Invidia was silent for a long moment before she said, calmly, “Of course.” She turned to leave.

“Invidia,” the Queen said.

The burn-scarred woman paused.

“You are not replaceable,” the Queen said quietly. “I will therefore sacrifice you the most reluctantly. I would prefer it if you took whatever action you could to avoid becoming the victim of chance.”

“Since we are being candid,” Invidia said, “I must tell you that my motivations for cooperation are somewhat diluted by the fact that I am fully aware that when you no longer have a use for me, you will dispose of me.”

The vord Queen tilted her head, her expression pensive. Then she nodded slowly. “Nearly one million freemen have come to me wearing the green,” she said. “They are being sheltered and fed, and I will honor the bargain I offered them. It might reduce the amount of disruption if, when the organized Aleran resistance is broken, they are governed by one of their own. Someone who understands reality.” She paused, and added, “I suppose it might prevent needless suffering. Preserve lives that would otherwise be lost. If that matters to you.”

Invidia narrowed her eyes. “Are you making me that offer?”

The Queen nodded. “I am. Our partnership has been mutually profitable. I see no reason why it should not continue at the conclusion of hostilities. Survive, serve me well, and it will be so.”

Invidia was silent for a moment. She looked away from the Queen, and Isana saw her bow her head. There was a flash of emotion from the burned woman, of fear and elated hope and bitter shame.

“Very well,” she whispered.

The vord Queen nodded. “Go.”

Invidia left the hive.

Several moments later, the vord Queen said, “I know you didn’t sleep through that noise, Isana.”

“I thought it would be more polite not to disturb you,” Isana said.

“You thought you might gain information covertly,” the Queen said. “It was a sensible attempt to attain some small measure of advantage.” She stared down at the pool for a moment, and murmured, “Your son has grown.”

Isana’s heart seemed to skip a beat as a sudden pang went through her chest. “I assume you do not mean physically.”

“His tactical furycraft is impressive. Less subtle and complex than Sextus’s talents, but applied with greater flexibility and intelligence.”

Isana swallowed. “You’re trying to hurt him.”

The Queen looked back at Isana, her expression surprised. “Of course.”

Isana carefully did not grind her teeth or show the vord fear or rage. “But you have not succeeded.”

“Yet,” said the Queen, “there was a very low order of probability that this attempt would succeed. That was not its purpose.”

“A sensible attempt to attain some small measure of advantage,” Isana said.

“Precisely.” She studied the pool’s surface. “Thus far, I estimate my own strength to be the greater by a considerable margin.”