I hear there’s some discussion of dissent against the Crown, particularly from your region.
“Oh I would never dream of committing treason,” he said aloud.
“Mind to mind,” I reminded him. “You can be honest with me.”
Silently, I added,As you might ascertain from my absence in the royal city and my lack of contact with my brother, I am open-minded about the issue. And I already know you’ve been discussing it with your advisors, so don’t try to deny it.
The man sucked in an audible breath, his eyes flaring. No doubt he was wondering which of his advisors had a loose tongue, never suspecting I’d heard it with my own ears.
And then he began telling the truth.
King Pontus put down the threat of human rebellion, but humans are far from the only threat to Elven interests in the Sixlands,he said.As you know, my region is bordered by the Silvery Mountains, and since your father’s death, the Dwarves have been venturing farther and farther into our lands.
And why is that a problem?I asked him.Are they trampling your petunia beds?
I’m serious, Your Highness. They’re hunting in our territory. They’re scaring our women and children with their ferocity and ghastly appearance. It begins with small things, and before you know it, they’ll take over the land, your mother’s home region. Your father kept them in their place, but they do not fear retribution from your brother.
I still didn’t see the problem, but I nodded and gestured for him to continue.
Lord Solan reports the same thing is happening in the woodlands of Sundaris where the Dryads are becoming bolder. In the coastal lands, there are reports of Merfolk and Selkies coming ashore.
I see. And so you plan to take over and rule Avrandar yourself… to restore order?I asked.
Oh, not me, Your Highness,he answered immediately.But someone needs to.
He moved to the edge of his chair and leaned in.If it was widely known that you survived the arena disaster, I guarantee you’d have a large contingent of regional leaders who’d supportyourascension to the throne.
I’m not the rightful heir,I argued.
And nothing in me was interested in attempting to rule this lot of spoiled, discontented bigots. I’d joked with Raewyn about forming my own kingdom, but the idea of actually doing it—or stealing my brother’s crown—was repellant.
We need a strong King. I am not the only one who thinks so,Lord Sillery said, appearing to grow more excited about the prospect.
There are rumors you hold more than one glamour,he said.And you have always been more ruthless than Stellon. That’s what we need.
What you need is to stop speaking treason against the King,I told him, annoyed.
It isn’t treasonous if it’s best for the kingdom,Lord Sillery argued.All it took was for word of King Pontus’ untimely demise to spread, and order began to disintegrate.Power is already slipping from Elven hands. If we do nothing to stop it, the other Fae could join forces and overtake Elven rule altogether. You are the answer to our prayers, My Prince.
No, I’m not,I said gruffly.
I was ready for this conversation to end. I had no interest in leading the kingdom and never had.
Frankly, I’d sympathized with the other Fae races in the past for the things they’d endured under my father’s rule. The territories Lord Sillery had mentioned were large enough to support the needs of all of us without Elven domination.
I stood to indicate the meeting was over. Hopefully it had been long enough to give Raewyn a chance to read Lord Sillery’s greatest fear.
It seemed highly likely I’d have to play on it at some point to keep the man in line.
When you leave here, you will not mention having been here or having any knowledge whatsoever of me and my household,I told him, using my Compelling glamour at its highest level of power.
Of course, Your Highness,he said.Will you act to save us? Will you take the Coral Throne?
“Bretton,” I called the footman, and he opened the library door. “Please show Lord Sillery out.”
“May the Grand Star brighten your way,” I said to the man, already turning away to go to the sideboard for a drink.
“And may it ever warm you,” the faithless lord responded.
