Soren stared at Vaeris. “Which specific practices are you targeting first?”
Vaeris hesitated. “The details are complex.”
“I’ve been studying Skaldir’s power structure for thirty years. I understand the complexity. Answer the question.”
“The southern houses have been more receptive?—”
“Those houses have minimal influence over the Order. The High Cleric answers to the northern families who fund them. They control access to sixty-three percent of the runes. You’re negotiating with people who have noinfluence.”
A muscle ticked in Vaeris’s jaw. “Skaldir’s internal politics are my concern, not yours. We’re here to address Kairos’s massacre and negotiate terms to prevent further bloodshed.”
Kairos scowled. “You’re conveniently leaving out why I was in your palace to begin with.”
“What my father did was cruel?—”
“Then you understand why I’m not apologizing for breaking free. And she’s not going back.”
Vaeris addressed Soren. “Soren, you’ve spent decades trying to change Skaldir. I’m offering you a chance to support reform, but I can’t do it if he keeps undermining my authority. Make him see reason.”
Soren turned to Kairos. “If Vaeris provides guarantees of her safety witnessed by all realms present, would you consider returning her?”
“No.”
“Why not? Specifically.”
Kairos hardened. “Because she’s mine.”
Vaeris laughed harshly. “You see? He’s not interested in diplomacy.”
“That’s right.” Kairos snatched a glowing fruit from a bowl. “You can debate diplomatic protocol all you want. I won’t let her go.”
“Even if she wants to?” Taressa asked.
Kairos’s smile was sharp. “She doesn’t.”
Soren leaned back, studying Kairos. “You realize this makes you look exactly as he’s describing you. A king who takes what he wants without regard for consequences.”
“I am that king,” Kairos said. “I’ve never pretended otherwise.”
Lysander slammed his hand on the table, and his wings flared. “Is this why we’re here? To watch two kingsfight over one pathetic human? She’s a human. There are thousands of them. Why does she matter?”
“She doesn’t,” Kairos said mildly, peeling the fruit. “Buthewants her. So I’m keeping her.”
Lysander’s face turned red. “That’sreckless. You’re willing to risk war across five realms over a petty rivalry?”
Vaeris’s jaw tightened. “It’s ridiculous.”
“You want her back? You can’t have her. You want reparations for your dead court? You won’t get them. You want me to acknowledge your sovereignty?” Kairos smiled. “No.”
“Then why are you here?” Lysander spat.
“To make my position clear. Sanguir answers to no one.”
Vaeris retreated from the table. “This is a farce.”
He stalked from the room, shadows gathering in his wake.
The hall erupted into noise. A nymph near the pools let out a high laugh. A Thalir lord whispered to his companion, both of them staring at me. Even the guards exchanged looks.
