King Marcos tried hard to remain calm as he studied his lords that had gathered in the council room. He didn't like spying on his own council, but they had given him no other choice.
He had told king Darius to stay out of sight. If they wanted this to succeed, he needed to see his council's reaction without dragging Tirèze into this. He would inform his council of the attack on Boncini, but leave out the part Darius and Salvire had played. For once, king Marcos had given king Darius access to one of the spy holes to look into the council room. At least Darius Tirzé would keep an objective eye.

Taking a deep breath, king Marcos looked at his son and nodded once. Together they entered the room.

His council drew to attention. Before he had entered they had been leisurely talking amongst themselves while wondering about the reason for this sudden summon.

Matís was the first to voice the question. "Your Majesty, what is the reason for this unexpected gathering? We cannot leave our lands for long. There has been severe attacks at the Northern border recently."

King Marcos fixed his gaze on the man and slightly narrowed his eyes. "I'm sure you have capable commanders that are in charge of your troops. Surely your absence from home won't affect their duty too much."

Giano Matís gritted his teeth at the slight.

"Why are we here?" Quintus Strega asked.

"We are here," king Marcos said stiffly, "because it seems Balor managed to breach our defenses. An attack was made by Balor recently on Boncini near the East border."

Startled whispers went through the room and the lords exchanged glances of disbelieve.

"Boncini?" lord Strega spoke startled, "is the lady Vara alright? And lord Iason?"

The king looked around the council for a moment before answering. He tried hard to read the expressions of his lords, but it was difficult to determine what they were thinking. Who knew more than they let on? Who was slightly nervous? "They are alive," he said finally, deciding not to give more information for the time being.

More murmurs ensued.

"What we need to determine now is how they managed to slip past our borders," king Marcos continued, "they effectively blocked the roads to the South and West to cut Boncini off. We do not know how Balor managed to slip past our defenses or where."

Lord Quintus Strega frowned. "If they crossed that far inland, they must have been spotted at some point. They couldn't possibly have gained that much distance without drawing attention, no matter where they entered Zeir. Unless they came from Tirèze. They could have used the mountain trails."

Cyrus narrowed his eyes at the man. "You are quick to point fingers, lord Strega."

"What other explanation is there, prince Cyrus?" Quintus cast back, "you can't possibly think one of us escorted them there."

"We don't think anything," king Marcos interrupted, "perhaps they slipped by in small numbers, disguised themselves, or found weak spots in our defenses. Our priority now should be to find those weak spots. Has anyone seen or heard something suspicious the past few weeks? An increase of travelers? Strangers in the area? Anything out of the ordinary?"

It was silent for a moment in which the lords exchanged glances and shook their heads.

"My king," lord Horas spoke, "has the lady Vara said anything? My son told me she is quite observant. Perhaps Balor mentioned anything? Did she see where Balor came from?"

"No," king Marcos answered, "they came under the cover of night. They attacked our fortification as well. We lost many soldiers."

"Our soldiers are already defending the border," lord Vertus said, "even though we are closest to Boncini, we cannot spare the men."

"The matter had already been solved," king Marcos said, "rest assured, lord Vertus, we wouldn't want to inconvenience you."

Lord Vertus narrowed his eyes, but before he could comment, lord Matís spoke up. "Did they at least manage to capture some of the attackers? They must be questioned."

"We did," king Marcos confirmed, "they have been questioned and will be questioned again. Do not worry, we will get answers." He pointed his finger at the large map that was painted on the table. All of the battle formations and fortifications were portrayed there with flags and figurines. "This is where the roads were blocked. This is where our armies defend the border. Here, the army of king Darius is stationed. King Elon's men are here and here. Now, where is most likely where Balor has crossed into our lands without running into our troops?"

The next few hours were spend in trying to determine the route Balor most likely had taken and who would be sent to investigate the matter. All the while king Marcos kept a close watch on his council. Who spoke out against what idea? Who was first to divert the attention? It gave him a headache. These were the men that he had trusted for years, who had stood by him during difficult times. Some had even served his father. It was not only hard to believe one of these men would betray him, it also hurt. He had paid close attention when he had mentioned the prisoners. Two of his lords had seemed very interested in that fact. Of course lord Vertus had been quick to mention he was unable to send men. Lord Strega easily placed the blame on Tirèze. And lord Horas was the first to ask if Vara had learned something valuable from the attackers.

