My father only looks down at me, his gaze burning into mine.
“Why?” I demand. “What have I done for you to treat me this way?”
“Do your duty, Raelys.” Ulrik’s voice is deadly. “You want my approval? Marry the King of Avelisar and stop this nonsense.”
I spent years earning a man’s approval who never intended to give it. My father doles out kindness the way others trade coin—only when there’s something to gain. I don’t know why I still expect anything different.
“I will, and it still won’t be enough for you.”
CHAPTER FIVE
“I’m sorry about father.”Valentin sighs, leaning against the banister on my balcony.
“It’s all right.” I pull my sleeves down over my bruised hands.
“It’s not,” my brother retorts. “No one has the right to speak to you like that.”
“I don’t know my place.” I retreat further, the weight of my father’s words casting a shadow over my thoughts. Maybe he’s right. Perhaps I am an awful daughter. Impulsive, defiant, and too astute for my own good. I am the sum of everything Ulrik is not, and that infuriates him.
“Nonsense,” Valentin says firmly. “Father was in a mood.”
“When is he not in a mood?” I reply bitterly.
My brother huffs a laugh, knowing that I’m right. “I need your advice on this.” He passes me a letter from his pocket, changing the subject.
I read the letter from the kingdom of Erynthe. King Francis demands a large payment from Cathros for not protecting their northern border, claiming we ruined their trade routes after the battle at Crossgate.
“I thought the rations were suspicious,” I comment, realizing that the so-called ‘rations’ to Liora are part of a secret trade deal that bypassed our kingdom. “The fish they catch would never make it in shipment. So, what did they attempt to send north?”
“I’m unsure,” Valentin replies. “Why send it that far west when Rykaris is closer?”
“Right?” I agree. “Rykaris is not aggressive either. