“We’d like to propose an alliance between Lendria and Rhyne. Before everything happened…” He let out a long breath, gaze softening. “Our countries were prosperous, thanks to unfettered trade. I’d like to reopen those routes, as well as set up a treaty ensuring we come to each other’s aid in the event of a war.”
Elianna’s voice was flat. “We don’t need your alliance or your trade.”
“Mother,” Jayla cut in as she leaned toward the queen, “don’t be so hasty. What about our southern borders? There’s—”
“Enough.” The queen’s voice rose, silencing her daughter. “We will not forge an alliance with the man who murdered my sister.”
“I didn’t kill Amira,” Noc said.
Elianna’s knuckles turned white as she gripped the armrests of her throne. “Lies.”
“I’m not lying. Iama murderer. Iamresponsible for the death of many, including your sister. But I did not kill her.” He looked directly at the queen, never faltering. “Amira died because of a curse that’d been placed on me. I didn’t know the extent of it; otherwise I never would’ve put her in harm’s way.”
“Twist your words however you want,” Elianna fumed, “but you won’t manipulate me into accepting a treaty we don’t need.”
Noc cleared his throat. “Are you certain? We’re aware of the mounting problems you face in the south, and we’re committed to helping. Now and in the future.”
In exchange for your immediate help against a threat we can’t possibly face alone.The thought rattled around in my head, and a weighted silence followed Noc’s promise, as if the queen knew there was something more to this bargain. Her mouth twisted as she studied him, her expression hardening by the second. Finally, she scoffed.
“You’re not even the king of Lendria, last I checked. How can you offer such assistance?”
Noc didn’t blink. “My pair bond and I are retaking the throne. You have my word that we will honor whatever agreement we come to here.”
“Do you take me for a fool?” Her words cut like the edge of a blade.
“No.”
“Mother,” Jayla tried again, her voice firmer this time. “Please, we should at least listen to—”
“What my daughter fails to see,” Elianna cut in, snapping her gaze to Jayla before returning her ire to us, “is the nuances that you’re conveniently leaving out. The nuances that would drastically affect us and could leave us completely open to an attack from our southern neighbors you seemingly know everything about.”
She stood then, hands shaking by her sides. “You plan to reclaim your rightful place on the throne. As you’ve been blessed by the gods”—she indicated with a sharp nod the tattoo on Noc’s chest—“you hope your people will fall in line. But there’s no telling if Lendria’s army, the Sentinels who’ve pledged their loyalty to King Varek, will come to heel. And you need backing to convince them. Backing from an army you don’t have and one you think we’d willingly provide.
“And so you stand before me, before my daughter, and attempt to take advantage of our current state of affairs. Wrap a treaty and trade agreement in a bow and call it a wedding present.” Seething, she took a step forward. Isla moved with her, a shadow behind the crown ready and willing to strike if her queen were in danger. “Tell me why I shouldn’t execute you here and now, not only for this ridiculous notion, but forkillingmy sister so many years ago.”
“Because if you don’t help us, you’ll face an enemy even greater than the countries to the south.” The words fell from my lips with a quiet authority that silenced the room. Countless eyes turned to me, and I raised my chin so I could meet Elianna’s damning stare. “I promise you, we’re not trying to mislead you. I wouldn’t be standing here asking for your help, asking Noc to face his past, if it weren’t absolutely necessary.”
Before her mother could speak, Jayla stood and addressed me directly. “What danger do you speak of?”
“You met one of my beasts tonight, so you must know what I am.” Gingerly, I touched my bestiary and felt the weight of her gaze as she followed the movement of my fingers. “My name is Leena Edenfrell, and I am Crown of the Charmers Council. The former Crown, Yazmin, has aligned herself with King Varek and intends to awaken a beast that will turn our world to ash. If we do not stop her, everything and everyone will fall.
“There won’t be skirmishes along your border anymore,” I continued when neither Jayla nor Elianna moved to interrupt me. “No trade. No prosperity for your country. There will be nothing but fire. This I can promise you.”
Silence stretched around us, filling the throne room. My proclamation sat heavy in the air, and I waited as emotions coursed through Jayla’s gaze. Uncertainty. Fear. A glimmer of determination. Her mother, on the other hand, had gone cold. There was no telling what thoughts lingered behind her icy stare.
“I love my pair bond,” I said, turning to offer Noc a warm smile. “But I would never lie about something like this simply to aid his efforts to retake the throne. He didn’t want it to begin with. I know you likely won’t believe that, but it’s true.”
Finally, Jayla spoke. “There’s no stopping this Yazmin?”
“We’ve tried.” I dropped my gaze to the floor. “I’m afraid the only option left at this point is to retake the throne from Varek before she raises Ocnolog, the dragon beast, and unleashes his fury.”
“And if it’s too late?” Elianna asked, her voice surprisingly low. “If you can’t stop Ocnolog from rising?”
I looked at her and prayed she heard truth in my words. “Then we truly will need every ounce of help we can get to stop Yazmin and Varek before they inflict their will upon the realm.”
Shaking her head, Elianna stared at some indistinct spot over our heads. “This isn’t our war.”
“But it will be,” Jayla cut in.
