He once stopped speaking to me for an entire year because he thought I had destroyed one of his favorite telescopes when we were kids. In actuality it was Deean, and it’s still a secret I haven’t shared to this day. But Marcel only started speaking to me again because he wanted to play with my new toys.
Even after the incident with him and Thana, I didn’t resort to stooping so low. I adjust in my seat before memories bring forth such cruelty; clearing my throat, I turn my attention to my brother. “Let’s say we offer them redemption. You still think it wise to send our father there to potentially be attacked, or worse, killed?”
“No, I don’t,” he responds like he already knew this question was coming. “I agree with the Commander. I think instead of sending the King, we aim a little lower.”
Instantly understanding his point, I interrupt him. “You? You’ll go in his place?”
“I’m less of a threat and not as important. I think it’s our best move.”
Kinnry and Devona eye each other, their expressions hard to read. Then a thought comes to me. It’s not something I want to do, but if I’m to go after the flower, it makes the most sense.
“Send me,” I say, turning to my father. “I’m not your direct heir and therefore not nearly as valuable, and I’m not a threat to her. I could convince her to open all of her roads and passagesfor trade.” The words come out slowly, making sure he gets the emphasis on what I’m trying to say.
My father leans his arms on the table, thinking over the opinions of everyone in the room.
“You will both go.” Marcel and I stare at each other in bewilderment. “Sending two of my sons shows her there is no threat and no fear. If she wants to meet with me, then let this interaction be a test. Commander Devona will accompany you. I shall write the Queen of Haymel back and confirm your attendance at the ball. You depart in three weeks, so make the proper preparations. Now, go enjoy the night before it’s over.”
Kinnry and Devona are the first to leave. Marcel takes his time but eventually exits the war room.
“Three weeks,” I say, sitting back in my chair. “Exactly the amount of time you told Rolley we would depart.”
My father grins. “The Queen’s letter arrived a few days after Rolley showed up and shared the story of his great-grandfather. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. I didn’t make this clear before, but no one is to know of the flower or of your mission in Haymel. You must convince the Queen to let you journey to Farella. Lie. Scheme. Cheat. Do what you must. If she forbids it, then you have my permission to travel there without her knowing.”
Shock ripples through me. Going there without her permission is a death wish and he seems to have no concern.
His eyebrows burrow together and he leans away from me. “Sorry,” he whispers. “Don’t put yourself in danger.” He reaches out and places a hand on mine. “Just promise me you’ll try to convince the Queen?”
“What’s going on? You don’t even know if this damn flower exists and you’re willing to risk your sons for it? Why this sudden obsession?”
“I wouldn’t ask you if it wasn’t dire. I can’t tell you anything, but I need this. I need this to be true.”
“Are you dying?”
“We’re all dying.”
My eyes roll. “Don’t be a smart ass. And that’s not a no.”
He chuckles. “No, I’m not. Just trust me on this.”
Again, he’s cryptic and there has to be something bigger at play here. Why do I always find it difficult to say no?
“I will go to Haymel for you. I will try to get permission to cross the Queen’s waters, but if she says no, I am coming back. I will not risk my life for a secret you’re not willing to share.”
“Fair enough.” He digs in his pocket and pulls out the black foxtail Rolley had given him. “And while you’re there, do some digging on who may have left this. Whoever works for the Queen and entered our lands without permission, is likely to know the whereabouts of Rolley’s great-grandfather.” He stands, placing a hand on my shoulder. “Go have fun before the night’s over. Pretty sure I saw Thana Hagens roaming about.”
“Already saw her, and no thanks.” I tuck the foxtail into my pocket.
“For the best, I suppose. She kind of scares me. And your mother’s not too keen. Maybe you should let your mother try to find you a suitable match,” he teases.
“She already tried, but I snuck out when she was occupied with interrogating the women.” His laughs boom throughout the room, and I have little doubt he already knew of her plans.
“I thought her and her sister were up to no good. They’ve been sneaking about for the past few days.”
“Thanks for the warning.” His laughter continues to echo. “Goodnight.” I turn my back to him before I crack a smile, and leave him with his humour.
7
ARIAH
