“I’m not yet so blind that you can seal me in down here and sing sad songs, boy. You’ve been making the rounds, speaking to members of the Grand Council. I want to know why.”

Malachi grimaced. The timing was unfortunate. Then again, it was in the nature of things that Hadon would have found out the truth sooner or later. He sifted through the possibilities. He could hedge, of course he could, but Hadon’s patience ran thin at the best of times. If the older man wasn’t already an enemy, that would surely make him so. Only truth would serve.

“We’re exploring the possibility of peace with the Empire.”

“You’re what?” Hadon scowled, and his voice dropped to a level more suited to the sombre environs. “You think we should beg?”

“That’s not what I’m proposing. The Hadari are fractured. They need chance to catch their breath as much as we do.”

“That’s how grovelling always starts. But that’s nothing new to you, is it? Lord Reveque? Wouldn’t be the first time you’ve thrown away your pride for power.” He rapped his knuckles on a plinth. “If you want to abase yourself before the Hadari, you go right ahead. But you do it alone.”

“And if I’m not alone?”

“Don’t test me on this, boy. Not with our ancestors watching.”

“I don’t seek to test you, Hadon.” With an effort, Malachi ignored the bluster. “But I’d remind you that peace – however brief – brings opportunities. In trade, for example.”

Ruddiness faded from Hadon’s expression as greed swamped outrage. Bellicose sentiment was one thing, but Hadon Akadra loved little so much as the chink of gold in his purse. Perhaps even loved it more than he hated the Hadari.

“Trying to bribe me, Malachi?” The words held an accusation, but the tone remained thoughtful.

“I’m merely ensuring you’ve considered the wider possibilities.”

Hadon snorted, but Malachi saw the wheels turning behind his eyes. Hadon knew, as Malachi did, that no peace between the realms ever lasted long. He lost nothing by allowing Malachi to stick his neck out, and a tidy profit to gain.

“I’ll think on it. But no promises.”

Brow furrowed in thought, Hadon reclaimed his flask and strode away.

Malachi waited until he was lost from sight, and let out a long, slow breath. That had gone far better than he’d expected. So much so, that he scarcely believed it. But the cat was now well and truly out of the bag.