Domhnall continued. “I feel these deaths only emphasize the importance of what I am about to propose. If Tinelann and Ionróir are working together, it wouldn’t surprise me if their reach could extend to our own homes. Tinelann breaking the treaty and Ionróirans advancing inland affects both of our kingdoms. We need to gather intel to decide how to move forward from here and what preparations will need to be made. And if rumors about enemies in the Diamhair Mountains are true, thenno matter who the enemy is, we should prepare for the possibility of war.”
There was silence as everyone let his words sink in. A true war, beyond small invasions by a foreign continent, hadn’t been seen in Inismian in decades. Peace between the five kingdoms—Álainndore, Scáilca, Tinelann, Liricnoc, and Oileánster—had been kept through the Diamhair Treaty.
But if Tinelann was crossing into the mountains, violating the very rule the treaty was named for, war might be unavoidable. And if they were working with Ionróir? It could be catastrophic.
The Ionróiran’s had practice in battle; they had been attacking Scáilcan coasts for decades now. As a coastal power that relied on their naval dominance, they were limited by the whims of the sea and how many warriors they could fit on the boats they sailed from Mhór Rhoinn to Inismian. Tinelann could supply them the foothold they would need to overwhelm the other four kingdoms.
Domhnall continued, palms resting against the table as he leaned forward. “Chief Ó Connor, with King Tighearnán and Queen Eithne’s permission, I would like to propose Commander Derval lead a small group of warriors to the town of Redhallow. It’s the nearest Álainndoran settlement to the base of the mountains and an ideal location to scout for activity. What do you say?”
Ronan glanced at Clíodhna, who Domhnall had neatly cut out of the conversation. She didn’t appear upset, by his words or the imminent danger. Her face remained calm, her posture that of someone having a casual conversation over tea.
Ó Connor shook his head tightly. “No.”
Domhnall stood up. The chiefs in Scáilca had never deniedtheir prince. His hold on his warriors was tight, built on hard-won respect and loyalty. But he had none of that here.
He might have, had he not broken his engagement, Ronan thought. Of course, he couldn’t say this.
The older chief stood tall, his tone final. “I understand your concerns, and I applaud your dedication in suggesting this mission, but the king and queen do not wish to get involved in these affairs.”
Domhnall glared at the chief. “They would have to do nothing but grant permission.”
“That would then be involving them, and thus Álainndore, in your war. It is too much of a risk,” Ó Connor stated.
“The risk would be worthwhile for them, given the stakes. Álainndore has avoided Ionróiran attacks thus far, but what if theyaretraveling inland? What if they begin attacking the eastern coast? Your kingdom won’t be safe forever.”
Ó Connor stared down at the prince, unaffected by his words. “If that happens, then we will reconsider. Not a moment sooner.”
It was then that Ronan spoke. “By then, it would be too late.”
The chief didn’t acknowledge Ronan, looking only at Domhnall. “I have given you my answer. If that is all, I must take my leave.”
He turned to walk away, but Domhnall called after him. “I want an audience with the king and queen.”
“As I said before, they do not wish to involve themselves.” Ó Connor offered a serene smile, reminding Ronan that the man was born and raised in Álainndore, same as Clíodhna. “It was a pleasure seeing you again, Your Highness.”
Frustration rose in Ronan. Ó Connor walked out of the room, leaving everyone standing foolishly beside the table, and Ronan wanted to follow him. To yell and demand that he listen. But he stayed where he was.
The princess watched Ó Connor with an unreadable look on her face. Ronan waited for her to speak. She outranked the chief; she could overrule his decision if she wished. If she cared about her kingdom, she would.
Remaining silent, she rose from the table and followed Ó Connor out the door.
Perhaps this was her idea of a petty punishment for Domhnall’s betrayal. Only now, all of them would have to pay the price.
Chapter Five
The dress she spent hours fixing lay in tatters on the ground in her room.
It was supposed to be her betrothal dress, but it had no use now. It felt wrong to allow it to remain perfect and untouched while her world fell apart.
After the meeting in the war room, Clía could hear the whispers follow her as she attended to her duties in the castle. It took everything she had to appear unbothered.
“Did you hear, Prince Domhnall backed out of the betrothal?”
“Apparently, Scáilca questioned her ability to rule.”
“She made the kingdom look shameful.”
“It’s pathetic, really.”
