Arlous’ expression was vacant. Hopeless.
Muffled shouts came from Dimetreus’ entourage. Larylis’ gaze shot to Teryn as he struggled against the guards that held him back. He rubbed his chin against his shoulder again and again. Finally, he managed to get the gag beneath his mouth and his voice came out clear. “Do not surrender. Whatever you do, do not surrender. I’ve made peace with my fate, Father. I promise you I have. Fight him.”
One of the guards backhanded Teryn with an armored glove, splitting Teryn’s cheek. Another shoved Teryn’s gag back into his mouth.
Morkai sighed as if the outburst had been merely a minor irritation. “What is your decision?”
Arlous stared at Teryn, his brows furrowed. Agony was etched into every crease on his face. Their father had always been strong. Stubborn. Willing to stand for what he wanted regardless of the cost or conflict. He was a steadfast ruler and a kind father. He was unflappable in all things.
Except when it came to love.
That was where his father was weak.
A strange mixture of terror, defeat, and relief swarmed through Larylis as he realized his father had only one choice. He was going to surrender. Lela would fall to the rule of a blood mage to save Teryn’s life. Larylis didn’t blame him. Not at all. He only dreaded what would happen to this land in the days, months, and years to come.
Arlous spoke, his voice far stronger than Larylis expected. “Very well. We will give you our final decision. First, I request an exchange of hostage.”
A chill ran down Larylis’ spine. Not once had they discussed a change of hostage.
Morkai scoffed. “A change of hostage? Who do you suggest to take his place?” His gaze slid slowly to Larylis.
He blanched, his legs nearly giving way beneath him. His father was going to…to sacrificehim. A surge of betrayal twisted his heart, but he pushed it away along with the tears that pricked his eyes. This was a sacrifice that needed to be made. If Menah didn’t surrender, death would be the toll. Better to kill the bastard than the heir.
Another spike of betrayal tightened his chest.
“No,” Arlous said. “I want you to take me.”
Larylis froze, his mind reeling to comprehend his father’s words.
Morkai grinned as if the proceedings were an entertaining spectacle. “I cannot allow you to decide your kingdom’s fate and play hostage at the same time.”
Arlous shook his head. “My son will take my place. His decision will be final.”
“I can hardly trust the crown prince to make such an important decision on Menah’s behalf,” Morkai said. “He’s already made his stance clear. Not that I blame him. I believe he’s feeling rather sore about being a hostage.”
“Not Teryn,” Arlous said. “But my other heir, Larylis Alante.”
Larylis looked from his father to Teryn. None of this made sense. He wasn’t truly an Alante. It was only supposed to be an act in the service of a plan that had already failed.
Morkai turned his gaze on Larylis, studying him as if seeing him for the first time. “Larylis Alante?”
Larylis shook his head to deny it, but his father’s voice rang out. “You are an Alante, Larylis. It is my final wish.”
“I accept,” Morkai said. He snapped his fingers and two guards dragged Teryn onto the rock. Everything seemed to happen in a blur as Teryn—still bound and gagged—was turned over to Arlous’ war commander, General Nellman. Meanwhile, Larylis was beckoned onto the rock. Arlous now stood where Teryn had been, his wrists tied behind his back. It took Larylis a moment to realize his father had been stripped of all weapons and armor, and they now lay on the ground at Teryn’s feet.
He met his father’s gaze, who held his eyes with a knowing look. “I trust you. You will make the decision we’ve already settled on. Do you understand me? I believe in you. I love—” His voice was cut off as a guard tied a gag around his mouth. With nothing left to say, Arlous only gave him a resigned nod.
Larylis’ heart hammered so hard he could hear it. It pounded in his ears, mingling with the echo of his father’s words.
You will make the decision we’ve already settled on.
His stomach churned, sending bile rising to his throat.
Do you understand me?
Larylis understood completely.
Morkai gave him a wry grin. “What’s your choice, Larylis Alante?”
