He took his place, and I led Nienna across from him, shielding her with Erwin behind. Egath claimed the chair beside Tallon; I sat in front of Greaves. None of them were within reach. Three strides to the bastard prince, five to my guard.
“I’m surprised you’ve come to discuss your surrender.” Tallon’s eyebrows arched, brushing something off his trousers.
“I’ve not agreed to those terms,” I said. “I’m here to discuss Radaan’s future.”
“The future of this kingdom lies with me,” he replied, glancing at Egath—almost as if he were seeking assurance.
I narrowed my eyes. “It would have—but you squandered that chance.”
“I suppose you wish for me to take Nienna now? Bed your seconds to secure our line?”
His words were a spark in my chest, threatening to ignite. “We both know you weren’t sired from my loins.”
Egath’s pupils flickered, expanding and contracting, but his face remained neutral. The prince schemed, but that Velli pulled the strings.
“Now you slander your late wife?” Tallon’s voice took on a dangerous edge. “My mother?” His brows dropped, glare flaring.
A sneer twitched at his lip—perhaps the only person he’d ever truly cared for was his mother. His gaze slid to Egath, as if waiting for permission.
I straightened in my chair, angling my boot so the dagger rested within easy reach.
“Let’s not get distracted.” Egath smiled, those sharp teeth on display. His posture was relaxed, sprawled and careless, as if dragons were not circling overhead.
“The ambassador is right.” Tallon’s gaze slithered over Nienna, and my stomach twisted at the slow, possessive drag of his eyes. “Father, you can see Reem does not welcome your return. You ran off with my wife, and I want her back.”
Nienna’s breath snagged in a muffled gasp. Her hand flew to her wrist, rubbing hard.
A dragon roared above us.
“Enough of your games.” I snarled, easing my guard, letting the beast draw more chain to catch Tallon’s attention. “I’ve renounced you as heir. You have no claim to Radaan.”
He didn’t rise to the bait. Instead, his mouth curled into something warped as he watched Nienna clutch her wrist.
“I wear the mantle, Father. You soiled your nation chasing what was mine. The throne of Radaan has been reforged.”
“The silver on your shoulders is no stronger than the spider’s web it mimics,” Nienna said, voice steady, stripped of the fear he craved. “And just as easily consumed by fire.”
Egath leaned forward, the movement sharp enough to make Greaves shift behind me.
“This can be resolved quite simply—we have terms.” Tallon’s jaw jutted, petulant and furious. “Give me Nienna back, and I’ll return Reem.”
My nostrils flared. Elohios help me—I was going to kill him. “You never wanted her.”
“I changed my mind.” His grin widened. “But she must swear a Draconis Blood Oath.”
“I am not a card to be played, nor a prize to be traded, Tallon the Renounced,” Nienna snapped, spine straight, hands settling on the chair arms, ready to rise. “I am Queen of Radaan, claimed by the Golden Warrior Purged in Dragonfire. My body is no longer negotiable.”
A dragon swept low over the tent, her fury bound to theirs.
Egath raised a placating hand, eyes flicking to the canvas above. “There has been no Radaanian wedding. She is not bound in the sight of your people. Until then–”
“Egath of Wrath,” I said, tone lethal, “keep your forked tongue behind your vile teeth, or I will remove it.” Hatred bled into my stare.
He tilted his head and reclined.
“The Velli advises me during Fallione’s apparent treason.” Tallon scoffed. “He is the only reason I speak instead of taking what is mine.”
“She’s not yours to take.” I leaned forward, arm draped over my knee, body coiled. Gods, how I wanted to grab my knife and slit his throat. “You stupid boy—did you learn nothing from me? Negotiation requires leverage.”
