‘She has certainly grown,’ Dion said. ‘Your daughter has become a beautiful woman, First Consul.’
‘I do remember you,’ Chloe said tightly. ‘You were always curious, if I recall correctly. But curiosity can cause harm, particularly when there are grave matters at hand.’
‘Daughter!’ Aristocles rebuked. ‘What an odd thing to say. Dion, I apologize for any offence.’
‘None taken,’ Dion said lightly.
‘Chloe, fetch wine would you? Actually no, have Aglea serve the wine. Come and sit with us. Please take a seat, Dion. We shall dine informally at the high table. I know you Xanthians don’t object to breaking bread with female company.’
‘I’m honored, First Consul. It’s kind of you to invite me to your home.’
Chloe issued instructions to Aglea and then sat at the table, opposite Dion, who was looking out the window at the terrace. Aristocles sat at the head of the table and Dion at his right hand. Both men rose before sitting down at the same time as Chloe.
‘Now, Dion, I know you said the city is well, but how did Xanthos truly fare in the tremor?’
‘Many were frightened and still are, but we were fortunate. A few fallen stones . . . little more.’
Aglea came to pour the wine. Chloe drank to disguise her discomfort, for Dion’s eyes kept turning to her before flicking back to her father. She sipped too much, and the tart liquid burned the back of her throat.
She started to cough uncontrollably. Both her father and Dion looked alarmed.
‘Daughter?’ Aristocles started to rise.
‘No—’ Chloe held up a hand. ‘I’m fine. Aglea? Water, please.’
Some gulps of water soothed her chest, and as her color returned Dion once more grinned at her maddeningly.
Aristocles asked Dion about his family while Aglea served a cold meal of cheese, fruits, and olives, along with bread baked earlier in the day. Dion ate heartily but drank sparingly, praising Aristocles for the meal.
‘I must also express my admiration for how quickly the damage to the city is being repaired.’
Aristocles nodded sagely. ‘Soon enough it will be as if the tremor never happened.’
‘The repairs to your own home are stout and strong.’
Aristocles frowned and then he chuckled. ‘You have a keen eye. Yes, there was damage to my home. The stoutest walls are no protection from the gods.’ He turned grave. ‘My youngest, Sophia, was almost killed.’
Dion’s eyes widened. ‘First Consul . . . I had no idea.’
‘You could not have known,’ Aristocles said. ‘Now—’
‘One of the eldren saved her,’ Chloe interjected. ‘Yet some of the consuls speak as if they are our enemies.’
Aristocles sighed. ‘Daughter . . .’
‘Some are of that opinion in my father’s court,’ Dion said as he regarded her. ‘My mother always said otherwise.’
‘Enough of politics,’ Aristocles said shortly. ‘Now, Dion, tell me again what brings you here.’
‘The narrows are blocked. I thought perhaps you might be able to enlist the help of one of the eldren. In serpent form, I believe one of them could move the obstruction.’
Aristocles rubbed his chin. Dion hesitated, then continued.
‘But there is something else I wish to speak with you about, First Consul.’
‘Go on.’
‘The warship.’
Silence filled the room. From Aristocles’ expression it was clear that the mere mention of it had struck a nerve.
‘What of it?’ Aristocles asked.
‘A dozen more like it, arranged in a single force—’
‘I am well aware of the danger.’
‘First Consul, I don’t presume to question you in your city. I simply want your advice. What should I tell my father?’
‘Tell him that Phalesia survived the quake. And tell him that with the Ileans possessing ships as powerful as the one in our harbor, we may all need to look to our defenses.’
‘You met the captain?’
Aristocles hesitated. ‘He made no secret of his contempt. He also expressed a great deal of interest in the sacred ark.’
Dion rubbed his chin. ‘It is gold. A tempting prize to have on display.’
‘But a source of inspiration to the people,’ Chloe interjected. ‘A reminder to live a good life . . . a just life, according to a common moral code that binds us all.’
Dion nodded. ‘It’s important to Xanthos also. I thank you, First Consul,’ he said gravely. ‘That’s all I needed to know.’
‘Let’s talk of something else,’ Chloe said. ‘You work too hard, Father.’
‘Of course,’ Dion said. ‘The narrows?’
Aristocles looked at Chloe. She was reluctant to ask Zachary for still more help, but knowing he was always eager to maintain the peace between their races, she was sure he would agree.
Chloe nodded. ‘We can send a swift rider to the Wilds.’
‘Thank you,’ Dion said to Chloe, his expression sincere.