“Selene’s. Her death curse still hangs over the realm.”
“She betrayed you.” He nods as if he knew all along, which I suppose he did.
“She betrayed us, then saved us, then perhaps betrayed us again. I can’t keep count.”
“We really need to end her.” Charen strides in and falls into a chair beside me. Without fanfare, he grabs one of the decanters and drinks straight from it.
“So there’s an uprising caused by the curse, our queen is in some sort of blood magic sleep, and Eraldon is rallying his army to destroy us all?” Charen drinks deeply.
I join, and Brock drains his glass.
Dilrubin shuffles through. “My lord. Glad to see you returned.”
“Have you heard about an uprising?”
Charen chokes on his drink.
Dilrubin’s eyes open a little wider. “Of course, my lord. Everyone’s heard the talk.”
“What’s the goal? To overthrow me and then what?” I pour him a glass.
He shakes his head, fastidious to a fault. “I’m not sure, my lord. It’s strange how many have taken to the idea, though.”
“Do you have names?” Brock asks.
I wave the question away. “Carry on, Dilrubin. Don’t mind him.”
“Thank you, my lord.” He shuffles into my bathing room, and I can hear him rearranging towels.
“He’s loyal. Let him be.”
Tristano walks in and plops beside Charen. “Drinking without me?”
“Here.” I push the bottle to him. “We need a plan.”
“How do we fight a curse?” Brock sighs.
“How do we fight our own people?” Charen runs a hand over his short golden hair.
“When do I get to kick Eraldon in the balls?” Tristano grins.
For once I wish for my father’s wisdom. He didn’t give me much in the way of kingly instruction. Then again, I never wanted it. Becoming king was something I knew I couldn’t escape, but I never yearned for it. And now, we’re at the brink of two wars—one from the inside and one from the night realm. This is on me to repair, to win.
“Tristano, I want you to head to the barracks, muster every last warrior and tell them we set out for the southern border as soon as they can make ready. Charen, see if you can get in touch with some of the witches in the surrounding lands. Go through the vale if you have to. Brock, I need to know the exact grievances the rebels have been circulating.” I have to address my problems head-on, but as for Selene’s curse—I have no idea how to break it. I’m beginning to suspect she doesn’t either, though I haven’t seen her since we escaped the Nightkeep. For all I know, she’s a pile of ash in the throne room.
Brock clears his throat. “There’s one more bit of news.”
I lean back and send a feeler down the bond to Emma. Her end is still dark. I try to push down my fear of losing her. She needs me to be strong, to lead.
“Good news?” Charen asks.
“News.” Brock shrugs. “We’ve managed to capture one of the rebellion ringleaders.”
“That’s good news, then.” I slap the table. “Where is he? Let’s see what we can figure out.”
“She’sin the dungeon, locked away with her sister.” Brock pours yet another glass.
“Sister?” I pinch the bridge of my nose.
