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Percival tried to interject. ‘Father—’

‘Argh!’ Aerileas whirled on Percival, pointing an admonishing finger at him, and Areanel prayed her brother wouldn’t stoke their father’s anger.

She thanked all the gods when Nymlaris pulled Percival’s shoulder, forcing him to step back in line and shut his mouth. If they interrupted, Areanel knew from experience, they would make this so much worse.

‘The ambush was unexpected,’ Areanel began. ‘We did not think it would happen so soon. No one besides the council had knowledge that we would be moving the villagers out of Vennedove.’

‘You blame the Council?’

‘I am simply stating facts, Father.’ Areanel met his eyes with an unwavering gaze. ‘No one else knew what we had planned. And, as for the rebels who attacked us, they have all been taken care of.’

‘All besides one.’

‘Yes,’ Areanel confirmed. ‘We captured one and brought them back for questioning.’

Areanel released a breath of relief when Aerileas’s posture slowly eased. It seemed that she had chosen the correct words. For now.

Areanel watched as her father’s fingers returned to drumming the arm of his seat.

‘I have made changes to the meeting.’ Aerileas’s voice pierced the sudden calm that had settled over the room. Areanel feared what it meant. She could still feel the buzz of electricity beneath his calm demeanour; she was not in the clear yet. ‘My spies have informed me that the former Chieftain of Vennedove is seeking sanctuary in Alabasus.’

Shit. He knew. Those damned spies.

Areanel had explicitly told Ryyen not to share that information with Aerileas yet. She had known for a while now, but if her father had learned that the chieftain was in Alabasus, then he would easily connect the dots. She was the one who pushed for the treaty negotiations to take place there. It would be her neck on the line if something went wrong.

Areanel would not go back to The Pit.

She needed to come up with a plan before informing him. Or better yet, the traitor’s head. Her father would not be pleased to learn she’d kept this from him.

‘But you already knew that.’ His head tilted to the side like a predator analysing its prey. ‘Didn’t you, Selyë? Did you not think it prudent to inform me of this development? Or are you so idiotic you thought you could hide it from me?’ His words stung. ‘The treaty will be signed in Alabasus,’ Aerileas continued with an annoyed huff. ‘The kingdoms have already been informed about the change of location. Selyë, I want you to go. Take your envoys and oversee the meeting. Ensure these negotiations go well.

‘However, if I catch wind of you even thinking about following this chieftain, I will sever your head myself. Is that understood? Your priority is this meeting—not your personal vendetta against these insurgents.’ A vein bulged in his forehead.

‘Yes, Father.’ Areanel bowed her head in subjugation even as her anger boiled. Personal vendetta, he had called it. Areanel bristled with the thought.

They had killed her son, yet her own father saw it as nothing but a petty scheme for vengeance.

‘I will see it done.’ Great. Another mission!

Areanel had hoped she would have had some time before leaving again. At least today of all days, she wanted to spend time with her family. She wanted to be with Rymedur and her children. Even if only for this day.

‘Of course, you will leave as soon as you are done healing.’

The words brought her to a halt, and icy shards of dread scraped her spine.

Areanel had done everything right. What could her father possibly have to gain from punishing her?

‘You didn’t think I would excuse your incompetence, did you?’ His words were like frigid water. ‘Not only did you not anticipate an ambush you were unprepared for, but you allowed one of your brothers to become injured and another to deplete his powers.’ He lazily gestured in their direction.

This wasn’t about Sevain’s injuries. No, the malicious glint in his eyes told Areanel that this was something he’d had planned for a while. He’d just been looking for the perfect excuse, and she’d handed him one on a silver platter.

She should have never let Elmrynn take charge!

‘Father—’

‘I made it very clear what would happen should you disappoint me, girl.’

A slow, wicked smile stretched across Aerileas’s face, and Areanel knew that this was retribution for his hurt pride. This had nothing to do with her brothers or her presumed failure. Aerileas was angry that she had manipulated the Council and forced his hand. He sneered down at her, the vein in his head throbbing. ‘I expected better from you, Selyë. But maybe that was my mistake; I should never have put my faith in someone as useless as you. To think you are my daughter. Pathetic!’