King Marcos sighed. He needed to get some distance to put his mind in order. Perhaps Darius Tirzé had learned something he had not discerned. "Let us retreat for the day," he instructed his council, "we all have much to think about." He looked around the room. "We will meet here again tomorrow."

...

"What are you thinking?" Iason walked up to his wife and wrapped his arms around her waist.

Vara sighed and leaned back against his chest. "That I don't know where to start investigating. In every country there are lords that are discontent with their king. That doesn't necessarily make them traitors. I can't imagine anyone in Zeir turning against the king and conspiring with Balor. What would be the gain?"

Iason sighed. "Then perhaps we should dismiss gain as a motive. Maybe it is much simpler. It could simply be revenge, someone that holds a grudge."

Vara frowned. "You think someone would have so many people killed just because they're angry?"

He shrugged. "Some feuds run deep, Vara. I do not know. It's only a different perspective." he released her and moved to the window. The stables had almost been rebuild. "Have you heard back from Genvi yet?"

Vara shook her head. "Nothing since they dispatched soldiers to the fortification to replace the men that have been killed. But I didn't expect it. It takes time to gather information. Eudemas has made careful inquiries too. There are a lot of travelers visiting the tailor shop." She sighed and rubbed her eyes. "What we really need is eyes and ears in the households of the lords, but I can hardly send someone to mingle with the servants there."

Iason raised an eyebrow. "Why can't you? We could plan a visit to one of the lords. Bring Chloe with you. Or Eudemas even. Maybe they can learn something."

Vara bit her lip. "I'm afraid it will seem suspicious. And if one of the northern lords really is a traitor, we could be walking into the lion's den."

"Then don't go," Iason suggested, "let Cyrus go. His visit certainly won't seem suspicious. He is the crown prince after all. No one would question it if he were to inspect the border defenses."

Vara tilted her head. That actually made sense. No one would think anything of it. Cyrus had made rounds before. And after the attack, checking their defenses wouldn't raise any questions. But how would they share their idea with Cyrus? Auros was far away an she did not want to raise suspicion by rushing to Auros while the council was in session.

"I can go."

Vara and Iason both turned around at the sound of Chloe's voice.

The servant girl looked at them with confidence. "I can go," she repeated, "I can say I have a message for your friend in Dalós if anyone asks. Or that I'm visiting family. I can go."

Iason shook his head, "The roads are not safe for a young woman to travel alone."

"Then I won't go alone," Chloe answered, "there are always traveling merchants going to Auros. You can send a guard with me. One of the men prince Cyrus left behind. It's less suspicious if I go."

"Are you certain, Chloe?" Vara asked, "I know you don't like the palace. You haven't been back since we moved to Boncini."

Chloe took a dep breath. "I know," she said quietly, "but this is not about me. It's about all of Zeir. Who knows what might happen if we don't find this traitor? I, for one, do not want to end up in the hands of Balor warriors." She paled at the thought alone. "And if prince Cyrus agrees, I can also go as one of his servants. He won't be able to get any information from the other servants. I can."

Vara shook her head. "It's dangerous, Chloe. If they find you out, they'll kill you. What about Lykander? And your daughter?"

Chloe smiled bravely. "I know my history with the prince is complicated, but you know as well as I do that he will protect me. And I won't get caught. I know how to gain information. Don't worry about me."

Vara shared a look with Iason who sighed deeply. "Alright. If you are sure. But please be careful."

Chloe nodded. "I will." She inclined her head. "I will get ready."

...

Darius Tirzé restlessly paced his guestroom with a frown on his face. He wasn't sure what to think from the meeting. They all seemed to have something to hide.

"What are you thinking?" Torcan asked. He was watching his friend quietly.

"I think that I don't know what to think," Darius bristled frustrated, "perhaps in tomorrow's meeting, we should make our presence clear. Perhaps that will stir something in these lords and maybe then we'll get some answers." He didn't like this one bit and he didn't want to be away from home for much longer. He had his own kingdom to run and there were vultures in his own backyard as well.

Torcan nodded. "Yes, that might be a good idea, but you should discuss it with king Marcos first."

Darius scowled. "I was planning to, I am no fool."

Torcan rolled his eyes. "I wasn't suggesting you were."

"Where is your brother?" Darius asked, "he shouldn't wander about on his own." The lords might not know the young man, that didn't mean he shouldn't be careful.

"He is in his room," Torcan answered, "we should all have the evening meal together. He is not familiar with the palace here." And Darius would need to instruct the boy to keep an eye on his father.

