“You are unused to outsiders in your country,” she said in a carrying voice, “and I thank you for hospitality.”
He wanted to snort. She’d been imprisoned in her chambers, and an attempt had been made on her life. Yet still, she faced this crowd without contempt.
“I think I have little time and so I will say harsh truth. You have wasted your time.”
Her words carried to all corners of the room, and Kassandr reveled in the unease that followed.
“While you quarreled about my fate, you have missed important fact. Urkans cannot be trusted. They care only for rewards received from Bear God. Before Urkans invaded Íseldur, my parents tried to reach peace. They were deceived and slaughtered in worst way.”
Fabric rustled as the elders shifted, but Saga continued.
“Still, you can try buying peace. Maybe for some time you will succeed. But in the end, Urkanswillcome for Zagadka. And they cannot be resisted by broken kingdom.”
Kassandr’s eyes narrowed. What did she scheme at?
“You must make peace with clans beyond river—”
“It has been tried,” interjected Kassandr’s father. “Many times.”
“We must try more,” said Saga, turning to the high prince.
We.Kassandr’s heart sang. Here she was, his queen.
“You know nothing of our kingdom!” spat Oleg.
Saga turned. Regarded him blandly. “I know you are not trusting strangers. You furiously guard your island and animal nature. I’m sorry, Oleg, but secret is out.”
The air thickened with tension. Saga turned away from a red-faced Oleg and gazed out at the crowd.
“I know are some present who would fight for freedom. I ask you take weapons and ready for battle. We have little time to unite with clans beyond river. Urkans will sail before bay freezes—”
The room erupted at this last statement, men jumping to their feet, shouting terrible things at his Saga. But Kassandr was more fearful of the lupine yellow flicker in Oleg’s eye. He’d pushed to his feet and now advanced on Saga’s back.
“Lies!” Oleg bellowed, and Kassandr leaped between his brother and Saga.
“She speaks the truth, Oleg,” said Kassandr, wishing he could shake some sense into him. “They discovered our animal nature when they stole Nostislav.”
“You think I will listen to yourwhore? Think with your head, Kassandr, not with your cock—”
Red swarmed in Kassandr’s vision, and before he understood what he was doing, he’d seized Oleg by his fine, golden collar. His beast gnashed its teeth, froth building at the corners of its mouth.
“Say that again, brother,” he growled. “My beast hungers for your blood.”
“Silence!” boomed the high prince, sending a visceral wave ofobedience through Kassandr’s body. His beast whined, submitting to his alpha, and Kass released Oleg’s collar.
As the room settled, Kass edged toward Saga. Her face looked impassive, but her pulse thundered and her fingers tapped rhythmically against her arm. Kass’s hand slid around her waist and he led her to his abandoned chair. She sank onto his seat, and his hand found her shoulder, tapping in time with her own fingers.
Breathe,he urged her silently, his gaze on his father.
“Already, it is decided,” the high prince bellowed. “A ship has been loaded with grain and silver. Lady Saga will board the ship and return to Íseldur. This tribute will foster peace with the Urkans. And Zagadka will stay safe.”
Kassandr’s beast snarled, anger whipping through him.Cowards!he wanted to shout, but he sensed Saga’s impending panic, and continued the rhythmic taps.
“Father,” hissed Elisava. “It is the wrong choice!”
“Contain yourself, Elisava,” snapped the high prince. “It is not a woman’s place to question her father’s decision.”
“We must do what isright,Father. Will you leave your grandchildren the problem of these Urkans? They will spit on your grave. Curse your very name.”
