Chapter Four
KAEL
I’ll get her back.
Ronyn’s and Seren’s eyes burn a hole through my chest. They look ready to go to war for her—so am I. But they’ve never been to war. They don’t know the political games that must be played to resource one, let alone actually win one.
“I appreciate your fervor, child, but you cannot charge headfirst into war,” Lady Sylvaine says to Seren, poised and severe. “Wars are not won on the battlefield. They’re won in whispered rooms, secured alliances, secret deals—of which we have none.”
Seren’s cheeks flush red, and she pushes her golden curls behind her ears before sitting up and leaning into the table of Council Hollow.
“You may think me a child, and treat me as such, but who do you think cut a deal with Tvira in Cindralis for the Heart of Ashara? Who do you think planned the journey to all the relics? Who do you think has already secured support from the Vaythari people?” Seren’s voice booms through the Hollow. “When I ask, they’ll come.”
The room shifts.
That is… new information.
She stands, body looming over the table. “I will only continue to be a child in your eyes if you continue treating me as one. Elyssara shielded me from the realities of life in the slums and who did that help? Hm?”
She glares around the room, daring us to speak.
And in a heartbeat, the na?ve girl I met is eclipsed by the hardened one in front of me.
“Certainly not her. Fortunately, she taught me to wield my mind how all of you wield a blade. I am not useless, and with all due respect, Lady Sylvaine—I’m the best weapon you’ve got.” Her chest rises and falls fast, her knuckles white against the wood.
“Perhaps there’s more to you than meets the eye,” Lady Sylvaine croons, looking both amused and impressed. Perhaps the old woman was hoping to hit a nerve to see what Seren was made of—she does nothing without intention.
Regardless, Seren’s right.
“Seren’s right,” I agree. “She’s been instrumental in every relic and the journey back to Thornewood.”
“Your opinion of me matters little,” Seren bites, and doesn’t even look at me.
Well, fuck. I’m impressed too.
“Fair enough. I know you have no reason to trust or even particularly like me. I’ve earned your fury. That’s not in question,” I offer.
“You’re fucking right about that,” Ronyn spits at me from across the table. Daelen still pinning him in the seat with a well-placed hand to the shoulder.
I meet his gaze for a moment, but press on. “Both Lady Sylvaine and Seren are right—we need to play our cards smart… and fast.”
“What are you suggesting?” Therion presses, a calculating look etched across his face.
“We need to secure aid from Nymeris and Caeloria.”
I’ve been thinking about our options constantly; the other continents are our best chance.
Seren and Ronyn’s faces are unreadable—waiting for more information.
I know they’re hearing about the other continents for the first time—and I haven’t even mentioned the Taars yet.
I’ll save stories of their life of brute savagery in the mountains for another time.
The Taars are savage, yes, but they’ve never bent a knee.
They’re elusive, but allies like them can turn the tide.
King Thalmyr has burned the other continents from the history books—erased them from Dravara’s memory with threvenar in the water. He’s made his people believe there is no escape. No other option but to bend a knee to his rule.
But he’s fucking wrong. There’s always another way, and I’ll find it.
But not today. Today is about Elyssara—every day will be about Elyssara until she’s safe again.
“Send an emissary, Prince. They need to know the time for diplomatic games has ended,” Eldric offers.
He’s not wrong. We’ve been playing this game of impending war with Maldrak for a decade. We’ve been playing a strategic game of chess with the other continents for their aid, too. We need them to know—it’s now or never.
“Why don’t you go to Nymeris yourself, my prince?” Varian slides in smoothly. “I can stand in as Regent in your absence.” The snivelling bastard. He always reeks of opportunity and greed.
“I have other duties, Varian,” I say dismissively. “But I agree that we should send an emissary. Eldric, you have a long-established relationship with Caeloria. Queen Maireth has often been impressed by your political maneuvering—you’ll travel to her.”
Eldric nods his agreement.
“Lady Sylvaine—Nymeris covets knowledge. Queen Ilyra is secretive, yes, but she listens to those who bring what she wants. You bring what she wants.”
I know I need to command like this—to take control of the situation, despite the hollowness in my chest. It’s the only way I’ll get her back.
“And the rest of us?” Therion questions.
But I ignore him.
“I need to visit Nalya,” I say. “She has the information we need to get Elyssara back.”
I suck in a breath through my nose, anchoring myself for the decisions I need to make.
Every alliance, every deal, every ounce of control—just scaffolding to keep me standing until I can reach her again.