“That my brother was unaware of my survival is irrelevant. Does anyone know how much of my allowance has accumulated?”
Murmurs hummed around the table as nobles pondered my next move.
“Counselor Hinyte, would it suffice to purchase a few top-quality draft horses for the Priests of Nothar?" I turned to Leihim, catching the corner of his mouth quirk into an amused smirk.
“Yes, I do believe you can afford a few beasts,” he replied smoothly.
My vicious grin fixed on Reuthland. “You see, Counselor, Iampreparing for the Rite of Favor. If I expect the gods to hear me, I can safely assume they’d expect me to care for their priests and temples.”
I might not be religious, but I could play into the people’s faith.
“Send word to the priests at Togamar’s temple,” I called to the messengers lined by the door. “Princess Elspeth has heard their request, and answered it. They will be provided for.”
When I returned my attention to the high court, Leihim had his chin propped in his hand, an amused grin brightening his features, while Reuthland’s glower promised my demise.
I simply smiled at her in response.
Chapter 25
The next evening, I felt Adastrus’ wrath.
“I’m not going.”
I ground my teeth, pacing the polished floors of my receiving room. Two maids stood by the door, shrinking to make themselves as small as possible to hide from my anger.
Anderz rubbed the crease in his brow with a heavy sigh. “You don’t have a choice.”
“She’s not going,” I snapped.
“Lady Lyana has no choice, either.”
I bit out a curse, curling my fingers into fists. “This is about the last council meeting, isn’t it?”
“Quite possibly.” He tipped his head toward the maids, a reminder not to speak out of turn.
“Tell me there’s a way out,” I pleaded, resting my palms on the table. “She can beg sick?”
He leaned back, dipping his chin. “I’d have told you if there was.”
“Pig dung!” I slammed my fist. “A pox on his–”
“Princess?” Anderz cut in, raising a brow.
I huffed, tugging at my short hair. This wasn’t right. I could handle my brother. I had a goal in place—his head on a pike.
Lyana wasn’t ready. She just started healing. Her body was as sound as it would ever be, but her mind was only now beginning to regain trust. She bared her soul to me and was finally coming out of her shell. I doubted she would ever fully recover, but this was a start. All her progress might be undone just by her being in the room with Grimm.
“I won't make her go. I’ll sneak her out–”
“She is already being dressed—”
“No!” I spat, storming toward the door. They wouldn’t force this. "I won’t allow it.”
“—under her own strength.”
I froze in my tracks, facing him with a frown. “She’s willing to go?”
“At this rate, she will be presentable long before you are.”
