excellent day. The ceremony was very well received.”
“Yes … We’re sure to be rewarded with great blessings.”
“Indeed.” I hate this weird small talk we engage in. Especially now with such heaviness weighing down the air around us.
It’s like we both know the other is full of shit but won’t dare hint at it, much less admit it. It’s a game. A challenge. And it’s with that thought that I make what could either be a horrendous misstep or a crucial advantage. I decide to be honest—well, as honest as I can be while also flattering him to no end. “Can I ask you a candid question, my lord?”
“Of course.” He picks up the smallest pile of papers and begins thumbing through them.
“How do you do it?” I say. He glances up over the top of the documents. “How is it you stay so poised? I’ll admit, it was hard being the one to send that sacrifice into the Great Sea today. I know it was right, and I know it’s for the greater good—blessed be the light. But I suppose my question is this: How do you stay so strong?”
To that, he sort of snickers under his breath. Instantly, I regret my question.
“My boy,” he says, fanning out the papers before him. “Do you see these papers?” I nod. “Each one contains a name, and each name represents a person. Someone who once lived and breathed and walked among us on this island.” I take a real drink this time because I fear his next words. “This is only a sampling of those who have been sacrificed either in Offering or in private to keep the favor of the Sun.”
In private … I don’t dare ask because I know the answer: those he executed that couldn’t be justified by Offering.
“Look at the state of things today. Had these citizens not made the greatest of sacrifices, can you imagine the mess we’d be in? I’d be long dead along with you and your family. Most other high-standing Imperi and Dogio? Imprisoned or executed. And anyone left would be calling themselves members of the Night.” He looks at me pointedly. “That, Mr. Denali, is how I stay strong.” Then he leans forward in his chair. “Because I know I’m doing the right thing.” He glances at the other stacks of papers … seems to consider something but quickly moves on, an expression of not quite yet softening his features. “I’m disappointed in you, Nico.” His words are harsh but also strangely sincere. “You have charisma and are able to work the crowd excellently. Not everyone has that—it’s a Sun-given talent and yet…” He brings his hands, palm to palm, just below his chin. “You show your emotion too easily.” He tsks at me. “The crowd didn’t see it—I doubt even Salazar, keen as he is, noticed it—but I saw how hard it was for you to send that sacrifice to the sea today.” I take another sip of the brandy and it takes everything I have to keep it down. “I don’t like sacrificing Dogio, especially those who serve in my army. But…” Again he considers something, then seems to brush it away. “It’s the Sun’s will, and we must abide by that will. Our god reigns supreme.” He glances up over the rim of his glass, mumbles as he takes another drink, “Even over me.”
“Yes, sir. Blessed be the light.” I recite the words with as much enthusiasm as I can muster.
He raises an eyebrow and finishes the rest of his brandy. Sets his empty glass on the table with a clang. “I have a small reward for you.” He leans forward, eyes set on me. “It’s in regard to your mother.”
“My … mother?”
He nods. “She has powerful connections—ones that have influence, significant pull over the cogs that keep this island running smoothly and the Imperi in good standing with the Dogio.”
“She’s always been very active in the community.”
“Yes, well, she would like to see you more, and because she does so much for the community and since you’ve shown promise and cooperation in handling your duties, I would like to reward you both. I’ve promised to relinquish you from your duties to join her for tea once a week.” I can only imagine how completely incensed he must be that my mother has any control over him and his heir. I’d laugh if I wasn’t part sick from brandy and the rest sick from earlier.
“Sir … what a generous gift.”