“I suppose we needn’t ask what ambitions those might be.” He cast a glance to Reihana, who in this at least was of a like mind with him. They had their grievances with one another, but they had both proven capable of seeing to duty first and foremost. Had the timing been different, the ploy to set them further at odds may have been fruitful. Now they had their common ground.
The enemy of my enemy…
Mikino found that he did enjoy the Chaldean’s company so long as she respected that earliest arrangement and left him the space he desired. She was engaging, a clever opponent and a valuable ally. It was a pity he’d not paid more attention during that dance years before. “Hardly so. A rivalry between Judgment, Chaldean, and the foremost Lord in the north is concern enough without Her Grace’s affections at stake. Certainly so for a man such as yourself, whose territory lies in the median of such a dispute, should it come to it.”
There was room there for an alliance, and Mikino had lain as much on the table without outright asking it. The possibility of a civil war was in no one’s best interest, but he may not be granted a choice in the matter. The Alcaeyns had allies to the West. If he were to gain the same in the East, well… That knowledge alone may be enough to keep the peace. As to the slander, he didn’t even pretend he believed it to be based in aught but truth. He had been able to uncover enough to believe that at least some of it was true, even if it was exaggerated greatly, and Eoin had outright confessed enough to Sidonie in a place sorely lacking real privacy.
“Is this truly what you wish for yourself, Lord Viorel? Sidonie de la Sidra is my dearest friend. She is our Queen. And a beautiful one at that, isn’t she? She was always blessed in that regard. But she is far from alone in that regard. When it comes to it, she is a woman, and the new will wear away. A woman who is accustomed to others catering to her whims. Are past indiscretions likely to revisit your present pursuits? It would cost you more than a promotion this time, I promise you. There is no shame in bowing out now.”