The three men upon the rock kept their voices low and calm, but Larylis could still hear most of what was being said. Morkai had already reminded the two kings what was at stake—Teryn’s life if both parties didn’t surrender. They would not get another chance to see Teryn alive if they didn’t acquiesce. Now the duke was delivering each kingdom’s terms for surrender.
“Verdian, along with your surrender to your new king, you must claim responsibility for sending the spy that killed Queen Linette.”
Verdian opened his mouth, his face crimson, but he managed to hold his tongue. His shoulders tensed, hands curled so tightly his knuckles went white.
Duke Morkai gave him a taunting smile. “You may be offered a dukedom should you easily comply. Your crown, palace, fortune, and all trade agreements will be transferred into King Dimetreus’ possession.”
Verdian’s lip curled as if he were cursing the duke under his breath. Larylis was impressed the king was able to remain silent. It had been part of their plan—hear the duke’s terms, make no argument, request time to deliberate—but Verdian wasn’t known for restraint.
Morkai turned his gaze to Arlous. “Along with Menah’s surrender to King Dimetreus, you will confess to colluding with Selay in orchestrating Queen Linette’s murder as well as sending Prince Teryn as a spy to Ridine Castle. You’ll be made a viscount should you readily comply. Your crown, palace, fortune, and all trade agreements will be transferred into King Dimetreus’ possession.”
Arlous pursed his lips against the arguments that were sure to be brimming behind his clenched teeth. Larylis, on the other hand, felt as if his blood had been doused in ice. These ridiculous terms, confessing to crimes they didn’t commit…would they not result in severe punishments for Arlous and Verdian both, regardless of any titles bestowed? He had the prickling feeling they were all being toyed with. As if the duke didn’t care whether they surrendered or not.
Only that they were here.
The armor he wore suddenly felt too light. Too insubstantial. Aside from the soldiers, who wore full plates, and Teryn who had no protection, everyone present wore only breastplates and gauntlets. Anything heavier would have signaled an expectation for battle. Anything less would be foolish.
Larylis was starting to think that coming here without a full army behind them had been the foolish choice.
“Is that all?” Verdian said through his teeth.
The duke nodded. “Simple terms. A simple choice.”
Larylis held his breath, waiting for his father or Verdian to deliver the next piece of their plan.
Arlous shifted his jaw and spoke, words clipped. “We will inform you of our decision at midnight tonight.”
Larylis released a relieved sigh. That was what the rest of his plan hinged on. They needed the cover of darkness to act. Needed to get Morkai out of the camp while there was limited visibility. Larylis already knew how to find Teryn. Berol had located his tent before the delegation had even arrived. They’d spied on it the night before, hiding on the hillside. The only thing that had kept them from acting right away was the presence of the damn duke. He and his monster stalked the camp every hour of the night, and Larylis dared not face him head on. But tonight…
Tonight, they’d act. Larylis would stand at his father’s side, drawing out negotiations and arguing over everything they resisted bringing up now. It would give Larylis’ force of covert operatives the chance they needed to sneak into camp while the duke was distracted.
Arlous stood taller. “We’ll meet you back here?—”
“No,” Morkai said.
The word sent a shard of glass through Larylis’ heart, puncturing his hope, his well-laid plans.
“Excuse me?” Verdian said. “You cannot deny us time to deliberate.”
“I can,” the duke said, his expression devoid of shame. “You will surrender now. It is a matter of Prince Teryn’s life. The choice should be easy.” He slowly angled his head toward Verdian. “Or perhaps it isn’t easy for you. Perhaps you don’t care enough about the prince’s fate to be moved. Perhaps my terms weren’t gracious enough for you.”
Arlous leveled a dark stare at Verdian, but he refused to meet it.
“How about I provide a royal marriage for your daughter?” Morkai said.
Larylis’ veins burned with anger. How dare he bring Mareleau into this!
Verdian narrowed his eyes. “Selay will surrender if my daughter is married to King Dimetreus. Our surrender will only be made after she has borne the king an heir and you have left the continent.”
Morkai let out a dark chuckle. “Your daughter will be given a marriage of my choosing, your surrender will happen now, and I will not be going anywhere.”
“No!” The word erupted from Verdian’s lips. “I’ve had enough of this farce, sorcerer. Selay will not surrender. You now have my answer.” With that, Verdian stepped off the rock and stormed away, his retinue following behind. Larylis blinked after him, his body seized with terror.
To save Teryn’s life, both kingdoms had to surrender.
“My…my son…” His father’s anguished voice drew Larylis’ gaze back to the rock. He expected to see a knife at his brother’s throat, a sword over his bowed head. Instead, Morkai had stepped closer to Arlous, a mocking frown turning the corners of his lips.
“I’m a sympathetic man, Arlous. I’ll give you one last chance. I will spare Teryn’s life if you surrender. I will make you an ally and we will stand up against Selay together. You can get revenge for the final insult Verdian has made to your son. What will it be?”
