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I sit back on my haunches as I consider the possibilities.
It is clear that the naga of Lodra and Yadat are headed for a bout of political unrest. And that means they won’t be focused on a young human woman who might or might not have magic.
This is my chance, finally, to bring the kingdoms of Nagaland crumbling down.
2
SLYTH
Ichew my food slowly as Zalith and Aurora stare at me from the other side of the long table.
They’re certainly not happy to see me here.
I’d chuckle if it were any other situation, but the situation we’re all in right now is dire.
Of course, Zalith doesn’t believe we’re in any danger at all, ever. I’m not sure how much Aurora knows.
My mind keeps drifting back to the letter, and chewing the roasted dripir becomes more and more difficult as I remember its contents.
What in the name of Mynir are we going to do?
I decide to tell them. Zalith and Aurora are the future King and Queen of Lodra, and they, rightfully, should know what is going on in their future kingdom.
They should also know that the potential exists for Lodra to go to war.
I swallow the piece of roasted dripir that I have been chewing for possibly an hour and clear my throat.
Both Zalith and Aurora look at me with narrowed eyes. I know they wanted some quiet time to themselves. They didn’t appreciate me barging in on their meal, but as the royal advisor to the future King, I need to spend at least some time with the future leaders of Lodra. Outside of drinking games, that is.
“Zalith, Aurora.” I hesitate, but Aurora clears her throat and taps the table impatiently. Sparks of green magic flutter from her fingers, and she balls her hands into fists.
“There is something you must know. I found a letter from Kriseri. It arrived some months ago. They are not…. happy about your mating with a human. They made all kinds of threats in the letter. I think these threats are credible, and we should take them seriously.”
Aurora remains quiet, but Zalith scoffs and rolls his eyes.
And this is why I didn’t want to tell him. He always thinks I am overreacting about everything.
“We don’t need to worry about Kriseri!” Zalith slams a fist down on the table. Aurora rolls her eyes as the cutlery and crockery on the table clatter with the force of Zalith’s blow. “We have the force of an entire kingdom behind us! Let them bring their warriors! We’ll crush them easily, as though they were an army of so many pillas!”
Aurora meets my eyes across the table, and she gives me a sympathetic smile. When she speaks, her eyes slide back to her mate, her voice quiet, gentle, and measured – but firm.
“Zalith, we cannot deal with this by waiting and hoping that our forces will be strong enough to take them on. I agree with Slyth. This is an important matter that should be dealt with diplomatically.”
Zalith softens, losing his attitude right away as he defers to his mate.
I still find this transformation wonderful to see. Several months ago, Zalith would never have bowed to anyone other than his parents. He would have made a quick meal of any human who tried to give him guidance or advice.
But now with Rory, he has become almost malleable, open to different opinions and schools of thought.
She has really changed him for the better.
“How do you propose we deal with this, then?” Zalith asks Aurora.
Suddenly, the dining hall is lit up with sunlight as the afternoon grows brighter and sharper.
We have been experiencing beautiful weather recently. The kind of weather that warms scales and skin. The kind of weather that is good for crops and livestock. The kind of weather that signals prosperity.
I’m grateful because right now, Lodra needs to look strong and prosperous, especially in front of its enemies.
