Baffled and somewhat irritated, Ethenn heard himself huff.
The entire room turned to him.
Body flushing molten hot, Ethenn dipped his head.
“Was there something you wished to add, Corporal Loxley?” one of the ministers asked.
When he looked up, Ethenn realized it was Rowana Calder, her knowing gaze darting between him and her daughter.
Forcing himself not to squirm, Ethenn shook his head. “No, ma’am,” he said deferentially.
Thom jabbed him in the ribs, and Ethenn glared up at him but held his tongue.
While the ministers still appeared bemused, Archminister Dudleye turned back to Ilain. “Very well. As you know, HighladyCalder, the position of Chancellor of Doorstunds Reach is dependent upon your Bonding. We would still likeyouto take that role.” He raised his bushy white brows. “There are eleven other Warriors within our organization. You may choose to marry any of them, and they would readily accept.”
A hush fell over the room, and Ethenn’s stomach twisted.Don’t do it,he thought. If she married any of them, it would be as bad as marrying him. She didn’t love them. She didn’t want them. And he couldn’t fathom her living life in such a resigned state.
Ethenn’s hands began to tremble, so he clasped them behind his back. His eyes darted toward Ilain, finding a sad smile on her face. “I’m afraid, Archminister, that I can’t do that.”
Her words failed to penetrate Ethenn’s brain. She was . . . refusing?
“I appreciate your nomination and support, but I don’t want it,” Ilain concluded. “Not at the price it will cost me.”
Ethenn gaped at her. She wasrefusingthe position. Why?
Thom slugged Ethenn’s arm then, and he grunted. The entire room turned to face him again.
Ethenn cleared his throat but kept his head down.
Taking pity on him, Archminister Essen spoke. “We are admittedly disappointed, Highlady,” she said, and Thom poked Ethenn’s side. “But we accept your choice. We shall send word to those in the west to instate Highlord Grey Trumane and Captain Alma Maarsh as the new Highlord Chancellor and Highlady Commander of Verlund Province.”
Another prodding from Thom.
Ethenn sent him a glare but otherwise ignored him.
“They will then be sent to Mouroc to facilitate the expansion of Allund. Should you be so willing, we’d like you to travel to join them. As to our eastern governing—”
“Are you bloody insane?” Thom burst out at last.
The ministers froze, staring at them.
“Not you,” Thom said, waving a hand at the men and women at the table. He whirled on Ethenn. “What is wrong with you?”
Under normal circumstances, Ethenn might have been wise enough not to rise to the bait. But he was wearing the Fire Relic, so to hell with decorum. “I’m not the one with the problem,” Ethenn shouted back. “You jab me again, and you’ll have a broken finger.”
“Oh, stop being a sodding twit.” Thom shoved him then—not hard but strong enough to cause Ethenn to shuffle. “You heard what she just said, and you’restillgoing to coddle your ego?”
“Thom,” Deckard called under his breath.
Thom brushed his brother off. “He needs to grow up,” he said.
A caustic laugh slipped out of Ethenn. “Congratulations, Thom. You’ve discovered a new level of hypocrisy,” he retorted.
“Oh-ho! I’m in awe of your cutting wit,” Thom said dryly. “Do you mind taking two seconds to think through what she just said?”
Ethenn glared at his friend. “I don’t need two seconds. I heard her clearly. She’s refusing the position because she—” He paused, realizing specifically what she’d said. He leaned around Thom, taking in Ilain, who stood there, lips parted and eyes darting between the men with uncertainty.
“Hang on,” Ethenn said, taking a step forward. He pointed at Ilain. “What price?”
