“So,” Tyrus Gabinius stated loudly, “you’re going to force us into a decision. Is that it? Well, the House of Gabinius will not agree to a declaration of war.” He stepped down from the seats into the middle of the aisle, arms thrown wide. Like the finest orator in the land.

Aggie walked down the small steps from her chair to the Senate floor. With her hands still clasped in front of her, she made her slow, methodic way to Tyrus. When she was finally in front of him, she said, “The majority of the Senate has made its decision. So, Tyrus Gabinius, deny us this, hold your legions back from what the Empire needs . . . and my brother and I will take everything from you and your family. We will leave not enough for even the crows to dine upon.”

She gave a small smile. “Do you understand me, Senator?”

He didn’t respond, but she didn’t need him to. She nodded at the others. “Senators. Always a pleasure.”

With her piece said, Aggie made her way out of the Senate, the Mì-runach right behind her as she walked back to the palace. She was nearly in her throne room when Lætitia suddenly stepped in front of her, blocking her path.

“You have a problem,” Lætitia announced.

“And good afternoon to you, Aunt.”

“I don’t have time for niceties. Not after what your brother’s done.”

Assuming her aunt had somehow heard about Gaius’s clash with Vateria, she replied, “I will not discuss my brother’s decisions with you. That’s between us.”

“And that barbarian!”

Confused, Aggie asked, “What barbarian?”

Gripping her arm, Lætitia dragged Aggie down the hall and into the throne room.

“That barbarian,” she announced, pointing a damning finger at the woman sitting on Aggie and Gaius’s throne. She didn’t sit there like a queen, but as if she’d just slumped down in the seat because it was available.

“I know her.”

“You do?”

“Yes. Back in the Southlands. Gaius helped her sister or something. I don’t see what the problem is, though.”

“He was kissing her.”

Aggie blinked. “Pardon?”

“You heard me.”

“Aggie!”

Aggie pulled away from her aunt and ran across the room into her brother’s arms. He lifted her up and spun her. She kissed him on both cheeks.

“I’m so glad you’re safe,” she told him when he finally put her back on the ground. “And that you did the right thing.”

He frowned a bit. “You sure?”

“Absolutely.” She pressed her hand to his cheek. “My brave brother.”

She glanced at the woman still sitting in their throne. “I see you’ve brought a friend.”

“Yes.” He led Aggie to the woman’s side. “Aggie . . . this is Kachka.”

“You will not give her my whole name, dragon?”

“I love her too much to torture her with all that.”

“I remember you. You and your sister.”

“Elina.”

“Do I get an introduction?” Lætitia asked.

“Well—”

“Gaius,” Aggie cut in before her brother could say something they’d all regret.

He took a breath. “Lætitia Clydia Domitus. This is Kachka Shestakova.”

Lætitia suddenly stepped back, eyes wide. “You . . . you brought the Scourge of the Gods here?”

Aggie frowned. “The Scourge of the what?”

Gaius tapped Kachka’s shoulder. “Hey, look at that. Your name has made it to the Empire. Look how terrifying you’ve become.”

“How can you joke about this?” Lætitia snapped.

“What do you care, royal, that I am Scourge of Gods?” Kachka flatly asked their aunt. “Have you committed some great sin that will bring me to you as punishment?”

“No.”

“Then do not worry.” She stood. “While my comrades bathe in your giant tub, I will go out and hunt something down for dinner.”

“I’m sure we have enough food in the kitchens for everyone,” Aggie offered.

“I do not need your pathetic sheep to feed me.”

“Lovely girl,” Aggie said to her brother.

“Isn’t she great?” he asked, his grin spread across his entire face. Aggie couldn’t remember the last time she’d seen him so happy.

“Are you two kidding?” Lætitia snapped. “I mean, that woman—”

“Could you excuse us, Aunt Lætitia?” Aggie asked.

“I—” she began, but when Aggie snarled a little, the She-dragon threw up her hands. “Fine! But we’re not done discussing this!”

They waited until their aunt had stormed off; then they began giggling.

“She is never going to forgive you, brother,” Aggie said around her laughter.

“I know. But some things simply can’t be helped.”

“Is your barbarian worth it?”

“More than you realize.”

Happy for her brother, Aggie hugged him just as they heard Aunt Lætitia yelling at Kachka Shestakova’s comrades somewhere in the palace, which probably meant they were using her bath.

“I’ll deal with it,” Gaius said, pulling away from his sister. He got a few steps before he stopped and said, “Oh. I wanted to give you this.”

Aggie scrunched up her nose when her brother held out a sword to her.

“What do you want me to do with that?”

“I got it from . . . someone. It’s not really for me, though. But Kachka suggested that I should probably teach you a few things. It never hurts to be able to defend yourself during a war.”

“But I’ve got the lugheads,” she reminded him, gesturing to the Mì-runach who stood on the other side of the throne room door.

“Aggie.”

“Oh, all right! Give it to me.” She snatched the weapon from her brother and watched the color drain from his face as he stumbled back a few feet.

“What?” she asked. “What’s wrong?”

Gaius suddenly grabbed her arm and dragged her into a small dressing room just off the throne room. There he pulled her in front of a large standing mirror.

“Oh . . . my.”

The elaborate silver armor covered Aggie from head to foot. Even the sword was no longer plain.

Aggie shoved the weapon back into her brother’s hands and, as soon as she no longer held it, the armor was gone and she was back in the dress of a Sovereigns ruler.

“Put that somewhere . . . away,” she told him.

“But—”

“Away.”

Gaius took his sister’s hand. “I’ll get it a sheath. Put it by your bed. If you ever need it, especially while human, it’ll be there.” He squeezed her hand. “All right?”

“All right.” She licked her suddenly dry lips. “Where the hells did you get that thing anyway?”

“From a god. A very helpful god. Who knew exactly what I needed. To keep you safe whether I’m with you or not.”

Aggie shook her head. “You do understand that we didn’t have these problems until we allied with the Southlanders?”