“And suppose,” Spencer countered, “Kerak attacks before this defense line is completed? Or attacks from a different direction?”
“We will fight and win,” Martine said.
Spencer ran a hand through his shaggy hair. “Don’t you realize that an alliance with the Commonwealth— even a token alliance—will force Kanus to pause before he dares to attack? Your objective, it seems to me, should be to prevent a war from starting. Instead, you’re concentrating on plans to win the war, once it begins.”
“If Kanus wants war,” Martine said, “we will defeat him.”
“But he can be defeated without war,” Spencer insisted.
Leoh added, “No dictator can last long without the threat of war to keep his people frightened enough to serve him. And if it becomes clear that Acquatainia cannot be attacked successfully,…”
“Kanus wants war,” Martine said.
“And so do you, apparently,” Spencer added.
The Prime Minister glared at Spencer for a long oment, then turned and said, “Excuse me, I am neglecting my other guests.”
He pushed away, accompanied by a half-dozen followers, leaving Spencer, Leoh, and Lal Ponte in the middle of a suddenly dissipating crowd.
Geri and Hector floated close to the transparent shell, looking out at the stars, barely aware of the music and voices from the party.
“Hector.”
•Tes?”
“Will you promise me something?”
“Sure. What is it?”
Her face was so serious, so beautiful, he could feel his pulse throbbing through his body.
“Do you think Odal will ever return to Acquatainia?”
The question surprised him. “Uh … I don’t know. Maybe. I sort of doubt it. I mean, well….”