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“Why wouldn’t they? The No Ones have sworn allegiance to you,” he argues.
I smile tightly and raise my chin. “Exactly. Which is why I don’t need anyone to bend the knee. Every citizen, including our kings and queens, will do as I say or face the wrath of the No Ones. That includes you, General.” It’s a subtle point but makes all the difference in the world. I don’t require anyone to sign up to my rules. They either accept them or they die. Plain and simple. Of course, it does help that I have powerful allies.
Still, I have to keep my head level because my power isn’t without limits. For example, Alwar and Bard are brothers. I can’t assume they’d follow an order to turn on each other. That’s to say, if I asked Bard to move against the War People, the people he once belonged to, he might not be so enthusiastic.
On the other hand, Bard and Alwar don’t exactly like each other. Long ago, their father, the then king, was hell-bent onimplementing the Proxy Vow. Their mother and pregnant sister went against him and were banished to my world. Bard wasn’t so happy about it and decided to go with them.
I’m not sure how much time passed, but I know their father eventually sent an assassin to kill the two women. After that, Bard basically disowned his family except for his sister’s son.
The point to all this is that everyone here has a long, twisted history. I have to make my moves carefully. It’s why rule number two is so important. Trust no one.
Rool nods. “I see your point, my queen. Having the No Ones behind you is a valuable weapon. But only as long as Bardolf remains in power.”
So he seems to think Bard can be knocked down.
I laugh. “If you think anyone can touch that man, you’re dumber than you look, General.”
He smiles. Yes, smiles. I’m guessing my insult and lack of weakness have pleased him. If I’d been polite, he’d probably spit on me.
“I will remain here while you speak to that vile excuse of a king,” says Rool. “He is not to be trusted. They have no land and are a weak people.”
Interesting. So land equals respect. I suppose I see why. If you’re a strong people, you take what you need and you hold on to it. The Mountain People lost everything when they, too, went against Alwar’s father and didn’t bend the knee to the Proxy Vow. See. Right there. Another twisted history.
I leave General Rool at the large wooden door and enter to find Mato sitting on my throne—a chair with a high back, completely encased in black leather.Well, this is going to be an interesting conversation.
Wearing a plain beige tunic and brown leather sandals, with his dirty blond hair in a ponytail, Mato reminds me of a hippy from the ’70s. He even has a laid-back demeanor, but I know underneath is a cold, calculating man.
“King Mato,” I say, entering the room.
He stands but doesn’t bother to apologize for sitting on the throne, not that I expected him to. In fact, I assume he was making a statement: this throne means nothing to him. Just another chair.
Or maybe he’s testing me.
“King Mato, nice to—”Shit, I’m being polite. It’s a mistake I can’t afford. “Nice of you to keep my throne warm for me. Do it again and I’ll feed you to my army.”
He chuckles and bows his head. “Impressive save. I know you were about to say something pleasant.”
I shrug.
“Are you aware that the Mountain People do not prescribe to the cultural norms of Monsterland? We value life. We value honor. We care for each other—old, weak, or small.”
He means that they align more closely to my beliefs. Sadly, we are not in my world. I can’t ever forget that.
“I wasn’t aware because nobody talks about you. I suppose they find you too insignificant,” I lie. I think he’s a major player on the chessboard. The Mountain People are the rebels of Monsterland, true nonconformists. That said, I don’t want Mato thinking he holds power over me.
“I am not surprised,” he says, “but nevertheless, I am responsible for my people and acting on their behalf. At themoment, that means getting your assurance that our agreement still stands.”
Ah. That.Almost two weeks ago, Mato’s people attacked the wall and failed. Of course they did, because it was Benicio’s idea, and he was a narcissist blinded by his hunger for power. That’s how the Wall Men outsmarted them and kicked their asses. But they took Alwar prisoner during the retreat, and I ended up negotiating for his freedom. The deal entailed implementing my unrealistic plan for peace, in addition to making sure the Mountain People got their land back.
“It still stands.” For now. “But I might have a better offer for you and the Mountain People in the very near future.”
He stares, waiting for me to elaborate.
“I am not able to disclose the details yet,” I offer.
“In that case, I want my land back, and I want it now.”
I try to think through what this means. I should consult Alwar at the very least. He has a long, long history with Mato.
