If I said it was pure skill, I would be lying, for that was the first time I managed to throw a dagger successfully without Francis’ presence and advice.
Barren’s face turned the shade of his hair, glancing behind him at my successful throw. William swallowed, turning to his guard, who drew his sword in an instant—the guard’s hands visibly shook as he held the sword in our direction. None of us batted an eye.
“Summon the commanders." Barren told the guard, who offered him a swift nod before hurrying out of the courthall, his sword still drawn.
“I suggest you listen to me moving forward, William.” I smiled. “I have more daggers to spare.”
Chapter 38. Her Highness.
The room fell into silence as Tamira, the grayhaired man, and their seconds, took their seats across from each other; their features were unreadable as they awaited their orders.
“Arthur,” William addressed the grayhaired man—his personal commander, I guessed. “Tamira,” he turned to the commander of the Royal army. “I have summoned you here on such an early morning, for it seems we will be attacked by Wurdulacs. I order you to—” Barren started.
“By our knowledge, Kane and his army will be here within the next couple of days.” I interrupted before Barren managed to finish his sentence. His jaw clenched at my boldness, yet he refrained from saying a word: his eyes flickered to the dagger at my waist. “Kane’s army is approximately a thousand people, but they don’t have enough Royal steel weaponry to supply every warrior. Which means, we can fight on equal grounds once Gabriel produces enough Royal steel for our armies.” I pointed at the man by my side. “However, the numbers are still on their side, and we must find a way to eliminate as many as we can before they arrive at Silverstone.”
“We must evacuate the residents of Silverstone first.” Tamira nodded, glancing at Barren. “Then we can establish our forces around the perimeter of the region.”
“The residents can seek shelter at the human village near Faris,” Roxanne suggested. “They will be safe there for the time being, as long as we manage to funnel the Wurdulacs here—atthe castle, where stone walls can protect our armies from direct attack.”
“Agreed,” Arthur offered a slight nod, turning to Barren for approval. “Do I have your authority to start the evacuation of the local villages immediately, Your Grace?”
“Are you mad, people? We all must evacuate!” Barren stood up from his chair. “The Wurdulacs are coming here, their army is five times as big as mine—”
“Evacuate where? If we run, we would just prolong our suffering, not be rid of the threat.” Roxanne rolled her eyes; her arms crossed at her chest. “They will attack Faris next if they are successful here, it’s best to have the battle at this castle: when we are at our strongest.”
“Surely you wish for my people to die for your kind,” William snickered. “Have a battle here, so we have time to flee,” he mocked.
“As I already said, we will retrieve Faris’ warriors once the sun is down.” I forced a slow breath into my lungs before turning to Arthur and Tamira. “Evacuate everyone who cannot fight to the human village near Faris,” I told them.
Arthur looked visibly nervous as he met my gaze. Tamira, however, nodded at my suggestion; before she managed to say anything, Barren slammed his fists against the walnut–wood table. “It is my army; I give out the orders!” he screamed at the top of his lungs, his face reddened. “Hence,Idecide what is right for them! We are evacuating,” he told Arthur and Tamira.
“Where!” I repeated the same question Roxanne had asked through clenched teeth. “They will hunt you anywhere. Only, by then, your army will be tired and without shelter. These walls are stone, they will protect humans while fire erupts!”
“My word was final, Cordelia. You’ve lost your right to speak on the issues of our people once you turned into the devils’ spell,” he spat out, pushing the chair out of his way. The chair hitthe marble floor with a muffled thud as Barren’sgracefulsteps clicked against the marble, walking towards the door.
Arthur got up from his chair, his second—a blond boy that looked barely past eighteen—followed his lead, yet the uncertainty shone bright, deep in their human eyes. Arthur’s lips were sealed as his eyes watched William departing from the room, it was Tamira who spoke, “Your Grace, you are making a mistake.” She faced William, her shoulders straightened, nothing but determination present in her features. “Her Highness makes a compelling argument.”
Silence. William froze at the door before turning on one heel.
I could have blamed fear for Barren’s rash decisions and emotionality, yet I knew better.
“Her Highness,” he tsked, laughing. “Her highness,” he mocked. “Oh, sweet Tamira, you are mistaken: she is no Highness—merely a filthy vampire like the rest of her kind, with no respect for human tradition and value.” He put his hands behind his back as he rounded the hall. “Her rich speeches about wanting to help are no more than a ploy you are getting trapped in.” He smirked when his eyes burrowed into mine. “We are evacuating.”
Tamira stood from her seat, her hands inches from the weapons she kept at her belt. Barren’s eyes fell onto the blades as his throat bubbled.
