(See the end of the chapter for notes .)

Chapter Text

The short woman knelt before the small, furry winged creature that had landed in her courtyard, bowing so deeply her forehead almost scraped the floor.

When she sat up, a suited man was standing where the creature had been. He, too, was short, with dark eyes and black curls cascading from beneath his hat.

“Your majesty,” she said in Italian. “Thank you for your attention.”

“It’s been a very long time since I have had the pleasure of visiting your domain, your grace.” Cassius adjusted the black fabric of his coat with his white-gloved hands.

“I wish it were for better reasons, your majesty.”

“What did you want to discuss?”

“I recieved King William of New Holland gladly,” she began. “But he has not been a good guest.”

Cassius sighed. “How many janissaries has he dispatched?”

“None, your majesty.”

“Then what have you to complain about? That is more consideration than he gives most of us.”

Elodia frowned. “Last month, he failed to attend the Dipavali ritual as I had requested.”

“And he didn’t send reparations?”

Her frown deepened. “He did.”

“And he rescheduled?”

“Yes, we had a Dipavali ritual two weeks ago.”

“And it went well?”

“He was a paragon of decorum, your majesty,” she hissed. “As always.”

“So why call me here?” Cassius drummed his fingers on the lapel of his suit.

“I was reluctant to host him to begin with, and I fear that this may be the first of many slights I can expect to receive.” She said, allowing herself a polite, tight smile.

“I doubt that very much; it is not King William’s way.”

“Regardless, I want to send him a message.”

“I hope you are talking about posting him a reproachful letter.”

“I request castigation, your majesty.” She replied, her eyes narrow and her lips tight.

“Castigation?” Cassius didn’t hide his surprise: he wanted Elodia to know how ridiculous her request was. “You want to castigate a king?”

“I’m within my rights to do so.”

Cassius started; that was true, but it was more common for a Duchess to forgive a King’s indiscretion: they could expect to receive favours in return. “Why make an enemy of him?”

“Actions have consequences, your majesty,” she said, bowing her head once more. “As my monarch, can I count on your support?”

Cassius considered this. She lived far enough from his centre of power that she could defect to another kingdom. He was proud, and Elodia’s territory was large. He wanted to keep control of it.

“You have my support,” he agreed.

Besides, William could stand to be knocked down a peg or two. And Elodia could make herself into his enemy; that didn’t mean Cassius’s allegiance had to change.

Not overtly, anyway.