“Serves us?” he asks, a smile curling the corners of his lips. “Rowen is a Sovereign King. He serves his people, not us.”
I understand the nature of his language, the pushback to what I’ve said. But the fact remains.
“And itserves usto keep him where he is,” I say, and he gives me a look as if he’s about to contest the notion. “ItservesErus. In several ways.” I don’t give him the chance to speak. “First, if Vis goes without a Sovereign King and its borders are contested, what’s stopping Ganus or Eloric from stretching their reach north? Second, any kind of war right now bolsters the hells. I’d like to avoid sending powerful souls straight to my brother.”
Ryc nods slowly, a smile forming on his lips as he listens.
“Last, but more of a personal note,” I continue and Ryc simply stares, the smile on his face painted there. “Tanila doesn’t deserve to pay for her father’s mistakes. Were Rowen to be the only casualty, perhaps I’d feel differently about the outcome.”
I can’t say I like Tanila, despite our brief meeting.
And my dislike has nothing to do with her previous involvement with Ryc. In that one night, she threatened to destroy the life I sought to build in this realm by revealing my lineage to the council. Had Netharis not shown himself and exposed her father as contracted, she would have.
I’ll never trust her.
But I don’t necessarily want her dead.
“I’ll admit, this isn’t where I expected you to land,” Ryc says and there’s a hint of wonder in his tone. “I hope Rowen appreciates you saving his life a second time.”
I’ve the feeling if I hold my breath in wait, I’ll find the hells sooner.
“I’ll start garnering support for the notion tomorrow,” Ryc says, his voice quiet. “Send word to Rowen and Fenryn, see who we can get.”
“Will that be difficult?” I ask. “Rowen made it seem so.”
Ryc draws a deep breath, pursing his lips. “It might be. But the only reason this is going to a hearing is because the proposition wasn’t supported unanimously earlier this week. Fenryn and I stand opposed, and I think others do too. They just have to be reminded.”
I know better than to ask how.
“So what, we have three against five?” I chew at my lower lip. The votes of Ryc, Fenryn, and Rowen aren’t going to be enough to keep Rowen on his throne.
Ryc nods.
“Which of the kings have less-than-friendly relationships with Ganus or Eloric?” My mind begins to churn, recalling all too easily how such a problem would be approached by archdemons. “Start your appeals with them. Emphasize the faults and shortcomings of Ganus and Eloric’s purported solution, and exemplify Rowen’s achievements as leader of the High Council.”
Ryc’s head tilts back as he laughs. “Have much experience navigating political minefields?” he teases.
“More than I’d like,” I reply, smiling. “Though mostly as a tool and not as a player. Perhaps that worked in my favor. It allowed me to observe the inner workings of the Layer Lords and their constant grasps at power. This feels no different. It’s a masked dagger—they’re reaching for something larger with this attack on Rowen. But I can’t say what for certain—I don’t know these kings like I know those demons.”
“Which is why you asked Lilith for information about them,” Rycsays, realization spreading across his features.
I nod.
“You could ask me,” he says with a small shrug. “I’d share everything I know with you.”
No cost.
No barter.
Justgiven.
I stare at the fae, bewildered for a moment.
“You’re busy enough,” I reply. “I don’t mind my bargain with Lilith.”
Now if only I could fulfill it.
“You bargained… with Lilith?” he doesn’t sound impressed.
