The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms - By N. K. Jemisin Page 0,52

ruler hold power here than a weak one, isnt it?

And that was what the whole matter boiled down to. What was right mattered far less than what was orderly, and the Uthre had proven their ability to keep things orderly by the simple fact that theyd taken Irt without shedding a drop of blood. That was how the Arameri would see it, and the Order, too, and I could not imagine the Nobles Consortium daring to disagree.

In the end, to no ones surprise, they did not: the Irt appeal was rejected. No one even proposed sanctions against Uthr. They would keep what they had stolen, because making them give it back was too messy.

I could not help frowning as the final vote was read. Scimina, glancing over at me, let out a soft amused snort that reminded me of where I was; quickly I schooled my expression back to blankness.

When the session ended and she and I descended the steps, I kept my eyes forward so that I would not have to look at her, and I turned toward the bathroom so I would not have to travel back to Sky with her. But she said, Cousin, and at that point I had no choice but to stop and see what in the unknown demons names she wanted.

When youve had time to settle in back at the palace, would you be interested in having lunch with me? She smiled. We could get to know each other better.

If you dont mind, I said carefully, no.

She laughed beautifully. I see what Viraine meant about you! Well, then; if you wont come out of courtesy, perhaps curiosity will draw you. I have news of your homeland, Cousin, that I think will interest you greatly. She turned and began walking toward the gate. Ill see you in an hour.

What news? I called after her, but she did not stop or turn back.

My fists were still clenched by the time I got to the bathroom, which was why I reacted badly to the sight of Ras Onchi sitting in one of the parlors plush chairs. I stopped, my hand reaching automatically for a knife that was not in its usual place on my back. Id chosen to strap it to my calf, under my full skirts, since it was not the Arameri way to go armed in public.

Have you learned yet what an Arameri should know? she asked, before I could recover.

I paused, then pushed the bathrooms door firmly closed. Not yet, Auntie, I said at last. Though Im not likely to, since Im not truly Arameri. Perhaps you could tell me, and stop riddling about.

She smiled. So very Darre you are, impatient and sharp-tongued. Your father must have been proud.

I flushed, confused, because that had sounded suspiciously like a compliment. Was this her way of letting me know that she was on my side? She wore Enefas symbol around her neckNot really, I said, slowly. My father was a patient, cool-headed man. My temper comes from my mother.

Ah. It must serve you well, then, in your new home.

It serves me well everywhere. Now will you please tell me what this is about?

She sighed, her smile fading. Yes. There isnt much time. Forgive me, Lady. With an effort that made her knees crackI winced in sympathyshe pushed herself up out of the chair. I wondered how long shed been sitting there. Did she wait for me after every session? Again I regretted skipping the previous day.

Do you wonder why Uthr didnt file a war petition? she asked.

I imagine because they didnt need to, I said, wondering what this had to do with anything. Its nearly impossible to get a petition approved. The Arameri havent allowed a war in a hundred years or more. So the Uthre gambled on being able to conquer Irt without bloodshed, and fortunately they were successful.

Yes. Ras grimaced. There will be more of these annexations, I imagine, now that the Uthre have shown the world how to do it. Peace above all; this is the way of the Bright.

I marveled at the bitterness in her tone. If a priest had heard her, shed have been arrested for heresy. If any other Arameri had heard herI shuddered, imagining her skinny frame walking onto the Pier with Zhakkarns spear at her back.

Careful, Auntie, I said softly. You wont live to a ripe old age, saying such things out loud.

Ras laughed softly. True enough. Ill be more careful. She sobered. But think of this,