10
Valen
It’s nearly midnight when the council gathers, but this can’t wait. Guria is bleary-eyed, while Kopic and Celpin fidget and bicker. Zana and Delkin still seem a bit cordial, and Tania lingers outside the group.
“Aphelian’s boldness isn’t surprising,” Celpin says. He’s leaning against the wall by the door, shooting irritated looks at Kopic. I can’t tell if he genuinely doesn’t trust him or if he’s angry he replaced him as head of the guard. “And I just have to say it—does it seem odd to anyone else that she struck right after the traitor was let out of the dungeon?”
Tania groans, and Zana cringes. Delkin simply watches the room, quiet.
“Kopic has my trust,” I say. “If you don’t trust him , then trust that .”
He’s usually so guarded, but the look of gratitude Kopic gives me is unmistakable. He’s had a hard time winning over his old friends. When Liani went down, they all turned on him. My support of him has helped, but he still has a long way to go.
“If your decision to seek out the other courts is final, then who goes?” Celpin looks around the room. “I’ve already assembled the most capable Fae for the task. Brave, strong, and well versed in diplomacy.” He chuckles. “And if that fails, their skill with blades will ensure us victory.”
“Cutting down what’s left of the other courts won’t be a victory, Celpin.” I drop my head in my hands and sigh.
“Benj and I could go,” Delkin says. “If there’s any of the old- timers left, that might help.”
He isn’t wrong, but…
“I have an alternative to propose.” I pick my head up and survey the room. There’s going to be major backlash to this, but I’ve been thinking about it since the last council meeting, and it makes the most sense. “Tania and I will go.”
As expected, the room erupts in chaos. Tania stands on the outskirts of the group, looking bored. “Not the worst idea you’ve ever had.”
So you agree?
“It has its benefits.” She looks away. “But there’s also quite a bit of risk. If we—”
“You can’t possibly think this is the smartest move,” Celpin roars, drowning out Tania’s voice inside my head. “If something were to happen to you—”
“Then you have the next best thing.” I gesture to my father. “Some might even argue a better monarch.”
“We’ve been over this, Valen.” Delkin pinches the bridge of his nose. It might have been a good idea to warn him ahead of the meeting, but hindsight and all that. “The people won’t accept me when there’s an option within the bloodline who has magic. My time has come and gone. You are what’s best for our people—which is why this is reckless—”
“Hear me out,” I say to him, then turn to the rest of them. “I know what you’re all thinking, and you have a point. This is dangerous, and I’m too important.” I hold up my hand and wiggle my fingers. “Blah, blah.”
“Valen…”
Tania and my father are right. This is a risky move. But the entire plan has its risks. We lost four lives in the attack outside the gate. For me, that’s four too many. And even though I’ve surrounded myself with Fae I trust, I still want to see to this personally.
“I think this will show the Fae of the Winter Lands that I am invested,” I say. “By doing this myself, I prove my loyalty to them. My dedication to their future. It shows strength. Plus, Tania coming with me might go a long way in proving to the Fae that she’s here to help—not hinder.”
“I think your reasons are noble, and I’m proud of you, but I’m not sure it’s worth the risk.”
I am sure. Besides, tell me you wouldn’t love a bit of space? Some time away from the estate will do us both good.
“This isn’t a vacation, Valen.”
No. It’s not. It’s a chance… A chance to prove ourselves. And save a lot of lives.
Delkin leans forward and folds his hands atop the table. There’s pride in his eyes. But there’s also concern. “You make a convincing point.”
“Besides, I’m the one with the magic. Don’t I need to be there to do the transfer?”
“It’s not that simple,” Zana says. “Though I agree with your motivations. This will go a long way toward proving your intent to the Fae.”
Celpin grumbles and folds his arms with a sullen nod, and Guria nods with a smile.
“When I was monarch,” Delkin says, “Winter and Autumn were on very good terms. Avastad was a close friend.”
“If he was such a close friend, where was he when Servis dethroned you?” Celpin argues.
Normally I would think he was just being an ass, but he has a point.
“He didn’t come to your aid,” I say. Autumn is as good a place to start as any, but I should know what I might be walking into.
“That’s true,” Delkin agrees. “But Avas was a complicated man. He had troubles of his own he was dealing with. That aside, things with Servis happened fast. There wasn’t really time to reach out.”
“But you would say the last time you saw each other you were on good terms?”
“We were,” Delkin replies without hesitation. “I doubt he’s still alive. There was quite a bit of bad blood between him and Servis. If he survived the war, I doubt he would have faded in silence. But I agree. If there’s anyone left of the Autumn Court, there’s a chance they’ll know of our previous alliance. It’s the most logical starting point.”
I nod.
“Doesn’t it make more sense that they’ll remember the conflict they had with Servis?” Guria shudders. “That’s much newer than whatever friendship you once shared. If Lord Valen is going, he can’t do it alone.”
“I’ll be with him,” Tania says with a bit of bite.
“Oh, of course.” Guria plasters on a smile. “But you should take several Winter Guards. To be safe. We were just attacked, after all…”
Her suggestion makes sense, and maybe in a different situation I might agree. But if we show up with a small army, it might be seen as a display of force. The last thing I want is to sabotage this before it even gets started.
“I would feel more comfortable if the guard stayed here to protect the estate. Besides, Tania kept my ass alive on our trip to Ventin. I have no doubt she’ll do the same now. If there are no further objections, we’ll leave at first light. Just the two of us.”
“We’ll be fine,” Tania assures Delkin with a smile. “I’ll make sure he behaves. If he doesn’t…”
You’ll spank me?
Tania glares at me.
“How about this,” she says. “We’ll take Daroose with us.”
No! How could you?
“A kelpie would go a long way as far as defense,” Celpin grumbles. “I still don’t like it, but it’s better than nothing, I suppose.”
“Good, then it’s settled. Delkin will take command while Kopic oversees security and the day-to-day of the estate.”
“Kopic?” Celpin flushes. “You can’t be—”
I pin him with a furious stare. “Kopic is by far the most level head in this room. He’ll make sure the estate is protected—and that you don’t kill anyone.”
Everyone begins to filter from the room, but I hang back with Tania and Zana.
“So what do I need to know? About the transfer, I mean?”
She hesitates, gaze flickering to Tania for a moment. “Valen, you can’t do the transfer in the field. Aside from it being extremely complicated and draining—you’d become weaker with each infusion—we have no idea how it will affect Tania. If you wish to keep your bond a secret, it will have to wait until you all arrive back at the estate.”
“Then how will I prove my offer is real?” If it were me, would I really believe an offer that sounded too good to be true?
“I can give you a small, temporary transfer stone. It will still weaken you a bit after each use, and the effects will be very short, but it should prove that you are telling them the truth. If you agree, I’ll come by your room later to link you to it, then explain how to use it.”
“I suppose it will have to do. Let’s just hope that it’s enough…”
I’m thrilled at the opportunity to get away from the prying eyes of the estate, but at the same time, I worry about what disasters my absence might bring. I’m not sure what’s riskier—the threats that linger outside our gates…or the ones that dwell within.