No Solace (The Flames of Retribution - Book 1)

Chapter Thirty-Five - An Awkward Carriage Ride

While I worried over his growing interest of me, Altair checked his watch and made a small noise. "I have to get back to the tower. Will you be okay finding your way back to the embassy?" He looked angry about something.

Before I could answer, a smooth male voice spoke from behind us. "I'll take him to the embassy. I was on my way there as well."

Altair looked up from his pocket watch to see Lord Tiberius approaching us. "Very well, Tiberius." There was a hint of warning in his tone, and he didn't look happy to be leaving me in his care. "Kaashif, please send word to the tower once you've arrived." With one more look at Tiberius, he left for the tower. 

Tiberius swept his hand towards the gate. "Shall we then?" he asked me.

As Tiberius and I settled into the plush seats of the carriage, the soft rumble of the wheels against the cobblestone streets filled the air. I glanced out the window, watching the city's bustling activity as we made our way towards the embassy. Tiberius, a man of sharp wit and piercing eyes, ended the tense silence as he leaned forward.

"So, Taleat Kaashif," he said, his voice laced with curiosity. "Tell me more about yourself. Why did the Rathe family send someone of your..." His moonstone eyes raked down my form with mild contempt, "dubious heritage?"

I could sense the weight of his scrutiny, his desire to uncover the truth behind my presence. With a calm smile, I continued with my deceit, cursing Perron once more. I was never supposed to have done all this alone.

"Dubious?" I began, leaning back in my seat and acting affronted, "I have always had a knack for languages and cultural understanding. It seemed only natural for me to take Perron's place at the academy."

Tiberius raised an eyebrow, sneering at me. "I see," he remarked, his tone tinged with skepticism. "But I was Perron's friend for years, and not once did he mention having a cousin."

I met his gaze, my eyes unwavering. "Well, my father was known to be rather private, so I'm not sure why he left Calasha without speaking of me. My uncle only learned of my existence quite recently. Once he met me, he was impressed by me." I shrugged as though being the illegitimate nephew of the most powerful man next to their Bishanu, their word for emperor, was not a devastating revelation. "I'd traveled far and wide with my father, immersing myself in different cultures, learning their customs and languages firsthand. It has given me a unique perspective and a set of skills that may prove invaluable in diplomatic negotiations once I learn more."

Tiberius leaned back in his seat and folded his arms, still not convinced. "The Dova's brother died in Aluraparine while overseeing the Dova's shipping business. The time period matches, but Augustin was holier than a priest and I would never believe he'd create a child."

I smirked. " You act as if my father built me from a modeling kit all on his own. Well, nonetheless, here I am, half Aluraparinese. He did have to have help in creating a child, you know."

He smirked back. "You think you're quite amusing, don't you?"

"Simply defending myself against this untoward interrogation."

"I hardly think it's untoward. Before I came to Sanfelton, the Rathes were my friends. I expected a letter from the Dova himself about these matters, not to learn them third hand."

I realized by his peeved expression, that this was the primary reason for his aggressive behavior, and his determination to reveal me as a fraud. The secondary reason was becoming just as clear. "I am not seeking any sort of meaningful friendship with Prince Altair."

Tiberius scoffed, his eyes narrowing. "And why is that?" he asked, his voice filled with skepticism.

I leaned back in my seat, a bland expression on my face. "I'm not here to make friends. I'm only here to learn more about a nation we trade with, and to find out what happened to Talesina Jasni," I replied. "Prince Altair finds my hybrid status fascinating, so he's made his overtures to me on his own. As to why that is, I am not sure. He's not made it clear to me what his true intentions are."