“Send word to the borders,” I say, knowing Valenar is only a few paces behind me. “Whoever they can spare.”
“Xan—”
“And send a direct missive to Hilduin. If anyone can whip these men into shape it’s—”
“Xan,” Val tries again.
“They’re going to need intense conditioning, and—”
“Xandril,” Valenar snaps, grabbing my wrist with his tail and tugging me back.
Once I’m facing him, he’s suddenly sheepish, rubbing the back of his head and not meeting my eyes.
“Look, I’m glad you feel like you’ve found something to do with the guard, but do you think you might be avoiding the bigger matter at hand?”
We’re halfway back to the war room, and it’s the first time I’ve noticed the chill since we stopped fighting. Snarling, fists clenched at my sides, I bite back my rage.
“And what would you have me do instead? Nothing I’ve tried so far has made a bit of difference. If there is one thing I’m able to do properly, shouldn’t I do it?”
He grits his teeth, a muscle in his jaw jumping from the force. “Reforming the king’s guard isn’t enough—”
“Do you think I don’t know that?!” I snap back, letting in far more of my desperation than I mean to.
Val’s ears flatten against his head, nearly disappearing in his shaggy red hair.
“I know it’s not enough,” I continue, trying to soften the impact of my last words. “But it’s the only thing I’ve got right now.”
Val lifts his head at that, the light sparking in his eyes all too familiar. Equal parts exhilarating and dread-inducing, that look means he’s got an idea, and all I can do is hold on for the ride.
“Come,” he says, indicating his head toward a nearby door. I still don’t know where half the doors in this castle go, but it doesn’t seem to matter since I always emerge where I need to.
Even though I’m sure we weren’t anywhere near the royal rooms, we emerge into the war room, our plans still spread out where we left them.
“Val, we’ve already looked at this from every—”
He shakes his head. “I have a different idea…one you’re not going to like, but if you truly think matters hopeless—”
“I’ll consider just about anything at this point,” I grumble, slumping into one of the heavy wooden chairs with a defeated sigh.
His rueful chuckle doesn’t inspire much confidence. “Just remember you said that.”
That makes me sit up, eyes narrowing at my oldest and dearest friend. “What scheme are you dreaming up now?”
His tail twitches, one ear flicking like there’s a fly buzzing around it. “Do you remember how I found myself in Emerald?”
It takes me a moment, but the persistent pressure of his gaze finally makes it click, and I shoot to my feet.
“No. Absolutely not. Nothing good can come of dealing with one of those cheats.”
“Nothing?” Val challenges with an arched brow, arms folded in front of his chest. “And what good will come of you letting your lands wither to dust?”
My blood chills.My lands.Mine to protect and preserve. No matter what.
When I took the throne from Farandir, I accepted the responsibility to do what’s necessary for the reach. If that means signing away my everlasting soul, then so be it. I knew what I was getting into.
With a heavy sigh, Val sinks into one of the chairs, running his fingers through his hair.
“I know it’s not ideal,” he says, rubbing circles from his temples to the base of his horns. “But I wouldn’t suggest it if I thought it would go poorly. I’ve worked with this Dealmaker before, and he’s an odd one. Unusually fair. He’s never even collected his fee from me.”