Darius nodded. The boy was his responsibility and they needed to be on the same page. Tomorrow, he would join the council meeting and he planned to take Mikos with him. He needed to give the Salvire heir clear instructions on what to say and what should be kept quiet. At least for now.
He took a deep breath and stalked out of his room with Torcan closely behind him. They had been given quarters in a more secluded section of the palace so they wouldn't give away their presence. It was fine with Darius. At least he wouldn't be disturbed by anyone.

Mikos da Slave had a room across from him and Darius loudly knocked on the door. As soon as a servant allowed him in, Darius walked up to a startled Mikos.

"Your Majesty," he greeted and he rushed to his feet for a formal bow.

"Sit," Darius motioned towards a chair. He turned to the servant that still stood at the door patiently. "we will take the evening meal here. Have it send up."

The servant bowed and left the room, leaving the three Tirèze visitors alone.

"Now," Darius turned back to Mikos, "tomorrow I plan to attend king Marcos' council meeting. You will accompany me there. We must make sure not to give anything away, so I need you to be on the same page as me. We don't want to alert the traitor and give away our advantage. So listen closely. Here is a lot to discuss."

...

Ariane bit her lip to hide the smile that kept forcing its way onto her face. Next to her in the bed lay Cyrus in a deep sleep. When he had returned from the meeting, he had been restless and frustrated. He had been rougher than usual but not cruel. There had been something desperate in his touch, a need he hadn't expressed before. Like she was the only one that could comfort him. Ever since he had returned form Boncini, he had sought her out every night. She wondered if a child would really come of it. It would be nice for Loukios to have a sibling.

Requests had also been sent out for young children to be raised at court, but there weren't many noble boys Loukios' age.

Ariane sighed happily. Life was finally going her way. Her husband showed her affection. She had a beautiful son. And hopefully soon there would be a second child.

Her hand found its way to her stomach. Was it possible something was already growing there? She looked at Cyrus. So handsome. Would the child look like him?

Hesitantly Ariane reached out and let her fingers stroke his hair. In his sleep, Cyrus only lightly stirred. He must be so tired, Ariane reasoned. He had barely taken the time to eat.
Carefully, Ariane lowered herself next to him. She didn't want to wake him.

As she settled down next to him, she watched his face. There normally wasn't much opportunity to do so, as Cyrus was always busy and rarely sat still. That was why Ariane made use of the opportunity to study every inch of his face. It seemed an eternity ago that she first saw him. There were lines in his face now that hadn't been there then. Worry and responsibility had carved them there, but he was still as handsome as that first day.

With a smile she closed her eyes and fell asleep.

...

To say the lords were shocked when Darius Tirzé entered the council room that morning was an understatement. Murmurs passed through the room and glances were exchanged. But what was even more interesting were the reactions when Darius introduced Mikos da Salve, heir of Salvire.

Torcan took careful note of who was uncomfortable at their presence and who took it in stride. There wasn't really a reason for anyone to be nervous about the presence of Tirèze unless there was a connection with the attack. Did someone suspect something? Was there anyone hiding something?

As king Marcos and king Darius dove into details about Tirèze's role in aiding Boncini, questions arose. However, Torcan noticed that some of the lords refrained from joining the conversation. He kept their names in the back of his mind to discuss with Darius later. Also suspicious were those that were overly invested. Questions as how long it had taken Salvire to arrive and why Darius had been there were worth looking into. And one question directed at Mikos as to why the heir of Salvire was in Auros now drew Torcan's attention. No one had seemed to make the connection between Torcan and Mikos, and Torcan decided it was for the better. It assured him the attention wouldn't be directed at him. It would only give the traitor an opportunity to steer away the topic from the matter at hand.

It did play at the back of his mind that Darius might have been right about Torcan's father. It seemed that whoever the traitor was hadn't acted alone. How big a part lord Izem had played in the matter was yet to be determined. It didn't sit right with him that his father might be involved, but he could no longer ignore the possibility. Perhaps Mikos could be of use. He had access to his father's correspondence. Maybe he had noticed anything out of the ordinary. Or maybe he knew who sent his father messages on a regular base.

The discussion continued with new measures regarding the border. It was adamant the lords of the northern provinces collaborated in finding out how Balor could have slipped through.

It was odd to Torcan that lord Vertus hadn't noticed anything amiss. The Vertalis estate was even closer to the fortification that had been attacked than Boncini. He decided to keep a close eye on lord Vertus for the duration of their stay.

Torcan gave a barely noticeable nod at Darius and slipped from the room. It was time to do some digging and he would start with lord Vertus' room.