/n/jackal-among-snakes-1520/c-266
chapter-265

“Levin is going to be coronated soon,” Elenore informed Argrave. They were alone in a lounge, save Ansgar—Anneliese had not yet awoken. “Two weeks’ time, perhaps less. Your coronations may end up being at similar times, as things end up. I sincerely hope one ends better than the other.”

Argrave took a drink—it was quite potent. He swallowed it and winced, then looked to Ansgar.

“A tea suited for dispelling the morning sickness from alcohol,” the aged man explained. He had become the intermediary between Leopold and their party, despite the fact both resided within his mansion. “Leopold thought you might need it.”

Argrave shook his head. “I appreciate it, but no.”

“Shall I get something else?” Ansgar asked.

“Thank you, but no need to trouble yourself,” Argrave waved his offer away.

Ansgar put his hands before him. “You ought to get used to accepting help of this sort.”

Argrave looked to him, realizing he had a point. “Then… something minty, and sweet. Leave this for Anneliese—she’ll need it.” Argrave directed his attention back to Elenore as Ansgar left. “Speaking of… Anneliese told me you two drank together. It was rather hard to understand that from her slurred haze, and she was impossible to rouse this morning, so I thought I might ask you.”

Elenore watched the door shut behind Ansgar and said, “Yes. She had never gotten drunk before and expressed interest. I may have urged her onwards to gain some… candid details. She may have a rough time today.”

“Candid details?” Argrave repeated. “And what did you learn?”

“I learned sometimes it is better to remain ignorant,” Elenore said at once.

Argrave grinned, feeling rather pleased they were getting along. After a moment of silence, he leaned in, scratching his nose as he asked, “That’s good. But what exactly did you learn from those delegates? Things were too busy for us to talk last night, it seems.”

Elenore’s face grew serious as she recounted, “Levin wanted Relize on Atrus’ side… or merely opposing Vasquer. He was prepared to offer them some great deals, but upon hearing of our intent, the delegates decided to completely renege on their intent to back House Yiasten.”

Argrave leaned back into the couch. “Good fortune for once. Things are going well. Now is usually the time that things turn to hell.” Argrave scratched the top of his lip. “I’ll be careful with my publicity stunt, I guess. What will you be doing?”

“I have to go away for a time. Until I can have some of my key operatives learn druidic magic, I’m limited in my influence based on distance. Things in Atrus need to be stabilized—given how things went with the delegates, that’s possible. So, I’ll be travelling closer,” Elenore explained evenly.

“Going away?” Argrave leaned in, putting one hand on his knee. “Kind of… uncomfortable with that, honestly. But if you say it’s necessary, I trust you. Just be safe. If you want, I can have Anneliese screen the people you’re with for traitors. I’m sure she’ll agree.”

Elenore shook her head. “Like I said, I need to leave today. Doubtless she’ll have a rough morning. That won’t be necessary—she’s done it once before, after all.”

The door opened, and a greatly disheveled Anneliese stood there, still in last night’s attire. Argrave rose, uneased, until he saw her rubbing her eyes and clutching her head, shying away from the early morning light.

“I ought to be off,” Elenore rose to her feet. “The caravan comes to take me early. Argrave, Anneliese—good luck.”

“Be safe,” Argrave reiterated, then stepped to Anneliese. “Look at you. Are you alright? Wouldn’t fault you for resting.”

“Be quiet,” she hushed him at once, and Argrave laughed, waving to Elenore as she walked out. “My head is throbbing. I feel sick.”

Argrave put his hand on her shoulders and guided her. “Here. Drink this—it’s supposed to help with that. Failing that, I suppose healing magic could remedy your pain,” he suggested.

“Did that,” she said, obeying him.

“Really, you of all people look like this? I’m surprised.”

“Elenore gave me a bottle,” Anneliese said. “Never been drunk before… curious what it was like.” She drank the tea, then grimaced. “Eugh. Terrible.”

“Down it all in one go,” Argrave said, his voice distant. “You drank with Elenore? However did that come about?”

“To celebrate, I think. Talk.” Anneliese shook her head, then downed it all as Argrave suggested.

Argrave thought back to Elenore—she didn’t seem particularly affected. “Seems like I’ve already been beaten. She likes you more than me,” Argrave lamented. “Not that I blame her. You’re like—”

“Stop talking for once,” Anneliese quieted him.

Argrave did his best not to laugh loudly.