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

Chapter 16, Old Enemies

Year 783 Octavus, day 21 of the seventh month of Domorus

"We apologize for the pain it has cause you," the Keiser said.

Sidastir rubbed his temples, trying not to throw anything at him. His body still ached, his mana is slowly coming back but it would take days for it to go back to normal. Akana just peered at the Keiser, his expression neutral but Sidastir could see the twitch on his face showcasing his inner battle with Sen who has been raging the last couple of days, wanting to burn the city down.

"That is all fine and well, but I care little for your apologies. I want the culprit. First, someone tries to frame my husband, and then someone tries to kill him. With one of the official Stagniergias nonetheless. I would hope that you had inspected all of the orbs before you handed them out. "

"We are not sure that he was the target. It would be impossible for someone to make sure that he got the tampered Stagniergia," the Keiser said in a soothing voice, but the Mayin snorted.

"Not that impossible. The culprit just has to hide among the judges who handed out the Stagniergia and ensure that Sidastir got the tampered one before he got a normal Stagniergia. Something that could have been done easily, considered the large crowd in the arena. No one would notice one extra judge."

Sidastir tried to lean over the kline, trying to take a drink, but his body ached too much. Akana took the wine vessel and filled his cup before giving it to him. His watchful eyes seeing all in the room. Their mansion had been rather quiet for the last two days, a deed most likely done by Akana who would not have accepted a rowdy crowd when his husband was sleeping.

"Have you even tried to find the culprit?" asked Sidastir, having a suspicion that the answer was no.

"Of course, but our recourses are limited because of the Trine tournament," the Keiser ensured, his golden eyes met Sidastir's. "We have handed it to the head of the guards, Atrox Falcis."

"The same head of the guards who couldn't distinguish between ice magic and an ice potion," Sidastir cocked an eyebrow. "That is reassuring."

The Keiser's eyes twitched, the first sign of his perfect mask breaking, but it was gone a second later as he collected himself. "I assure you, we are doing everything we can to solve this matter."

"And considering how well you have been able to solve problems in the past, I am very reassured," Sidastir said sweetly. The room growing colder. The Keiser leaned back, his eyes growing callous while the Mayin seemed amused. Ceva who had been hiding while listening in rushed forward, as Akana didn't seem to notice the impending danger.

"Whether the council is able to handle this situation or not doesn't matter. We have started our own investigation and has come up with some interesting results."

All eyes turned to Ceva, who had cleared her throat. The Keiser had grown stiff, "what investigation? Is that-"

"Nothing you need to know of, honored Keiser. As you said, you are very busy with the Trine tournament so we wouldn't want you to be bothered by such a trifle thing," Akana said. His face neutral, but with a sharpness in his voice that made it known that Akana had ended this meeting.

The Keiser got up on his feet, brushing off his clothes. "If you want us to review the state of the conflict between Auone and Huzhidi then I would suggest-"

"Should I encourage you to do your job? I have little patience to do what you are supposed to do on your own, but for what it is worth. Auons are a logical people. We review how you have solved similar problems in the past and decided that you will not be of any help. I never counted on the council doing their job in the first place. Now get out, you have insulted me and my household enough for one day," Akana said and without further discussion, the Keiser left the room. The Mayin, who had been quiet throughout the discussion.