“Kairos, if you walk into that summit like a warlord whoslaughtered an entire court for fun, they’ll unite against you.”
“If I go, I’m walking into a room full of enemies who want me to beg.”
“Not all,” Elwen countered. “Thalir has remained neutral. Lunir is cautious but fair. It’s only Caelir that openly sides with Skaldir.”
“Caelir’s always hated us,” Uther muttered.
“Which is why the celebration matters,” Elwen pressed. “You need the clans unified before you face the other monarchs at the summit. Half the realm has no idea who’s in charge. I’ve been regent for a century. Some of the younger warriors have never known another ruler. The clan heads are waiting to see if you can lead or if I should just…continue.”
Kairos’s eyes narrowed. “You want to keep the throne?”
“No, buttheydon’t know that. And the longer we wait, the more they’ll question whether you’re fit to rule.”
“I’m fine.”
“You’re not,” Elwen snapped. “You’re hiding in training yards.”
“Watch yourself, Elle.”
“No. I’ve held Sanguir together while you rotted in a prison.” Her voice shook. “I made the hard calls, negotiated the treaties, and kept the clans from tearing each other apart. Now you’ve returned, and I want to give it to you. But you have totakeit.”
Silence crashed through the barracks.
“The party isn’t optional,” Elwen hissed. “It’s a political necessity. You’ll stand before the clans. You’ll receive their oaths publicly. You’ll show them I’m stepping aside willingly.”
“And if I don’t?”
“Then when Vaeris arrives at the summit, he’ll smell blood in the water.” Her dark gaze seemed to pierce Kairos. “We need to present unity. That means you, me, and the clans in a room as you take back your throne.”
“She’s right,” Uther said in a clipped tone. “The clans are loyal to Sanguir, but they’re not sure if that’s you or Elle.”
Kairos stared at his sister. “Fine. One party.”
Elwen’s shoulders relaxed slightly.
Uther grinned. “Perfect. Get everyone drunk and rowdy before you have to play diplomat. What could go wrong?”
Elwen squeezed her lips together, fighting a smile.
Kairos’s glare slid to me. “What about her?”
“Rumors are already flying,” Uther said. “You need an answer about what she is before the event.”
Kairos’s jaw clenched. “She’s under my protection.”
Elwen grimaced. “That implies obligation. Debt. They won’t like that.”
“I don’t owe them explanations.”
“You do if you want their loyalty.” Elwen’s voice sharpened. “Bringing her here looks like either weakness or obsession. Neither inspires confidence.”
Heat crept up my neck. They kept talking about me like I wasn’t even here.
Uther swept his arm toward me. “The clan heads have to know what she can do. They’re risking their warriors’ lives.”
“And if they talk?” Kairos challenged.
“Then you make it very clear what happens to oath-breakers.” Elwen folded her arms. “But these are your oldest allies. They’ve bled for Sanguir for centuries. They’ll keep the secret.”
