“We'll need something there. The situation in London is fragile. No doubt, the same across the land. The humans are in wretched shape, both mentally and physically. There are still Undead about, and they attack without discrimination. And there are freed humans who seek retribution against collaborators.”
“How are the people themselves?” Adele asked tentatively. “Do they seem happy to be liberated?”
“They are in shock, I think. Some are aware they are free; others are just stupefied. There are some who see us as the new occupiers.”
“To them, we are.”
“Would they prefer the vampires?” Hariri quipped.
“Of course not, but these people have been under a vicious regime for generations now. They've known one way of life, meager though it was.”
“The eyes of Alexandria will be on you, ma'am,” Anhalt said, stabbing a piece of chicken with a knife.
“This is the first test of imperial ambitions.” Adele tapped a thoughtful finger on the table.
“It will be a delicate affair, I grant you.”
“Hospitals and other needs of the people must be met first and foremost.”
“Construction is already under way on a hospital.”
“Good. Christen it the Miles Clark Memorial Hospital.” Anhalt raised an eyebrow, so she added, “For our fallen American brethren, General.”
“Of course.” Then the general said, “Perhaps you should make a trip south soon, Your Majesty.”
“Yes, I intend to. I need to see to affairs in London for myself.”
“London, yes. But farther south as well.” Anhalt shifted his aching legs with a grimace. “When do you intend to return to Alexandria?”
Gareth stood. “Excuse me.” He walked out of the room.
Hariri stared after him. “Pardon me saying so, but he doesn't seem too concerned about the future of his people.”
“He has no people,” Adele stated solemnly. “He's the king of ashes. I killed them with a wave of my hand.” She glanced at the door before saying, “I want to discuss my plans with you in greater length soon, General. It will be difficult, but I hope to establish some sort of court here in Edinburgh, as well as maintaining my presence in Alexandria. There will be arrangements with the court and Commons, and Simon, to ensure a smooth government there, and here. Furthermore, on the grand issue of our liberation of Europe, it is my intention to seize control of Mamoru's cabal of geomancers, and to unite them with Greyfriar's network. I will do what Mamoru should have been doing all along: create a corps of geomancers who will venture into occupied Europe and train humans to resist their vampire masters.”
General Anhalt huffed appreciatively. “Arming a man's food against him. Cunning.”
“There are difficult and exciting times ahead.” Adele nudged Pet to the floor and rose. She ran a soft hand over Anhalt's shoulder. “I can't express how grateful I am to still have you beside me to see it.”
“No need, Majesty.” The sirdar glanced up at her with a gleam replacing the fatigue in his dark eyes. “It has been my honor. Always.”
“Now, gentlemen, I beg your pardon, but I must step away.”
Hariri took a deep breath and set down his chicken leg. He studied his companion. “I am in awe of you both. After all you've been though, you still won't stop. How long do you think you can maintain your strength, my old friend?”
Anhalt watched his beloved Adele depart. “As long as she needs me. As long as she needs me.”
Adele hurried the halls looking for Gareth. The castle was so large she doubted she'd find him if he truly intended to hide from her. All the rooms were empty, so she searched outside on the ramparts and found him near the remnants of a gigantic iron cannon.
She didn't say anything, but merely stood beside him. Even though the day had been warm, the winds gusting off the coast brought a nip to the air. After a silent moment, he pulled off his cloak and wrapped it around her shoulders. His arms slipped around her waist and drew her against his chest. The warmth of his body warded off the remainder of her chills. Together they stared out over the city, watching the smoke from chimneys curl skyward. Neither spoke for a long time. Adele's insistent patience finally wore him down.
Gareth said, “I'm just trying to decide my place in this new world.”
“It's right beside me,” Adele answered softly.
“Of course. But there is more to me than that.”
Her head settled against his shoulder. “I know. What do you want to do?”
“I don't know, but it appears neither Gareth nor Greyfriar are needed anymore.”
“Rubbish!” she declared with a trace of anger in her voice. She turned in his embrace to face him.