Chapter Thirteen – Mira #2
A shadow briefly clouded V?lund’s face. I’d seen this expression a few times – usually when Roran was mentioned. The clan leader wasn’t convinced that allying with Ravalia was the right decision.
‘If I may,’ I began slowly, ‘what do you think about Roran’s offer?’
‘It doesn’t matter what I think.’ V?lund leant back on his forearms, allowing me to admire his tanned muscles. The silver pieces in his dark braids gleamed as they caught the light. ‘The clan heads are tired of this war. An opportunity for peace . . . well, that is an attractive prospect.’
‘But the final decision is yours,’ I pressed. ‘The clans chose you as their leader for a reason.’
‘They chose me because I fought and bested the other contenders. That does not mean I wish to impose my will on them.’ V?lund was silent for a moment.
When he next spoke, his tone was guarded.
‘Even if Ravalians have a history of reneging on their promises. Even if . . . I have started to admire you. The kindness you show others. The fierceness of your spirit.’
V?lund cupped the black flower in his palm. He held it with heartbreaking tenderness, and I felt for him. He wanted to protect me, like he protected his sister and the rest of his people. But he had to honour their wishes and make the best choice for the clans.
Even if that choice cost me my life.
I took the flower from him, laying it gently on the wooden boards. Then, with a surge of daring, I took his hand in mine – calloused, from years of training. V?lund, I was coming to discover, was not a hard man. But he was fiercely capable, and I respected that. I respected him .
‘I won’t blame you. If you accept Roran’s offer.’ I smiled sadly. ‘I don’t want us to be on opposite sides of this war, but I will understand. We all make sacrifices for our people.’
He reached up to cup my cheeks, his face suddenly inches from mine. It should have been intimidating to be so close to someone clearly built for war, but even the dagger-like tattoos that pierced his dark brows were intriguing rather than frightening.
Staring up into V?lund’s green eyes, I was reminded of the forest canopy around us. Bright. Luminous.
‘Kasmira,’ he murmured, ‘I–’
I kissed him.
I hadn’t planned on it, and I was surprised at my own daring. My heart pounded a thunderous rhythm against my ribcage as I braced myself for V?lund’s reaction.
Strong hands came to rest on my waist, anchoring me in place. And then V?lund deepened the kiss, his lips soft and firm against mine. His muscular arms holding me close without making me feel trapped.
In the unexpected gentleness of his touch, I felt everything he wanted to say: his affection for me, his empathy and sadness for our people, and perhaps a trace of longing – that this might not have to end.
That longing was what I had been hoping for.
I pulled back but remained staring into his face. ‘What if there was another way?’
V?lund clearly didn’t believe that there was. But he humoured me, leaning back slightly and waiting for me to continue.
‘Am I correct in saying that neither you nor the clans trust Roran? And that allying with me would be your preferred option?’
He slowly nodded. ‘Yes. But there isn’t enough that you can offer us. Standing with you is simply not worth the lives it will cost.’
I thought of what Roran had offered V?lund: the chance to rule over Kalure. The opportunity for Nari to stand at Roran’s side and reap the benefits of an association with the Ravalian Empire.
It always came down to the Ravalian Empire, didn’t it? Even here, in Kalure, where the Ravalians were hated . . . it was still the ultimate prize.
I took a deep breath. And then I said the words that I had been leading up to ever since I first met V?lund. ‘What if I took Roran’s place as empress of Ravalia? Would you stand with me then ?’
V?lund stared at me in shocked disbelief.
‘Roran cannot be allowed to live,’ I continued. ‘And the Ravalian Court values strength above all else. If I defeat Roran and remove Cassius and Scarlett – the last of Emperor Kalias’s descendants – then I will have proven myself worthy of his crown.’
‘You’ve given this a great deal of thought.’
‘I have.’ I met his stare evenly. ‘The Ravalian Empire is broken. It is cruel to the countries it conquers, and Emperor Kalias’s reign spread terror and war. It’s time for a new ruler to rise. One with the ability to forge peace between two warring nations.’
V?lund frowned, though he seemed to be considering my proposal. ‘What exactly are you offering?’
‘The same terms as Roran,’ I said promptly.
‘Except my marriage would be to you. And our marriage would allow us to rule over both Ravalia and Kalure – together. There would be no need to rely on Roran’s goodwill, to hope that Nari could keep him in line.
You and I would have equal power. The full might of the empire would be behind us, ensuring Kalure will never again be threatened.
We could give the people what they desperately want, what my father and yours wanted. True and lasting peace.’
I ignored the tightness of my chest. I had said the words, made the offer: it was too late to change course now.
‘I will have to discuss this with the clans,’ V?lund said at last. ‘And my sister.’
‘I understand.’
‘But those matters are just formalities.’ A smile broke over his face, shattering the guarded exterior. ‘This offer – it’s everything they could have wanted, Kasmira. Everything I could have wanted.’
He brought my hand to his lips, honouring our agreement with a kiss.
Sealing it.