiser, so if you have a problem, take it up with him."

"He seemed rather delighted that the Balkrav finally showed an interest in such large events as choosing the Mayin, so I see no reason why the phoenix princess should do the same," Sidastir added. Akana could see the distrust radiating from his eyes.

"Either way, we have two goals."

"Get the Council of the Nine Kingdoms to protect Auone, and get support from Relevium?" asked Magnus.

"No, that is just the front. I don't think either of those will be possible. The Council has already made up its mind to wait and hope the conflict between Auone and Huzhidi blows over. War will happen, and Relevium is allied with Huzhidi. They won't take Auone's side," said Akana without hesitation, at the last part he glanced at Alacer whose expression didn't change but his body was rigid. "They are just stalling us by tempting us with an alliance."

"I agree," said Ceva grimly. "I don't think the Relevis will enter a war if it comes to that but they will support Huzhidi with supplies and weapons. They will capitalize on this war."

"Then what do you want to do?" asked Attilus, who was standing by the wall, watching the conversation quietly.

"My plan is divided into two parts. The Trinetournament and the Curare, Helder Oe."