“People need to know the truth about what Kakos is capable of. The horrors I saw in Milsaio and Dunmeaden would encourageanyoneto do what they can to stop this war. The surviving members of the Visya force will begin to spread the word so that the people know what they will face. Kakos will not leave Trahir unharmed.”
That, she was sure of. The Southern Kingdom was not content to simply take over the continent. They wanted to rule the realm, maybe even the Beyond.
Why else would one become a god?
“Aleissande, when she’s recovered, will start to rally troops,” Josie informed them. “We’re uncertain where the City Guard’s loyalties lie, and the Royal Army…well, Aidon’s allowance of the formation of an elite Visya unit stirred dissent within the force.”
Lucas’s mouth thinned as he considered her. “And what do you need us to do?”
The corners of Josie’s lips twitched. “You know how much Trahirians love their gold.”
Years she had spent as a political pawn for her uncle. Years catering to dignitaries and courting merchants and playing the ever-gracious host.
Who knew all that political posturing would pay off so well?
“You want us to sabotage our trade alliances,” Clyde breathed, his eyes going wide with realization.
“I want the Bellare to sabotage our trade alliances,” Josie corrected. “Or at least, that’s what I want the people to believe. I have no doubt they would do it all on their own should we have the luxury of time, but we do not. But perhaps, if we strike the match, the Bellare will stoke the flames all on their own.”
She looked to Lucas. “You are an expert calligrapher, are you not?”
Lucas leaned back on the couch, his hands tucking behind his head. “One does not become notorious for their ability to throw parties without learning how to properly letter an invitation.”
“So you could reasonably forge a missive from Avis Lavigne to Queen Hyacinth that says Trahir no longer wishes to participate in trade with Tala?” Josie suggested.
Clyde scrubbed a hand across his mouth, muffling his rough laugh. “Seven hells. That wouldn’t just decimate our economy and the Talan food supply, it would mean…”
“It would mean the Bellare are stopping us from getting the weapons we need from Tala to protect ourselves from Kakos,” Josie finished for him. “Imagine the pandemonium that might ensue if the Lead Councilor were to discover such a missive. Not only would it show the Bellare are willing to circumnavigate the Merchant Council, a pillar of our society that has existed for centuries, but it would also prove they are unable to protect us against true threats.”
“The Bellare will likely deny it,” Lucas reasoned. Josie lifted a shoulder.
“They might. But their tenants are focused on taking the Conoscenza entirely out of context. If anything, I expectthey’ll deny the missive but use the opportunity to argue we should be less reliant on the Original Kingdom, that Visya inTrahirshould take up the servitude expected of them as decreed by the gods.”
“It’ll be pandemonium,” Lucas murmured, a hint of awe woven into his voice.
“Exactly. Enough that when Aleissande and I make our move with the troops, we won’t just secure the throne for Aidon…but we’ll have the people on his side as well.”
At least that was what she hoped. She could not know for sure if Trahir would ever accept a Visya king. But perhaps, after the chaos of the Bellare, they would.
“I know I’m asking a great deal of you both,” Josie said. She scrubbed her palms down the fabric of her pant legs. “The Bellare is already wary of you given your friendship with our family. I would understand if you did not wish to draw further suspicion.”
Clyde blew out an irritated breath, the strands of hair brushing his brow fluttering with the force of it. “Please,” he dismissed. “I would rather give away all of our gold than not stand by you and your family now.”
Lucas hummed in agreement. “Besides,” he said, “I won’t have Clyde receive the fake missive first. It’ll make the rounds through the lower merchants before getting to the Council.” He winked at Josie. “Much more effective. They’re notorious gossips.”
Gratitude warmed Josie’s chest as she took in her friends.
“Thank you,” she murmured. It was not nearly enough to encapsulate what she felt, but they dipped their heads in acceptance all the same. “I should be getting back. If you need me, send word to the Maraciana. I’ll update you as I can.”
She had made it to the front door before Clyde was calling after her.
“Josie…” he started. She turned to see him standing in the hall, the light haloing his tall figure. “Be careful,” he finished.
Josie fixed him with a grim smile.
“You too.”
37
