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There was nothing to do but turn his focus to the task ahead. Though he wanted to confront his wife, he forced himself to listen as Toren and Mehl detailed every move of the Llyalian army—past, present, and future. He sensed Tes’s gaze on him from time to time, but he stared resolutely at the map spread out on the table.
It settled him to visualize the battles. It tore at his insides to feel his wife’s chaotic emotions through their link. Ber gritted his teeth and did his best to balance the conflict within him from the incessant contrast. Memorizing the possible locations of allies could prove vital if the mission went wrong, and he managed the task well enough.
Until they reached his and Tes’s part in the conflict.
“We will do our best to avoid a deep incursion into Centoi,” Toren said to Tes. “However, you and Ber should infiltrate the castle quickly. I know we discussed the two of you slipping in while Duchess Aony attacks, but I’ve been contemplating whether you should take a more visible role. Especially in combat.”
Ber’s gaze snapped from the map to Toren. “What?”
Had his brother guessed wrongly about Tes’s “ailment?” Because if he had a clue that she was pregnant, he wouldn’t be working to get her to fight. Would he? There was no indication on Toren’s face suggesting he’d done such a thing on purpose. And yet…
“That’s not what we talked about last night,” Mehl interjected. “We even dismissed the secret passages since Ryenil murdered the duke there.”
Ria fidgeted in her seat. “I don’t know if the enchantments I added to the armor are good enough to… That is, I’m not sure how well they will work in sustained combat.”
“Tes is a good fighter,” Toren said, shrugging. “It occurred to me as I was making the plans that the more they see her fighting, the more her people will support her. And she won’t be alone.”
Tes leaned forward. “I—”
“Absolutely not,” Ber snapped before he could stop himself.
His wife glared at him. “You don’t speak for me. I’m trained in combat strategies and am certainly capable of deciding such a thing for myself.”
Gods above. Though she was right, Ber still had to pinch his eyes closed and take a deep breath. How would he prove that he wouldn’t hold her back otherwise? It was difficult to fathom that Toren had come up with this, especially after promising to smooth any tension during the meeting. He sent his brother a sharp mental poke for starting a debate instead.
Only to receive amusement in return.
“You’re right,” Ber said to his wife. Then he glared at Toren. “If Tes agrees, then fine. But I can’t imagine what you’re thinking.”
Tes huffed. “As I was going to say before you took over, I don’t like the plan, either. Even Mehl thought it was bad.”
“I didn’t. I said only that it was a change.” Mehl tapped his finger against the city surrounding the palace. “There is some merit to you being seen by your people. Their increased fervor might make the risk worthwhile.”
Toren’s eyes widened the barest amount, but Mehl didn’t see the way his husband shook his head in a slight but telling signal. Suspicious, Ber peered at his brother more closely. Why would he be warning his husband against the plan he’d just suggested?
“Being seen isn’t the same as actively fighting.” Tes squirmed, and a thin line of worry appeared on her brow. “Maybe a short procession in some of the surrounding towns. Word would reach the capital quickly, and we’ll need to travel through at least one of them if we’re to port near Duchess Aony in time, anyway. But inside the capital city? No.”
Mehl pursed his lips. “Why? You’re a good fighter, as is Ber. And if the guards dare to attack the princess, I’m sure your citizens would be outraged. You could likely hold the guards off until the crowds intimidated them away.”
Had the king lost all sense? Ber wanted to protest, but one look at Tes froze his breath. Had she been that pale the whole time?
“No,” Tes gritted out.
“Hmm. I suppose you could risk the tunnels until you reach the nearest exit into the palace,” Mehl mused. “Then take the most direct route so everyone sees you. With the proper distractions, you won’t have to fight as long. More intensely, perhaps, but it will be shorter.”
Ber gripped the armrests of his chair until the wood groaned. Just when he’d started to respect the man, Mehl did this. Even without knowing about the pregnancy, the suggestions revealed a recklessness toward Tes’s life that Ber found abhorrent.
“Well?” Mehl asked.
“I can’t,” Tes replied.
Mehl frowned. “As I’ve said, you’re capable.”
“Then let me say it plainly. I won’t.” Her hand settled low on her stomach for the slightest moment. “I’m…I…”
Suddenly, Ber understood. They were trying to pressure her into a confession. But did he want to find out that way?No. I want joy this time.“I’m sure she doesn’t want to risk her life when there’s no need,” he found himself saying. “Maybe she has a better plan.”
The relief and gratitude in her gaze was reward enough.
