Eris had hidden so much from Clo. She wondered how different their last mission would have gone if she had been upfront about who she was. Maybe it would have changed nothing.

Maybe it would have changed everything.

“The person I lost . . . his name was Xander,” Eris said, not returning Clo’s look. She took a deep breath before continuing. “He was one of my brothers, but he was different from the rest. Kinder, more compassionate. The way he died . . .” She couldn’t finish. “You asked me if I’d be willing to kill Damocles, and I want you to know: if I get the chance to put a blast through his head, I’m taking it.”

Clo nodded once. They went past the Three Sisters’s checkpoint and waited in the queue for clearance into the royal palace’s airspace.

“Be careful,” Clo said finally, gazing down at Macella as they waited for security clearance. “Zelus is getting indications that the Oracle’s security on Tholosian planets has increased in preparation for the truce ceremony.”

“You’re concerned about me?”

Clo pressed her lips together.

Eris almost smiled. She’d take that as a yes.

Rhea entered the command center and approached the captain’s chair. “Are you sure you don’t want me to come along instead of Ariadne?” she asked Eris. “I can keep the soldiers calmer and more acquiescent.”

Ariadne and Nyx, back in their servitor disguises, were the only ones accompanying her. They had to do this fast, without complications. Fewer people were less of a risk.

Eris shook her head. “I don’t want to risk Damocles recognizing your abilities.”

“It’s just that Ari’s nervous,” Rhea confided in a whisper. “With the Oracle on high alert . . .”

“I need Ariadne there because the Oracle is on high alert. She’s the only one who can get around One’s security mechanisms.”

Clo’s eyebrows went up. “You sound like you’re expecting trouble.”

“I’m always expecting trouble. That’s what makes me good at my job.” She glanced at the monitors. “They’re giving you permission to land.”

Clo followed the air lanes down to the same hangar they’d gone through before. She wisely made sure to dock near the exit. It was busier this time, with merchants and suppliers ferrying supplies for the peace talks. All was the bustle of gerulae and mechanics scurrying along the ships like worker ants. Cogs in the greater machine.

Eris tried to stay focused as they followed the security guards up to the palace, Ariadne and Nyx flanking. Eris stared at the soldiers. They would obey no matter how abhorrent their orders. If Damocles told them to shoot all three women in the head, they wouldn’t hesitate.

For the glory of Tholos, they believed.