She urged Alastor after the soldier. The group closed around them, and she felt the gazes of the men upon her. Soon theyentered the camp. Her nose wrinkled at the smell. It smelled of sickness and refuse.
As they moved deeper, no soldiers came out of their sagging tents to gawk. It was oddly empty.
For her plan to work, she needed the men to see her. “Where are all the soldiers?”
“Training or eating breakfast.”
“I would like to see them.”
The grizzled warrior sputtered, “The king expects you.”
“And I wish to see my people.” She pulled her horse up short. Alastor stamped the ground with his hooves. “Would you deny me?”
His jaw flexed. “No, my queen.” He huffed and changed direction.
One problem averted.
“That was well done,” the Fierran mercenary commented, sliding up to her on his own horse. He flashed her a wicked grin. “You’re trouble. I can tell already.”
“Is that so?” She arched a brow at him. “And what does that make you?”
“A kindred spirit.”
That could be her in. Mercenaries weren’t loyal to anyone but coin, and he had no clue how poor the Asterans really were.
Lia smiled. “Has your payment arrived yet?” His grin didn’t dim, but something in his gaze changed. She’d caught his attention. She lowered her voice and batted her lashes. “Surely, you’ve heard the rumors? Astera is in steep debt. They were counting on my dowry to save them, but you really think they will receive it after the stunts they’ve pulled with Loriia?” She leaned a little closer to the mercenary. “Were you promised part of the mines too?”
His brows arched. “What a devious creature you are. I’m surprised your parents were willing to sell you to the Loriians. Your talent must be wasted so far to the north.”
“It was a mistake on their part, I assure you. Especially since Loriia is sowealthy.” She dangled the bait and waited. The Fierran observed her quietly, turned over her words in his mind. While she had not outright said the Loriians would pay them more, he could read between the lines.
“Our conversation has been enlightening,” the mercenary replied, bowing his head. “Lae reilleve.”
She dipped her chin. “Fierros.”
The tents widened out, revealing an arena of ice and muck. She could detect the smell of unwashed bodies and campfire smoke. Human soldiers sat at tables playing cards, eating food, and sparring. The ringing of swords stopped as she moved through the area. She smiled at soldiers, who stopped what they were doing and stared.
Thiswas what she’d wanted. They’d been weaponized in her name, but no more. Let them see she was well and alive. Let them see their monarchs had deceived them.
Dahlia waved, giving a soldier who looked far too young a coy smile.
The murmurs started, and then the voices rose, anger palpable.
The head soldier slowed so he was next to her, his gaze shifting over the men, who were quickly turning into a mob. “Enough sightseeing, my queen. The men are becoming overwrought at your beauty. We must meet with the king.”
“As you say,” she murmured. “Lead on.” But the damage had been done. The men had seen their princess alive and well.
They retreated as shouts broke out behind them.
She stifled her smile, but her win was short-lived when they reached an opulent striped gold-and-red tent. The Asteran flagsflew from the top, and she had to hide her disgust. What a vain creature. Did Randa not realize he was signaling to all the world where he slept at night? Did he really think he was so safe?
Lia pulled her horse to a stop, noting how many guards prowled the area. Notably better fed men than the soldiers they’d just come from, but many were halflings and Fierrans. Did the king not trust his own men to protect him? Were the paid mercenaries his guards? That was a flaw she would exploit.
The haughty solider dismounted at the same time as the Fierran. The troll cut the human off and bowed before her horse. He straightened and held his hands out. “If you’ll permit me.”
She nodded and swung her leg over the wide horse in the most ladylike way possible. He carefully wrapped his large hands around her waist and gently settled Dahlia on the ground.
“Thank you,Fierros...” she trailed off, plucking a rare autumn sapphire from the pocket of her dress.
