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But with Draven’s help, I could establish diplomatic relations with the other countries’ armies. Help them see that all I wanted was a cessation of hostilities and the protection of Pendrath. I could apologize for my brother’s terrible mistakes and offer to guarantee some sort of sanctions or reparations for what he had put them through. I could speak for Kaye–at least, temporarily. Perhaps help serve him as some sort of regent. I knew he would understand.
And then there was the part I hated to imagine but knew I had to.
Once I was in Camelot, I’d have to face Arthur.
To do that alone would be suicide, especially if Orcades really had brought him the sword and he knew how to wield it. Based on the legends alone, the sword had inconceivable powers.
But with Draven and his people there... I wouldn’t be alone. I wouldn’t be the only fae there with powers. Draven would make sure of that.
I knew I was strong, but Draven was right. I couldn’t control my power properly yet. I’d only used it twice. And I didn’t even want to use it a third time. But I’d have to, in order to face Arthur alone. It was the only way.
And if I didn’t want to face Arthur alone, well, that meant bringing Draven and his army to bolster Merlin and her rebels.
One way or the other, I needed to stay put.
“If you stay here, I’ll also owe you a great deal,” Draven said.
I whipped my head around to look at him. “What are you talking about? You’ll owe me? More like you’ll make Pendrath pay your court for centuries for the use of an army.”
Draven scowled. “That’s not even a question. I won’t be doing that. And yes, I’d owe you. Because if you leave here now, I’ll lose face before my entire court just before the Blood Rise is set to begin. If you leave me, I’ll look weak in front of people who would like nothing better than to kill me and defeat me. People who would like nothing better than to maintain the kind of corrupt court my father left behind.”
I stared at him, examining his face for any hint he was lying.
Did I know him well enough to be able to tell? That was the question.
Before last night, I had thought I did.
“You really believe that?” I said wonderingly. “But you aren’t... afraid?”
He laughed. “I’m not afraid, no. It would be a disadvantage. Not an impossible one to overcome.”
“More like an embarrassing liability,” I said bluntly.
“Something like that. My court–my friends–they’ve warned me of this. I’m sure you can imagine who I mean.”
“Let’s see,” I drawled. “Crescent, Gawain, Odessa, Javer, Hawl, Beks, and... Rychel?”
Draven’s eyebrows went up and I felt a surge of gratification knowing I’d surprised him.
“You’ve met my younger sister. What did you think?”
“I liked her. A lot better than you,” I said not very nicely.
He grinned. “I’m prettier though, don’t you think?”
I ignored the question. “She’s brilliant. And attractive enough, if you like women. Lancelet would have been... a better judge.”
Draven’s face softened. “I’m sure she would have. She was quite charming.”
I nodded, clenching my jaw. “Much more than I am. She was always better in taverns. Better at talking to people.”
I looked out over the water. The gondolas had lit their lanterns. They made a pretty sight. Like glowing stars in the sky.
A finger touched my chin, turning it slightly. My hand clenched around the letter opener but I kept it by my side.
“Stay,” Draven said. “Stay and lead my army to Pendrath. When I become emperor, I will follow your lead.”
I scoffed. “The emperor of the Siabra deferring to a half-fae girl with no throne and no title to speak of? I don’t think so.”
