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“Me? Why would you make a deal with me? You should talk to King Leopold about deals,” I reply, my forehead wrinkling in question. “As your general so kindly pointed out, I’m no one of importance.”
A small chuckle escapes from the queen, and her smile drops.
“No, I’d much rather make a deal with the future King of Lux instead of the current one,” she retorts, and I freeze.
How does she have this information?
“Your information is wrong. I’m not the future king,” I huff in annoyance.
She rocks back and forth on her heels.
“That’s not what the villagers of Lux are saying. In fact, they’re joyous at the announcement of your engagement to Princess Juniper,” she says with a knowing smile.
I slowly walk backward, bumping into the bed and taking a seat. The king must have made the declaration after I left.
Still, how would she know?
She places her arms on the bars, leaning in. Her smile is gone now.
“It’s my understanding that you love the people of your kingdom,” she says, and I give her a small nod, lost in trying to figure out how Junie and I are going to get out of this betrothal.If I ever make it home alive.
“As do I, Captain. I think our lands would benefit from a powerful alliance between their rulers. I would like to propose that while you’re here with us, you let me show you the truth about Umbra. Not the stories from rumors, lore, and legends. I want to show you what hides under Thalos’ shadow veil. There’s more to this kingdom than darkness and monsters. It’s time someone from the outside got to see its genuine beauty,” she says, her voice ringing with a love for her kingdom I never expected to hear.
My thoughts spiral, trying to figure out the underlying reason for this deal.
“What’s in this for me?”
She taps a finger on the bars.
“You won’t have to stay in this cell all day anymore,” she answers.
I perk up at the prospect of not being trapped in here.
“And no harm will come to the people of Lux?” I ask, knowing I’m going to have to make this deal with my enemy’s queen.
“As long as you don’t harm my people, yours are safe,” she answers simply.
“Why are you making this deal and not King Asher?” I ask, needing to ensure he’s aware of this bargain.
“Because I’m one of the few who believes there is still hope for Lux. Just not under its current king. Many others don’t hold such belief,” she replies.
A queen defying her king. Interesting.
“Why should I trust you? Until now, I didn’t even know you existed,” I ask, trying to work through the mess of outcomes in my mind.
She lets out a haughty laugh.
“I don’t exist, and you have no reason to trust me. But good alliances start with mutual understanding and love for one’s people. I think we both want to do what’s best for our kingdoms to ensure prosperous futures,” she replies with what sounds like a sincere answer.
I doubt I could ever fully trust anyone from Umbra.
Knowing I will likely regret this, I nod and outstretch my hand toward the Queen of Umbra.
“For the future of Lux, we have a deal.”
She’s the best chance I’ve got to get out of here.
She smiles down at my hand. Her soft palm slides against my rough, calloused skin. Small pricks that feel like lightning flare where we touch, and I yank my hand back. I stare at my palm as dread settles over me.
