The Masked City (The Invisible Library #2)(98)
‘Naturally the offer of hospitality extends to all of you,’ Li Ming said. Irene wondered if their attendance was compulsory. The words matters of war were echoing in her head like thunder. No, no, no. She’d thought they were past that. Were she and Vale witnesses? Or was this invitation actually a sort of protective custody? But there didn’t seem to be any immediate threat to his words - or at least not a threat to them - or even the suggestion of official displeasure. ‘My lord your uncle would wish due courtesy to be given to your associates. Miss Winters and Mr Vale are very welcome.’
‘Thank you,’ Vale said. ‘You are most kind.’
Kai looked at Irene for approval. Putting the responsibility on me again, she thought acidly. When she gave him a half-nod, he turned back to Li Ming. ‘Then we shall be glad to accept,’ he said.
The cab trip was full of tension. Li Ming refused to discuss the question of Fae/dragon hostilities, claiming that it was a matter for Kai’s uncle, and instead questioned Kai about recent events. Vale brooded in the corner, from time to time sweeping Li Ming with that speculative gaze which suggested he was amassing data. Kai gave a cut-down version of what had happened, unconsciously rubbing at his bruises.
And Irene sat in the opposite corner from Vale and thought about war. Surely Ao Shun would be prepared to accept a peaceful solution? They’d rescued Kai. Or did some dragons want war just as much as certain Fae did?
If he did, then this world, and hundreds of others like it, might be doomed.
Li Ming had a suite reserved at the Savoy Hotel. The trusted lackeys of dragon kings presumably had big expense accounts, Irene thought grudgingly - she certainly couldn’t have afforded accommodation on this scale. The room was very pretty, though, all white and gilt, with a light-green carpet so spotless that it seemed a crime to walk on it. The heavy white velvet curtains were drawn back in swags from the window, and the morning light made the whole place far too bright. She, Vale and Kai were untidy blotches on its expensive elegance. Blotches with coffee, though, which helped.
Then Li Ming interrupted her thoughts with the announcement she’d been secretly dreading: ‘His majesty the King of the Northern Ocean honours you with his presence.’
Irene rose, then stooped into a full curtsey, conscious of Vale bowing as the door swung open.
Kai brought his right fist to his left shoulder and quite unselfconsciously went down on one knee, bowing his head. ‘My lord uncle,’ he said. ‘Your presence is undeserved. I ask your pardon for any inconvenience I may have caused you.’
Irene looked up through her lashes, waiting for a cue to rise, praying it would come before her legs spasmed and she lost her balance. Like Li Ming, Ao Shun was dressed for this London, but his spotless jet-black suit, complete with white silk scarf, could only have come from a royal tailor. He also appeared in a fully human guise this time, Irene saw to her relief, though the sheer impact of his presence was only slightly less overpowering as a result.
‘You have my thanks for your actions in defence of my nephew,’ he said, at last gesturing for them to stand. ‘I have come to discuss what took place, before raising the matter of war with my brothers.’
‘Your majesty,’ Irene said, and saw Kai suppress a twitch. No doubt it was Not the Done Thing for anyone other than the king to take the conversational lead. ‘I ask your permission to speak.’
Ao Shun levelled his gaze at her, and she felt as if she was in a cannon’s sights. ‘Your actions have earned our consideration,’ he said. ‘What concerns you?’
‘Your majesty, the kidnapping was due to two people alone,’ Irene said. She watched him as she spoke, trying to gauge his reaction to her words, looking for any hint of emotion. ‘One of them is now dead at my hands. And the other acknowledged her defeat and fled. Your nephew has returned to you. We were also helped by others of the Fae who didn’t seek war. Your majesty, I am not asking for lenience to benefit the Fae. But I entreat you to consider all the humans in all the worlds between you and them. I beg you, do not make this a matter of war. It would be disproportionate.’ She looked for words that might sway a dragon. ‘And, I think, unjust.’
Ao Shun’s eyes flared red at the word unjust and the sky outside darkened in response, as gathering clouds hid the sun. ‘Your words are heard,’ he said. ‘Your perspective is natural, as one from the Library.’
Irene felt the pressure of his displeasure, as it lay dangerously heavy in the air, and had to force herself to continue. ‘Of course, your majesty,’ she said, ‘I am loyal to the Library. And, as such, I can and must speak for its interests. But I would also say that the Fae have suffered a severe setback, proving that it’s unwise to kidnap any dragon, let alone one of your royal bloodline. Please consider this to be sufficient, your majesty.’
Ao Shun turned his head slightly, looking away from her. ‘You have done your duty to my nephew as your student,’ he said. ‘Your responsibilities in this matter are ended. There is no need for you to take further action.’
Irene could see Kai looking at her, with a please-please-shut-up-now expression on his face. On her other side, Vale was impassive. ‘I have fulfilled my duty to my student,’ she said. ‘I also have a duty to the Library, and to the people in the worlds that it touches.’
‘And what of you, my nephew?’ Ao Shun’s voice took on a distinct edge as he addressed Kai. The room was suddenly full of thick tension - it pressed against Irene, and she could see that Vale was having to square his shoulders to stand firm against it. Thunder shuddered in the air outside. ‘Have you any thoughts on this matter?’