"My son knows his battle tactics well and his politics better than he'll admit. Yes, that's why I cannot march on Fairview. But there is more to it. I do not prepare the army for war because I hope to avoid war. I allow the citizens of the empire to continue on their daily business because, again, I hope to avoid war. I will avoid war in any way I can, short of handing over the imperial throne. That includes the sacrifice of Edgewood's children and the citizens of Fairview."
Moria's head shot up. "Did you say . . . ?"
"Yes, I did. War would kill thousands. It would ruin the lives and destroy the homes of tens of thousands. Would I allow a few hundred to die to avoid that?" He met her gaze. "Yes, I would. Make no mistake, child. I will do what I can to save those children and that village, but my eye is on the rest of my empire. On stopping Alvar Kitsune and whatever sorcery he works before he captures more villages."
He paused, then continued, "You've no doubt heard Tyrus say he does not aspire to any high office. Part of that is self-preservation, but part is this, too--emperors and marshals must make decisions that Tyrus could not. He has a good heart, a pure heart. He takes after his mother in that. He will make a great warrior someday. A great commander. But not an emperor. Not a marshal."
Moria snuck another look at Tyrus, but he kept his face averted. Anger flared in her as she looked back at the emperor.
"You think I ought not to speak of him like that in front of him," he said.
"Yes, I do."
Again, Tyrus cleared his throat. Again, his father only chuckled.
"You mean well, son, but she'll speak her mind as long as she has a tongue to do it with, and if she didn
't, she'd still speak it with her eyes. She objects because she feels I insult you. You may even feel insulted. But you will do great things, and you will live to do them, which matters more to me than that you should be suited to a throne you would never see. The empire is built on great warriors. It can always use more of those, and fewer men vying to be emperor or marshal." He paused. "Speaking of uses for warriors, I have a task for you, Tyrus. Your first military assignment."
Tyrus shot to attention, his dual swords rattling. "Yes, my lord father?"
"I will dispatch no more spies to Fairview. It is time to send an envoy. One they will see coming, but one that is small enough to be of no threat. One that bears royal blood."
"You wish me to accompany it?"
"Sending your older brothers would insult Alvar, implying that they are speaking for me. Sending you says I take the threat seriously and wish to open direct negotiations between myself and Alvar, and send you to arrange for them."
"You said he would not negotiate," Moria said.
"He won't. But it is only right for me to attempt it. I will send a convoy with my son and with the Keeper of Edgewood, presuming she wishes to go."
Now Moria straightened. "Yes, I do."
"Your sister, too, if she wishes. You brought Alvar's message, so you will return it. He sent you here accompanied by his son. I will send you back accompanied by mine. It is an honorable move. When you reach Fairview, you and Tyrus can accomplish what my spies could not."
"Assess the situation," Tyrus murmured. "Confirm that the children and villagers live, determine where they are being held and how one might free them."
His father smiled. "Precisely."
Emperor Tatsu had asked Tyrus to walk Moria and Daigo back to their quarters. As they crossed the palace grounds, she began to wonder if Tyrus had agreed only because he could not refuse. He'd been silent since they left the emperor's quarters.
When they reached the gate between the court and palace grounds, she said, "I can find my way from here."
He brushed off her words with a distracted wave, following beside her but still not speaking. Daigo bumped her hand, as if in sympathy.
Once they were out of the guards' earshot, she said, "I'm sorry."
He glanced over then, and it took a moment for his eyes to focus, as if he'd been lost in some other realm.
She continued, "I broke every rule of decorum, speaking to the emperor like that. But you were the one I hurt by digging us both into a hole. I don't blame you for being angry."
A faint smile touched his lips. "I think you've spent too much time with--" He bit off the sentence before saying Gavril's name. "If hearing you speak your mind upset me, I'd hardly have lasted a day in your company. I expect no less. I'm not angry, Moria. If I was, you'd know it. You don't need to search for nuances with me. If it seems as if I'm thinking, that's truly all I'm doing. Thinking about what my father said about the children and the villagers. And thinking of the trip to come, and whether he may be underestimating his enemy."
"You fear it's not safe."
He hesitated, then said, with obvious reluctance, "I do."
"Your father wouldn't put you at risk."