The only drink Radonis had drunk was a glass of wine. And that was because the bottle had been opened right in front of his eyes and the taster had taken a sip of the rich Antivan red.
Why, had said his host, no more wine, your Imperial Majesty?
And Radonis had smiled, genial, and answered, « The night is young, Magister Urathus, but alas, I am not. »
The man had laughed, as he was expected to, and Radonis had hinted at the glass that Urathus was holding in his gloved hand. He added, « And neither are you. »
That, all in all, was the most pleasant conversation they’d ever had, which was rather revealing of Radonis’ opinions on his cunning host. But, of course, one could not so easily turn down an invitation to an important party, not when he knew for a fact how interesting the conversation might turn out to be. Or the entertainment --- if the Qunari mage that the Magister kept as a novelty and a pet could be considered entertainment to begin with.
(Flavius had come to Radonis and had leaned slightly over him, speaking in a hushed voice --- the elf was his personal attendant, indeed, but he understood the whispers of slaves still, and they said that the Qunari was almost always paraded around when guests were around the household. That she was, perhaps, the key to the Magister’s secrets. Flavius might well have been correct.)
« Your little pet », said then Radonis to Urathus, observing the woman, his kajal-lined eyes a little narrowed, like a blade. « Does she understand instructions? »
« Barely », the Magister answered, sipping at his wine. « Enough to do what she’s told. »
Radonis smiled again, that phlegmatic smile of his. « Perhaps she would like her mouth unsewn. ---Would you, Qunari? »