Page 63 of The Ashborn

Kienna questioned what Tristian meant by this proposal. By offering this form of alliance, he overstepped the queen’s rule. She and her council were supposed to decide on how they would handle their alliances, weren’t they? King Vaerin and his council certainly did. He didn’t hand that work off to others like Dren.

“What’s your angle here?” Petyr asked, glancing between Kienna and Tristian. Kienna had the same question.

“We have magic. Dove Port does not. There’s an imbalance in the way the world has evolved, and I intend to fix that.”

Petyr fixed on Kienna. She shrugged. “I’m hearing this for the first time, also.”

“What does that mean in regard to our council seat? Not that our governor spends any time fulfilling his council responsibilities.” Petyr’s muscles were beginning to relax.

“Nothing changes, but you have a direct line to me.”

“How so?” Petyr folded his arms again.

Tristian pointed to Kienna, who glanced behind her and then around the room. Oh, he meant her. He had to be improvising now, surely, because not but twenty minutes ago, she wasn’t even supposed to be there.

What’s happening? It’s hard to hear you so far down, Ruva’s voice echoed loudly.

Tristian is holding me out as bait to the Captain General.

Ruva flickered through her mind, the distance between them making it hard to hear her. The audacity!

“She and her friend are current residents of Dove Port. They will be the link between your army and mine.”

Petyr watched Kienna. She worked to hide that she hadn’t even been asked about this plan. In truth, she’d gone with Tislin to Alverton out of boredom. She picked at her hands and made herself bleed by the mundane. And she was sent to Dove Port under the pretense that she’d be useful to the Elvish. She loved the workshop with Ash more than anything. She would never give that up. She also would never say no to a little more spice in her life when all she had to go home to now was fresh berries and two people who stared at each other like they should be fucking but wouldn’t.

“I have roots in Dove Port,” Kienna said. “I’ll protect this city.”

Petyr studied Kienna’s frame, unsure of the proposition. Crossing his arms, he asked, “What could this girl even offer the Dove Port army? We have soldiers and allies.”

“I’m from River Storm,” Kienna blurted, much to Tristian’s dismay as his shoulders tensed. Petyr seemed even more thrown by the admission. “I mean to say, I escaped the treacherous city. I know what the stakes are in this war and what threats lie ahead for the realm. I am your ally, sir, as much as I am an ally of Tristian’s.”

Kienna knew in her heart how true that statement was. Her love for Dove Port echoed her words and the way she claimed something, even if she couldn’t claim a title to herself.

“You do trust her, then? Why not bring her along in the first place?” Petyr asked.

Tristian kept his face still, watching Kienna carefully. “I engage in dangerous activities that could get her killed.” Kienna’s eyes lowered, thinking through the implications of what Tristian was really doing. “Yes,” he continued. “I trust her enough for this mission.”

The Captain General huffed a small laugh. “Welcome to the Dove Port army, then, soldier.”

Tristian inclined his head and extended his hand in parting. “We’ll be in touch.”

Petyr firmly clasped it, saying his farewells.

Tristian turned without another word, already moving toward the stairwell. Kienna fell into step beside him, silent as they climbed the winding stairs and passed back through the Great Hall. Even when they were out of earshot of the Captain General, she held her tongue. She waited until Tristian veered from the center of Dove Port and moved toward the tree lines until she finally let herself laugh.

Tristian turned, floating his gaze to the sky. “I trust you’ll keep this to yourself.”

Kienna didn’t think she could make that promise. For one, Ruva knew. She probably didn’t count in Tristian’s standards, but Connak would find out. He always did. She’d probably pull him into a nightmare by accident, and this would be built into it. “Are you trying to take Elira’s throne?”

Tristian’s shoulders tightened, his eyes finding her again. “Of course not. Trinity politics disinterest me.”

“Well, I’m apparently roped into this now. Do you care to explain?”

“You weren’t even supposed to be there,” Tristian said, brows lowering. He softened immediately. “Your presence helped, though.” He paused again, tapping his thumb against his belt. “I’m still getting a read on you. To trust you.”

Kienna let out a breathless huff. She was speechless, reeling in her thoughts. She gave up her family for this fucking Elvish city, to keep the Eternal Mother hidden from King Vaerin. She fought for them in a battle that almost killed her. She threw her whole body into saving Tislin’s life. “It’s Vaerin’s mark, isn’t it?”

Tristian pursed his lips together. “You didn’t claim a surname in front of the Captain General. I take allegiances very seriously, and who you claim to be is telling.”