Soleil had risen quickly within the ranks of the teni from her beginnings as a lowly e’teni in Brezno, to her current position as the representative of the Faith for Nessantico. There was talk that, should Archigos Karrol’s ill health take him, the Concordance of A’Teni might elect her as Archigos. Certainly Archigos Karrol had shown her favor in giving her charge of Nessantico.

“Kraljica,” ca’Paim said, inclining her head. The woman was breathing a bit heavily, and Allesandra waved to the chair set across from her.

“A’Teni, it’s so good to see you. Would you like tea? These scones are still warm from the oven and our new pastry chef, I have to say, is excellent…” Allesandra waved to the servants, standing against the wall, and they scurried forward to serve the tea and hand the a’teni a plate adorned with several scones, drizzled with honey. A’ Teni ca’Paim was not one to turn down food: she ate a scone, then another, while the two of them talked pleasantries, circling around the subject they both knew must be broached.

Finally, ca’Paim set down the plate, dusted with sticky crumbs. “I received your request this morning, Kraljica,” ca’Paim stated in her flat, somewhat nasal voice. “While we of the Faith readily acknowledge Ambassador ca’Pallo’s long service to Nessantico and the Holdings, that doesn’t alter the fact that neither the Ambassador nor any of the Numetodo believe in Cenzi as we do, and the usage of Concenzia Faith’s facilities would amount to a de facto acceptance of their heretical beliefs.”

Allesandra set her own plate down. She put a hand on either side of it. “I must remind you, A’Teni, that the Old Temple was rebuilt at least partially with funds given to the Faith by the Holdings.”

Ca’Paim acknowledged that with an inclination of her head. “And for that the Faith is extremely grateful, Kraljica.