Chapter 15

  Declaration of love

  “I knew Niel would understand,” Linart said. “Now all that’s left is to carry out the mission he gave you. Hopefully we’ll recover our amarite by then.”

  Aaronn laid his cloak across one of the three beds in the hotel room. Lunamilla sat on the bed opposite his, while Linart stood near the entrance.

  “To be honest, I’m not entirely sure where to begin,” Aaronn admitted. “Who exactly is this Jaje Neima?”

  Lunamilla exchanged a brief glance with Linart, silently asking permission to answer. He nodded. She drew her legs together and placed her hands on her thighs.

  “He’s one of the ruling senators of the High Court of the Three Summits,” she explained softly. “That assembly represents the planet’s three megacities. Ornéa is on the western continent, Amraal, and the other two are on the eastern continent, Emraal. Each city elects a ruling senator to represent it. Every four years, those three senators may in turn run for the title of Chief Senator.”

  “Interesting,” Aaronn replied. “So Niel’s superior must be Ornéa’s representative.”

  Lunamilla’s hands tightened slightly.

  “Yes.”

  “And what does the Chief Senator do?”

  “Each ruling senator has judicial, economic, and territorial authority over their city,” she said. “As for everything else—technological, social, military, and political control—it remains under Eile?n’s governance. However, the world below can ‘debate’ with the royal family to reach agreements on new laws. That is the Chief Senator’s role.”

  Linart added, “Since we suspect Jaje Neima is already in league with Eile?n, it would be disastrous to let him take that position. Eighteen years ago, the truth about the elimination of the Half-Chosen caused serious damage to Eile?n’s reputation. If we prove Neima’s guilt, the population will oppose his nomination.”

  “I see… and how do the elections work?”

  “A public vote,” Linart answered. “Whichever ruling senator receives the most votes wins.”

  Despite himself, Aaronn had stumbled into politics. He would have preferred to delegate that part of the mission—but he had no choice.

  “Espionage isn’t my strong suit,” he admitted. “Do you know how I might get close to him?”

  Silence followed.

  “I don’t know,” Linart said at last. “He’s difficult to approach. And it’s nearly impossible to mix with nobility if you weren’t born into it.”

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  Aaronn had expected as much. He would have to manage on his own.

  Lunamilla lifted her head, determination flickering in her eyes.

  “You won’t have to force anything,” she said. “Jaje Neima’s son is in love with me. You can use me to get close to his father.”

  “Wow,” Aaronn reacted. “He’s your boyfriend? You could’ve said that sooner.”

  “No! Of course not!” she shot back immediately. “We were in the same orphanage. Two years ago—just before he was adopted by Jaje Neima—he confessed his feelings to me.”

  “Well, that’s a surprise. You were an orphan?”

  She nodded.

  “Linart was there too.”

  He confirmed with a nod.

  “Then we can get close to Jaje more easily than I thought,” Aaronn said. “Let’s hope nobility hasn’t erased your face from his memory. I could… pretend to be your older brother? From your new family.”

  “I think that could work,” she agreed. “We haven’t seen each other since. And I doubt he knows Linart and I fled the orphanage to join the resistance.”

  “But how do you plan to approach him?” Linart asked.

  “The elections are soon,” she replied. “Jaje Neima will be hosting countless social gatherings to gather votes—if he hasn’t already started.”

  Aaronn smiled—not teasing this time, but with genuine pride.

  “You see, Luna? You deserve your place in the resistance. Don’t let anyone diminish you because of what they think they know about you.”

  She straightened naturally. To his surprise, she did not blush this time. Instead, her expression reflected surprise and gratitude.

  “Thank you. Truly,” she said. “And thank you for defending me earlier.”

  Aaronn and Lunamilla walked along the river, the setting sun reflecting in molten streaks across the water. The quays seemed endless. They were heading back to their starting point, where Linart was to meet them later.

  Lunamilla laughed at one of Aaronn’s jokes.

  “So your sister watches over you, is that it?” she asked, hands clasped behind her back, walking with her head lowered.

  “Yes. And I’d rather not explain why it’s just the two of us for now.”

  He did not want to reveal that his mission—though sincere—was also a trial set for him. After meeting Linart and Lunamilla and seeing their reality firsthand, he felt it would be disrespectful.

  “Why?”

  “It’s complicated. I’ll tell you when the time is right. But I’d like to know why you joined the resistance,” he said quickly, changing the subject.

  “M-me? Well… honestly, I’d say Linart gave me the courage. When the Half-Chosen were torn from their parents, it didn’t leave me indifferent. I wanted to act. I wanted to help them… but I was too weak.”

  “How long have you known Linart?”

  “Since I was thirteen. We met at the orphanage. He’s been my best friend ever since. We’ve never been apart.”

  “Was your sister there too?”

  “N-no,” she answered quickly.

  She clearly didn’t want to linger on the subject. Pieces of Lunamilla’s story were falling into place—but mysteries remained. Who was her sister? What role did she play? From what he understood, she held an important place both within the resistance and in Lunamilla’s heart. They must see each other often to maintain such closeness.

  “I see. So you want to defend the weak? That’s a noble cause. I respect that.”

  “Thank you. But for me, it isn’t a cause. It’s a duty,” she said gravely.

  The conviction in her voice heightened her charm. She meant every word—and Aaronn was not immune to it.

  “You’re finally back,” came a voice from atop the wall overlooking the quays. “Night’s about to fall.”

  Aaronn and Lunamilla looked up. Linart seemed to have been waiting for some time.

  “Do you have them?” Aaronn asked.

  “Yeah. Niel was surprisingly cooperative. He gave me two invitations for the gathering at Senator Neima’s estate this weekend. You’ll get in without trouble.”

  “And you?” Lunamilla asked.

  “I’d rather not go. Places like that aren’t my thing. I might blow our cover.”

  “Perfect. Thanks, Linart,” Aaronn said. “I owe you one.”

  “No problem,” Linart replied. “And don’t stress too much about the return—one hundred kilograms of amarite will be enough.”

  Aaronn burst into laughter, joined by Lunamilla’s lighter one.

  “Deal.”