Jackal Among Snakes

Chapter 303

Margravine Sophia stepped into a lounge in the Drawnwater estate, leading Vasilisa, Argrave, and his two companions. He’d once again donned the white wig to disguise himself as Silvaden, and thus far things had proceeded without issue.

Margravine Sophia pointed to a pair in the room and said to the Magister, “I believe you may know these two.”

Vera and Hegazar stood there, smiling at the new arrivals. Pavel Drawnwater was just beside them, silent but alert.

Vasilisa shut the door behind them as she said, “I do. Nice to see you two again.”

“This room is warded. We can talk freely.” Margravine Sophia nodded as she placed herself just beside her cousin, Pavel. “I explained everything sufficiently, I hope? You know why they’re here?”

Vasilisa nodded. “They’re supporting Argrave.”

“Not just them,” Sophia shook her head. “The entire Order is likely to, given Tower Master Castro’s predisposition to the idea. And they came here to broach that subject with us.”

“I understand. But… they came here?” Argrave asked, trying his best to act ignorant. “Why?”

“Well, His Majesty is very adept at finding out things,” Vera answered. “He knows well the situation in the north. And his information led him to believe that the margravine might possess not only the disposition, but the influence needed to make a foothold in the north.”

Argrave narrowed his eyes. “That’s… a little suspicious.”

“As I said, His Majesty is very adept,” Vera continued. “He has eyes and ears everywhere. He might as well be in this room right now…” she said coyly, grinning.

Hegazar laughed at her joke but quickly added, “And with us present, King Argrave is here, in effect. We have been authorized to handle things on his behalf. Indeed, we’ve been given a document marked with his magic signature.”

Argrave bit his lip, feeling that the Magister was tempting fate with her jokes. “…Vasilisa?”

“I know Elenore,” she said. “I have a connection with her. All things considered… if we can secure the Magisters…” she left her agreement unspoken. Despite her good-nature, Argrave felt the Magister was a decent actor.

“I think it’s in your best interest, Magister Vasilisa,” Hegazar smiled, then looked to Sophia. “His Majesty’s plan was rather simple. He intends to restore House Quadreign to power, and earn their allegiance.”

Sophia’s eyes narrowed. She opened her mouth to say something, then looked to Pavel. Her cousin seemed similarly bothered by this notion, yet they had more tact that to say so in the presence of Vasilisa.

“…House Quadreign has no power here,” Vasilisa said, and the two Drawnwaters nodded eagerly in agreement. “What’s more, our house always reigned as independent queens, not vassals to Vasquer.”

thousand men-at-arms in our employ… and connections to many of the houses in the region. The reason why

if House Drawnwater was made lord of the margrave’s land, that can only be interpreted as a usurpation. If House Quadreign was restored, however, and then swore fealty to Argrave organically… that is a righteous cause that offers just support. Indeed, that Vasilisa is entangled in things was a pleasant surprise, as this is what was always intended. It

authority over the region…” Pavel

flock to their banners if

Pavel

the order,” Hegazar reminded

more experienced in battle,”

the question without our aid,”

Drawnwaters have to be amply rewarded,” Argrave insisted, introducing himself in

support, the

chin. “How about… sovereignty over this island, named Counts of First

Drawnwaters looked between each other. Argrave looked to Anneliese, and she shot him a thumbs down indicating the family’s

“The coastal

“Silvaden…!” Sophia said, shocked.

hands. “That

head, acting defiant as

what?”

Argrave’s

took a breath and sighed. “Do you agree?” he

not

Pavel added, “His Majesty can rest

looked to

have no

side to speak in private. They stepped back a moment later and said, “Then it’s decided. The Drawnwaters will be named Counts of First Hope, lording over the whole of this island and its dependent coastal villages on the mainland. In return, we will aid in this coup to return House Quadreign

Vasilisa

smiled broadly. “I am glad to hear of it. As my cousin said, His Majesty will not

a glance

curious how you chose who

political dissatisfaction with Margrave Ivan and have expressed so publicly. Ivan detests them. On top of that, they have

should be helpful,” Vera stepped closer. “Still, let’s play things out before we

#####

the room was that of a relaxed party. People joked and talked freely, flitting about in conversation like old friends, all. They wore decadent furs, fine silks, and shining rings, necklaces, and earrings as comfortable displays of affluence. They feasted on food every bit as fine as their

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