“So, you would like me to show you and your mother mercy and allow the two of you to go into exile?”
I could say yes. I could say it and this could all be over now. At this point, there’s a chance he and the jury will allow us to leave. I almost give in and take the easy route. But there’s another path, one I’m already resolved to try. Even if it kills me.
I take a deep breath. “I ask that you leave my sister out of your considerations regarding me and my mother, but I do not ask for our exile.”
Gasps erupt from the room.
Mr. Duveau pins me with his cold stare. “Is it death you want then?”
“No,” I say. My heart pounds as I deliver my next words. “A new bargain.”
Nervous laughter emits from some of the men, but Mr. Duveau does not seem amused. “What kind of a bargain?”
For days I’ve rehearsed these words, memorized them. That doesn’t make them any easier to say. “I want you to let my mother and me remain on the isle and return to Faerwyvae.”
More gasps. Mayor Coleman rises from his seat, expression twisted with malice. “You cannot be serious. The treaty states that any descendants of King Caleos are to be exiled. If we fail to do so, we will break the treaty. Is that what you want? Is this some fae trickery?”
I’m painfully aware of Aspen’s eyes burning into me, expression full of shock and hope. I can’t meet that hope with my own. Not yet.
Mr. Duveau waves a hand at Mayor Coleman, urging him back into his seat. He returns his attention to me. “Explain yourself, Miss Fairfield.”
“I want to save the treaty just as much as anyone in this room,” I say. “War is the last thing I want, both for the humans and the fae. I may be both, but as far as I’m concerned, I was human for far longer than I’ve been fae. I will always have the humans’ best interests at the top of my priorities.” I force myself not to look at Aspen, knowing I’ll find hurt in his eyes if I do.
“How do yourpriorities,” Mr. Duveau says the word mockingly, “prevent war when your very presence demands it?”
I dig my nails into the arm of the chair to keep my hands from shaking. “If you allow me to stay and claim the Fire Court throne, I will replace King Ustrin as ruler. From my position as Queen of Fire, I will represent the humans amongst the fae and ensure an ally for you in Faerwyvae. Atrueally, not a bully with nothing but his crown to care for. Can King Ustrin offer you that? Or does he only offer threats and demands for your obedience? Wouldn’t you rather ally yourselves with a true patriot of Eisleigh?”
The councilman takes a step closer. “Your words might be pretty, but they still do nothing to explain how you will claim the throne and stay on the isle without bringing war. Do you not comprehend this simple fact? You taking the throne will break the treaty.”
His sentiment is echoed by the council and jury. I wait for their mutterings to subside before I speak again. “I have a solution to that. My taking the throne will not break the treaty, for you will amend it to allow me and any of King Caleos’ descendants to stay. Every other term can remain intact. The threat of King Caleos has passed. His violence against humans does not run in my blood.”
Mr. Duveau smirks. “Is that so?”
Heat rises to my cheeks, knowing I walked into that one all on my own. I steel my expression. “It is. However, I will defend my life and my honor if forced.”
Mayor Coleman speaks again, words heavy with skepticism. “Let me get this straight, Miss Fairfield. You want us to amend the treaty before you so much as challenge King Ustrin? How can we trust you?”
“The fact that I didn’t challenge him yet should show you exactly how much you can trust me. I know taking the throne would break the treaty and I’m not willing to do that. I’m not even asking you to change it right this moment. All I’m asking for is time to prove my allegiance and abilities. The treaty may say I must be exiled, but it doesn’t say when. If you let me and my mother go today, you won’t be breaking the treaty if we agree that you plan on exiling me at a future date. And that’s onlyifI fail to prove myself.”
“How will you prove yourself?” Mr. Duveau asks.
“I will do anything of reasonable means that supports the peace of the isle. Once I prove myself, only then will you change the treaty. After it is officially changed, I will defeat King Ustrin and claim the throne. I already have followers who support me.” That last part is only partially true. Or perhaps it’s a full lie.There are followers I intend on convincing to support me,would be more accurate. Lucky for me, I’m not full-fae. My lies go undetected.
“We should take a brief recess and then deliberate Miss Fairfield’s offer,” one of the jurors says.
A wave of hope rises inside me as several other jurors affirm their agreement. They’re taking me seriously. They’re—
“No.” Mr. Duveau’s voice silences the room. With slow steps, he approaches me. Once he’s in front of my chair, he leans forward and lowers his voice. “You seem to forget something, Miss Fairfield. Changing the treaty to allow you to stay may keep most of the treaty intact, but it will sever the Legacy Bond. Why would I agree to that?”
My shoulders tremble with suppressed rage. “You would put your own love for power over the benefits I offer our people?”
“There’s more to it,” he says with a malicious grin. “I don’t think you have what it takes to beat King Ustrin.”
My words come between my gritted teeth. “Then give me a chance. Amend the treaty stating the changes go into effect only if I beat him.”
“No,” he says again. “The council will not accept.Iwill not accept. You have no right to ask in the first place. You have no right to defy me. You have no right to even beg. As a human, you are nothing but a Chosen, a sacrifice made for the good of the isle. As a fae, you are the illegal ancestor of a criminal.”
Fire heats my palms, and it takes all the restraint I have not to set the arm of my chair ablaze. “It’s not for you to decide. The jury—”
