Leena’s eyes widened. “Wilheim? But she detests the king and his people.”
Kost grimaced. “I can’t say why. But if she’s there, then she’s likely spoken with King Varek. She’s no doubt gained his favor somehow, just as Darrien has. Which means it’s notjustYazmin, Darrien, and a handful of assassins we’re up against.”
Ozias let out a quiet whistle. “It’s the entirety of Wilheim. Their army. The Sentinels.”
My hands curled into fists. “That’s why she went there. She’s safe from us behind those walls. There’s no way we could attack her while she prepares to raise Ocnolog.”
Calem slumped forward. “Fuck.”
“That was our entire plan. Stop herbeforeshe can get to Ocnolog. How are we supposed to do that if she’s hiding behind King Varek?” Leena turned in her chair so she could look up at me. Worry filled her eyes. I’d told her that trying to stop Yazmin might result in war. We’d hope it wouldn’t come to that, but if we had to move against Wilheim to get to her, then a war is exactly what we’d get.
“We can send in some assassins to do reconnaissance. Once we determine her location, we can strike.” Kost finally stopped and turned to us. “I’ll go.”
“Like hell you will,” Ozias said. “Do you not remember what happened last time we tried to sneak through Wilheim?”
“We’ll be better prepared this time.” Kost clenched his jaw, his words harsher than normal. He yanked a cloth out of his breast pocket and began polishing his lenses with fervor.
Ozias raised his brows and folded his arms across his chest. “Don’t be rash.”
“Rash?” Kost replaced his spectacles. “I’d never act without considering every angle.”
“Like fucking hell you wouldn’t,” Calem mumbled.
“Do you have something you’d like to say to me?”
Calem leaned into the couch, cradling the back of his head with his hands. “Relax. You’re not the only one who wants Yazmin dead, all right?” His eyes flashed, and the mercury thread around his irises widened a fraction.
“Enough,” I said. Moving to Kost’s side, I placed a firm hand on his shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “We’ll get her. We just have to be smart.”
Kost didn’t pull away, but he didn’t acknowledge me, either. Instead, he turned his harsh glare to the snarling fire. Orange flames reflected across his lenses, and he flattened his lips into a thin line.
“So all of Wilheim…” Leena mused, voice soft. She stared at the coffee table before her, twisting her fingers in the chain of her bestiary. Her brow furrowed. After a beat, her hand stilled. “Is King Varek well liked?”
I shrugged. “No idea. It doesn’t matter, though. Wilheimian soldiers are known for being steadfastly loyal to the crown. The Sentinels even more so.” My mind rewound back to the years we battled against Rhyne. Our soldiers never failed to pick up their swords when enemy forces approached, no matter how many of them often—and not so subtly—grumbled about the war. No matter how many of them didn’t believe me when I claimed to have no part in Amira’s death. They’d been right all along, just not in the way they assumed.
Leena stood suddenly, realization clear as day on her face. “So if the king tells them to stand down, they won’t fight.”
“King Varek wouldn’t do that,” Kost said.
“KingVarekwouldn’t.” Slowly, she rounded her gaze on me.
A prickling sensation raced across my skin. “What are you getting at?”
“I know you never wanted it, but…” She waited, as if giving me the opportunity to interject. I blinked. Shecouldn’tbe asking this of me. Not after all these years. Not after I abandoned my title to save my country from ruin. A dull ringing started in my ears.
Beside me, Kost dragged his gaze away from the fire to glance my direction. “With the mage’s glamour lifted, there’s no doubt people would recognize you.”
My throat tightened. “No.”
“Noc.” Leena took a careful step my direction. “You said it yourself. We need an army.”
Ozias leaned forward, bracing his forearms on his knees. “Are you guys suggesting what I think you are?”
“Don’t expect me to start addressing you as ‘King,’” Calem said. The teasing lilt to his voice should’ve made me chuckle, but it only made me cringe.
“I’m not anyone’s king.”
“Not yet,” Kost said. “You’d need to finish the rites by visiting the remaining mage burial sites. Only then would the Sentinels and Wilheim’s army think of joining your side. There might still be some who remain loyal to Varek, as you technicallydiddie, but…” He started to pace again, eyes tight as he gathered his thoughts. He nodded. “It just might work.”
