13.2 Conciliation

Exhaling softly, you enter the large abode and remove a few of your adornments. It has been a long day and you're quite looking forward to this respite. Though, you're quite aware it's only temporary as there is still much to do. You have only a few hours rest before you'll be rising for the next day and all the events it holds. Having forgone an evening bath, you instead begin to strip away some of the layers covering your weary form.

"Do you truly expect to be a leader when you are already indebted to your opposition?" A familiar voice sounds from behind causing you to swiftly turn in its direction.

"What are you doing here?" You question in alarm and irritation.

Leonis' gaze briefly traces down your half unrobed figure before returning to your annoyed expression. He's leaned against one of the far walls, half bathed in shadow. Despite your frustration at his unexpected appearance, you can't help appreciating his now well groomed frame. You remember the tension between you that night so long ago, before Alexius perished. Though you've only held your current position for a day, it's strange to think back to that time. A time filled with such uncertainty and dread. The more you think about it the more you realize how little has changed. For you're still just as uncertain and full of dread.

"After all this time, I expected you to be more welcoming to my return." The man frowns lightly though you suspect he's not nearly as offended as he lets on. "Regardless, I am here for your benefit, not my own."

"What makes you believe so?" You inquire, gesturing for the man to take a seat.

It seems prudent to at least hear him out, seeing as he has made no indication of threat. He obliges whilst you move to pour two chalices of wine. Wordlessly, you hand the soldier one before taking a seat across from him. He pauses for a moment as he raises the cup to his lips and takes a deep sip. Despite your own weariness, you join him in the drink before waiting for his reply.

"For the same reason you are currently doubting yourself." He finally answers brusquely, his sharp gaze fixed on you. "You are not fit to rule."

Your brow arches defiantly as you open your mouth to interject. However, he holds a hand up before continuing.

"That does not mean that you cannot learn."

"And I suppose you are offering your 'services'?" You sigh before taking another sip from your chalice.

"See, you are a swift learner." He smirks in reply while leaning back casually in his seat. "But yes, that is the general idea."

"Why should I choose you over any other advisor?" Your brow arches further, now in a more teasing manner. "And do not say it is because you worked with Alexius, for many can also claim such."

"Very well, I may not have more to offer than most in your retinue." Leonis admits with a slight nod. "However, I have nothing to gain from this other than a new, less volatile position."

"So, you're hoping to leverage this in exchange for avoiding reenlistment?" You set your glass aside before rising to your feet. "Very well, I am willing to give you a trial. Though, should your advisory be to my disliking or detriment, I will not hesitate to dispose of you and your services."

"You have yet to hear my terms."

You pause your tracks and turn to look at him in surprise. An irritatingly confident look remains on his scarred yet handsome face. He too rises to his feet, easily towering over you as he approaches.

"You think you are in a position to barter?" You manage to inquire, though your voice is hardly above a whisper.

"I have but one request, Empress." His umber gaze is intense and you're almost driven to look away. " I can think of no better retribution than to spend one evening with the former wife of the man who nearly caused my demise."

"You cannot be serious!" You gasp in surprise, reflexively taking a step back. "Alexius is dead, it hardly matters now."

"To you, perhaps." His large figure continues to loom over you. "To me, it is a matter of principle."

"How enticing." You scoff and cross your arms defensively.

"You have yet to reject my offer." Leonis' lips curl upwards in a slight smirk.

"I-" You hesitate as you consider the proposition. "I suppose there are worse ways to get back at the dead."