“The royal family wasn’t the only family who died that night.” Roxanne’s gaze bored into me. “Don’t let their deaths be in vain.”
“Roxanne!” Florence gasped. “She doesn’t mean that.”
“I d—” Roxanne started when Florence’s hand covered her mouth.
“It’s not your fault.” Francis held my gaze, breaking his glare at Roxanne.
“As I said, we need an army first, weapons later.” Roxanne broke free from Florence.
“Well I don’t have an army, Rox!” Francis seethed.
As appealing as the idea of simply walking into the palace and destroying Kane from within was, it wouldn’t be possible without the proper preparation. I’d made that mistake once.
“Roxanne is right,” I interrupted the looming fight. “We need an army above all else.” When Francis’ surprised gaze met mine I continued, “For Moon’s sake, we got caught breaking in when the palace was filled with humans, not to mention the wall of fire that now surrounds the palace during daytime. We don’t even know where Mother kept those archives. This is madness, we should prioritize the army.” I looked over my company. “Are there any vampire villages beside Faris?”
“None that would be willing to help.” Florence shook her head, disappointment filling her eyes. “All that disagreed with Kane have already made their way to Faris, the rest either joined his forces or chose to simply witness how everything unfolds.”
“They plan to do nothing?” I wouldn’t give up, unsatisfied with her answer. “Are you sure we cannot change their minds?”When silence followed in reply a wicked thought crossed my mind. “Does Barren’s duchy still stand?” Three pairs of eyes buried into mine.
“A human army without Royal Steel is no use to us, we will be sending people for slaughter. Besides, Barren’s army is nowhere near big enough.” Francis shook his head. “Getting Royal Steel should be our priority.”
“Humans can fight with fire.” Roxanne protested. “Surely they aren’t foolish enough to rid themselves of their Silver weapons either. It’s better than nothing.” She nodded. “There aren’t enough of us here, Francis.”
Florence sighed as Roxanne and Francis glared at each other, their silent argument floating in the room.
“Are any other duchies standing?” I asked.
“Not that I know of.” Francis sighed, breaking his glare with Roxanne. “All the dukes were gathered for a meeting with the Queen the day of the attack. Barren was the only one to survive, as he was away from the palace with the best of the Royal army looking for Timothy.” Francis glanced at the map on his table before adding, “My sources say that one of the Royal commanders currently resides at Barren’s estate.
I swallowed before facing Francis. “Barren knows of Timothy.”
“Well, yes, they noticed his absence eventually.” Francis leaned back on his chair.
I rolled my eyes at his mockery. “Does he knowIwas the one to kill him?” My throat prickled at the thought of human blood. The memory of the crimson pool Timothy was left in tingled on my tongue.
Florence and Roxanne glanced between each other, their brows furrowing; though they withheld the questions they most certainly had.
Francis’ lips turned into a thin line. “There’s no way of knowing that. Perhaps he blames the Wurdulacs for his death.”
“But the Wurdulacs attacked after Timothy’s death.” I cleared my throat. “His body wasn’t far from the palace.”
“They didn’t find his body.” Francis smirked at my puzzled expression. “I went back and got rid of his body the following night, before we left the cabin.” Francis sighed before adding, “Don’t bother entertaining the idea, Cordelia, William Barren won’t help us, he only cares for his own skin in this war.”
“I can convince him.” I filled my lungs. “I will convince the Royal army commander to combine our forces.”
“I’m not sure Barren will let that happen. He claims the Royals army is now his—” Francis started.
“Isn’t the army Caleb’s now. Given he is the rightful Crown.” Roxanne shrugged, picking a piece of lint off her dress.
“What are you talking of.” Florence and Francis said in unison.
Before Roxanne managed to explain I replied, “I can convince Barren and anyone who is by his side that this alliance is necessary. We need each other for survival and they know it.” I continued before Francis had the chance to interject. “Once the deal is sealed we will figure out how much Royal steel we require and how we can make it.” I charged towards the exit. “Write a letter to Barren, Francis,” I said over my shoulder, heading back to my only sanctuary in this castle.
