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And it appeared that he would be a powerful one.

In the time since, Emi and Kael had taken great pleasure teaching the prince how to recognize the taste, the rush of craft, and how to summon it for his use—be it for brutality or healing.

Jordis kept trying to get Sindri to stop fidgeting in a finely made tunic embroidered with the double-headed raven.

When we entered the room, the úlfur councilmen rose. Their heads were topped in fox head furs or pelts. Runes inked their fingers for wisdom in an official council, and they did not sneer as they had the first time they sat with the melder.

Once Roark and I were seated at the head of the table, Yanson spoke. “We gather as a meet of realms to repair what was broken over the centuries. To find peace and agreements in how our realms move forward. Jorvans, what say you?”

Thane sat straighter. “Jorvandal recognizes the destructive hand it has played in these battles.”

I wanted to argue that it was not Thane, but he was the resounding voice, the king of Jorvandal, and the actions of those before him would be his to shoulder.

He shouldered them well.

“I wish it to be known Stonegate will henceforth be an ally to not only the kingdom of Myrda, but also to Dravenmoor.” Thane shot a sly sort of grin my way. “As for our Myrdan alliance, our friendship and support will always be yours, but not through marriage.”

Murmurs traveled through the Myrdan nobles, and a few of the Jorvans.

We had already expected this.

Thane held up a palm and smiled across the table at Yrsa. “You are one of my truest friends, I love you with all my heart, and I desire nothing but your happiness. If there is to be a marital alliance, let it be with Princess Yrsa and Emi Nightlark of Dravenmoor. I expect to be invited, of course, not like those sods.”

He waved a hand at me and Roark, drawing a few laughs from the úlfur.

Yrsa swiped at a rogue tear. “Myrda stands with Jorvandal.” She took hold of Emi’s hand. “And Dravenmoor. No marital alliance is needed, but one is surely desired.”

Emi kissed the top of Yrsa’s knuckles.

“What of your tentative alliances with the Unfettered Folk?” Yanson asked Thane.

“Exactly that, tentative. The Lawspeaker of one Unfettered clan has once again reached out as a willing ally, if I aid him in trade agreements near their coast.”

Gammal cleared her throat from the back of the room. “Take care which path you choose.”

“That’s not foreboding at all.” Thane chuckled. “Many Unfettered Folk fought with us, so we should keep peaceful trade with them, and it would be diplomatic of me to do the same.”

You will keep us informed? Roark gestured over the table.

“Ah, fretting for me already, brother?” Thane winked. “I will tell you every dull detail of my life until your final days if you wish.”

I chuckled when Roark scowled and insulted the prince with his silent words.

“We have need to discuss the new ascension of the Draven crown.” Yanson opened an arm toward Sindri. “The firstborn of the heir, by our laws, is the future king of the Draven clan.”

Sindri sank a bit in his chair.

“As the wife of our fallen prince,” Yanson went on, “Jordis the Gentle, you will hold an honored position; you will be a voice of wisdom and honor for our future king. In this, Dravenmoor also holds peace and respect for the Unfettered clans. Blood of their blood lives in Sindri the Wild.”

Sindri had fretted the whole of the last week, insisting he did not know how to be royal, did not know how to manage soul craft, and he was only soothed when Roark grew weary of the complaints and dragged his nephew into the mirror.

I would never forget the moment a son was given the chance to summon the thread of his bond to a fallen father.

It was taxing for Roark, and even Nivek’s word insisted it was not the way of things to always summon the souls of the fallen. But he told his boy he was always there, guiding him. All he had to do was trust his own heart and heed the words of those who went before him.

Sindri had been more determined in recent days to rise to his birthright.

It helped when Thane, Yrsa, and the úlfur assured the boy that they would be at his side, friends and mentors as he grew.