CouldDraegonis be working to undermine the alliance somehow?
None of it makes sense. My thoughts are too twisted up with anger and fear and betrayal. When I look across the room, Maddox Kyronan is still watching me, his eyes cold and hard and expressionless.
I know whathethinks of Draegonis.
Jory’s father speaks, and his voice is softer than I remember. “What of the alliance now?”
Prince Dane has stepped back from me a bit, and he spreads his hands to address the room. “From where I sit, the alliance can proceed. Princess Marjoriana was duped by an old childhood friend, a known traitor to the kingdom, but no real harm has been done.” He looks at the Incendrian king. “You were able to escape, Your Majesty. You returned my sister to the palace, for which you have our gratitude. This man will be punished for his crimes. My sister is naive to the nefarious actions of Draegonis, so you can see how she would—”
“I am not naive!” Jory snaps. “And Asher is not—”
“Silence, child!” her father says sharply. The room falls silent in a way itneverwould for Dane. “I would like to hear Incendar’s answer.”
Every eye shifts to Maddox Kyronan, who still hasn’t spoken. He’s drawn a new ball of fire from somewhere, and it passes from palm to palm in a mesmerizing pattern that’s hard to look away from.
But then it stops. He spins a finger through the flame, which sizzles and burns into nothing.
A few people gasp. The Guildmaster is one of them. I think Dane is, too.
I don’t. I’m not amazed anymore.
The room is absolutely silent, tensely waiting on his response. Theking’s eyes shift from me, to Prince Dane, to Jory, and finally to King Theodore.
“I agree that no true harm has been done,” he finally says. “Thanks to Princess Marjoriana’s willingness to prevent a greater conflict.”
My eyes flick to Jory. Whatever she did, she doesn’t look like she was verywilling.
The king continues, “As such, our alliance will proceed—”
The gasps this time are louder, but they’re not shock. They’re sounds of relief.
Dane smiles. “Well! Grand tidings, then—”
“I’m not done,” says the king, and silence crashes down again, like a guillotine. “The alliance will proceed, but not today. In one month’s time. Until then, Princess Marjoriana will be my guest in Incendar, where she can determine whether this union between our nations is an alliance she can commit to.” He pauses, and he stares right across the room at Jory. “With full faith and honesty, and nothing less.”
The words are pointed, and her entire demeanor darkens. “So I’m to be your prisoner.”
“I’m rather certain I just said you would be myguest.”
Prince Dane glances between them. He’s not smiling now. “Your Majesty—this is not part of our agreement—”
“Neither was my kidnapping,” the king says. “And while this attempt on my life may have been thwarted, I am not fully convinced that Princess Marjoriana is as committed to this arrangement as you are.”
Jory half rises from her seat. “There will be no faith,” she declares. “You have already proven that you cannot be trusted.”
“Enough,” says her father, and he gives a short cough. The room falls silent again. “Marjoriana, you will go. Maddox Kyronan, if you find my daughter suitable, I expect you will seal this alliance in thirty days.”
“Done,” says the king.
My heart clenches.
“No!” cries Jory. “Father, you don’t understand—”
He waves a hand, then says something softly to an attendant. Lady Charlotte tries to shush Jory. She’s clutching her hand.
Prince Dane looks at the two of them. “Your attendant will join you,” he says after a moment. Charlotte straightens in alarm.
“No,” says Jory. “You will not commit innocent people to be tormented in Incendar.”
