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.”

on to that eagerly. “House Drawnwater has near a thousand men-at-arms in our employ… and connections to many of the houses in the region. The reason why

margrave’s land, that can only be interpreted as a usurpation. If House Quadreign was restored, however, and then swore

authority over

be returned to them,” Hegazar noted. “Their authority will be unrivalled. Thousands will flock to their banners if the flame is returned. All in the north remember well the power Quadreign wielded with the

and Pavel both

Hegazar reminded

stronger, and more experienced in battle,” Vasilisa shook her head. “I could

be out of the question without our aid,” Vera nodded. “Indeed… you might

have to be amply rewarded,” Argrave insisted, introducing himself in the conversation.

the two seemed to

sovereignty over this island, named Counts of

looked to Anneliese, and she shot him

declared. “The coastal villages nearest, too, must swear

“Silvaden…!” Sophia said, shocked.

hands. “That is

his head, acting defiant as he

to what?” Vera

Argrave’s effort,” Anneliese

a breath and sighed. “Do you

not disappoint,” Sophia

support declared, Pavel added, “His Majesty

Vasilisa?” Vera looked to

have no objections,” Vasilisa

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 to power. Thereafter, Diana of Quadreign will swear

Vasilisa

am glad to hear of it. As my cousin said, His

spared a glance at

“To begin with, I’m curious how you chose who would come to this

“All present have been filtered carefully. They have personal and political dissatisfaction with Margrave Ivan and have expressed so publicly. Ivan detests them. On top of that,

stepped closer. “Still, let’s play things out before we

#####

hall of the Drawnwater estate. They numbered perhaps thirty. All seemed to know each other quite well, as the general temperature of 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,

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