Contents
Chapter 12. Now: Maris
Overview
Maris attends the Consul’s private induction dinner, where Consul Saturian probes her loyalties and signals confidence that victory is days away. He implies her late mother aided his aims, pressing for Forum unity aligned with the gods. Maris boldly proposes a tribunal vote to negotiate with the New Legion; the Consul rejects the idea as validating treason. Realizing persuasion will fail, Maris decides to seek negotiations herself.
Summary
Maris enters the Consul’s chambers for the ceremonial induction dinner, noting lavish abundance amid wartime scarcity and recognizing her uncle Nej’s unexpected presence. Aware of implied expectations, she braces for a test of loyalty as the Consul scrutinizes her and disparages her mother’s suicide as weakness.
Maris defends her mother’s devotion to the Citadel. The Consul underscores the Casperia legacy, hints that a disgraced link can be mended by the right heir, and casually displays wealth laced with godsblood. He quizzes Maris about her Illyrium training under Ophelius, probing rites and rituals while projecting calm certainty that rebellion will end within days.
Declaring the gods at work and the factions finished, the Consul speaks of refilling Forum seats and turning judgment stones in his favor, implying Maris’s mother understood and worked with him. When invited to name her price for loyalty, Maris asks to call a vote at the next tribunal: a formal negotiation with the New Legion for peace. Nej startles; the Consul rejects negotiation as validating treason and suggests her stance is arrogance or folly.
Reading his unshakable confidence, Maris realizes the Consul is already stacking the Forum and will not be swayed. To save lives—especially Luca’s—she silently resolves to open talks herself. Nej reaffirms her readiness, and the Consul closes the exchange with a cool promise that her mettle will soon be proven.
Who Appears
- Maris CasperiaNewly seated Magistrate; defends her mother, proposes negotiating with the New Legion, and resolves to seek talks herself.
- Consul SaturianRuler; tests Maris, signals imminent victory, implies alliance with her late mother, rejects negotiation as validating treason.
- NejConsul’s scribe and Maris’s uncle; tense, cautious presence; vouches for Maris yet warns her implicitly through demeanor.