My stomach twisted.
“If we cannot reach an agreement, Caelir will honor its alliance with Skaldir and war will follow.” Soren’s gaze swept the room. “Lunir remains neutral but will cut trade with any aggressor. Thalir will not involve itself unless our waters are violated.”
He gestured to the king of Caelir, who stood with wings folded against his back. “King Lysander stands with Skaldir.”
My blood chilled.
“And Vaeris of Skaldir”—Soren motioned to Vaeris—”seeks justice for his father’s murder and the restoration ofhis realm’s honor. Tonight, we negotiate terms. Speak freely.”
“What is she doing here?” Vaeris snarled.
Kairos glanced at me. “I wanted to show you she’s alive. Thriving, even. So you can stop begging me to return her.”
“Thriving,” Vaeris drawled. “She looks terrified.”
Kairos peered at my face and shrugged. Then he patted my shoulder like I was a skittish pet that needed soothing.
Vaeris stepped forward, shadows pooling at his feet. Tendrils spread across the floor like oil. They climbed walls, darkening the room until it felt submerged in twilight.
“Enough.” Soren’s voice cut through the tension. “State your grievance formally or sit down. This is a diplomatic summit, not a territorial display.”
“He murdered my entire court and took one of my citizens.” Vaeris gestured toward me. “And now he’s parading her here like a trophy.”
Soren’s gaze moved between them. “You’ve been king for almost two weeks. Is this about the girl, or about Kairos undermining your authority while you’re still consolidating power?”
“Both,” Vaeris said tightly.
“Forgive me, but I’m curious.” Taressa’s chuckle echoed. “What makes this girl worth a potential war between two realms? There must be something remarkable about her.”
“She’s under my protection,” Kairos bit out. “That’s all that matters.”
“Protection from what?” Lysander snapped.
“From being sacrificed,” Kairos said flatly. “The Rite slaughters humans every year in Skalgard.”
Vaeris looked around the table, pained. “Barely two weeks, and everyone expects me to reform centuries oftradition. I am trying. I reached out to negotiate her safe return, offered protections, guarantees. He refused.”
“Because she’s not yours,” Kairos growled.
Soren blinked. “You’re planning reforms?”
Vaeris nodded. “I’ve already stopped the Rite.”
Is he telling the truth?
Vaeris sighed heavily. “It is a barbaric ritual that’s poisoned Skaldir’s reputation and my people’s souls. My mother was human. I watched her suffer under laws designed to dehumanize. I will not continue that legacy, no matter what it costs me.”
Taressa softened. “That’s admirable.”
“It’s also political suicide,” Lysander muttered. “Half your nobles probably want you dead.”
“More than half,” Vaeris admitted. “But some things are worth the risk.”
Murmurs rippled through the gathered rulers. Even Soren’s analytical mask had cracked slightly.
Kairos’s arm tightened around me. “Very moving, but stopping the Rite doesn’t fix everything. The nobles still profit from human labor.”
“I’ve begun negotiations.”
