Captain Soren led them through the rows of tents erected along the edge of the Amber Woods. They were far enough away from where Ser Aeron and the Captain assumed Garnet would attack but close enough that when soldiers inevitably needed care, they would be able to get there quickly. As they made it through the last line of temporary makeshift homes, Auraelia’s steps faltered.
Standing toward the outskirts of the others was a larger version of the deep green canvas tents that belonged to hersoldiers, only this one had a golden crown embroidered on the flaps.
“Why is it sobig?” Piper whispered from behind her.
“I don’t think I’ve ever heard a woman complain about something beingbig,” Aiden mumbled under his breath, which earned a stifled chuckle from Xander that he attempted to cover with a cough.
“Why are you even here? Shouldn’t you be with Daemon?” Piper riposted, her brows pinched so closely together that they’d merged into one as she glared at Aiden.
There was a cocky smirk on his face, and when he opened his mouth to respond—clearly intending to enter into a verbal jousting contest with Piper—Auraelia spoke for him.
“He’s here because I need him to be. Just as I need you and Xander. Now,” she cut a sharp look around the group, “Can we please be adults? Aiden, keep your comments to yourself unless they are actually useful. Piper? For the love of every Goddess in Arcelia. Let. It.Go.” The end of her statement was said through clenched teeth, her eyes flicking toward Xander, hoping her friend would catch the hint.
The sound of a throat clearing had them all looking over to where Ser Aeron and Captain Soren stood a few feet away. The Captain—goddess bless him—was looking away and acting like he hadn’t heard the entire exchange between their group.
On the other hand, Ser Aeron shook his head in disbelief and blew out an exasperated breath before saying, “Shall we, Your Majesty? There’s much to discuss before the sun sets.”
Auraelia gave him a terse smile and made hasty steps to catch up to her Commander General. As they drew closer, she asked, “Whyis itso much larger than the others? Surely I don’t need more than they do.”
“Your tent also acts as the war tent. It’s where all of your leaders meet before battle to figure out the best strategies and alternate options. They’re in there now, waiting for you.”
Auraelia took in a deep breath, her anxiety ramping up as she tried to wrap her head around everything.
Never in her life did she ever think that her path would lead here. That she would be stepping into a tent full of her army’s squadron leaders and captains. She’d planned for a quiet life on the throne. For ruling in a time of peace and prosperity.
But fate had been cruel and dealt her an unbalanced hand.
Time slowed as she stepped through the tent flaps. Watching as each member of her advisory team bent a knee and bowed their heads, their right arm braced across their chests. Her magic swirled in her veins, heat blooming at her fingertips as she looked over every single person in that tent. These people were willing to die for their kingdom. Forher. The thought had her stomach clenching.
Closing her eyes, she sent a quick prayer to the Goddesses of Arcelia.
My Goddess Rhayne, please help and guide me through this war if you can hear me. Steady my people’s blades and help their arrows fly true. Goddess Inara, Protector of Warriors, please guide my soldiers through this, and should they fall, bring them home to Arcelia to sit at your table.
Stealing her spine, Auraelia let out a steady breath. “You may rise.”
As each member of her team rose, she crossed the space to the large table set up in its center. Maps were spread across the surface, weighed down by daggers, swords, and books. Tiny figurines dotted their surfaces, and she scoured over each and every one. It was all guesswork. They had no clue what Davina’s numbers were, but with the magnitude of her power, Auraelia wasn’t sure if her cousin needed numbers.
Sinking down into her chair, Auraelia blew out a short breath as she steepled her fingers in front of her face and met Ser Aeron’s gaze. “Commander General Koa. Report.”
They’d discussed every possible battle plan they could devise over the last two hours. But as conflicting opinions rose, so did tempers. Yelling ensued, and cups were knocked over by overzealous hand motions. Accusations were thrown in every direction—including hers.
Her head was pounding, stars dancing in her vision as the pressure in her skull increased.
These were grown men, and they were acting like children.
When she’d had enough, she glanced toward Aiden and gave him a slight nod. Within seconds, the tension in the air ebbed, and she breathed a sigh of relief.
“Gentlemen, I thank you for all of your advice and counsel. I believe we’ve come to the best solutions possible with the information we have. I know some—if not most—of you don’t think I am ready for this. And I can’t truthfully say that I am. You have all trained for moments like this for the majority of your lives while I lived protected behind castle walls. But let me be clear. I have trained just as hard as any of you. I have honed my combat skills under Commander General Koa's instruction. I have fought off and killed assassins who have tried to take my life. I’ve nurtured my powers and will standbesideyou on that field today. Not tucked away behind stone walls or cowering in this tent. I am as much a soldier of this court as you are. And if Davina wants my crown, she will have to pry it from my dead hands.”
A chorus of cheers echoed through the space, and she breathed a sigh of relief as she met each of their impressed smiles. And though her stomach was in knots, she meant every word.
The only way Davina would get her crown was if she failed.
And failure wasnotan option.
After a quick recap on what plans needed to be set into motion, the council bowed and left to relay the messages to their troops, leaving Auraelia alone with her travel party and Ser Aeron.
“You did well, Auraelia. Your mother would be proud,” Ser Aeron said, pride beaming in his eyes.
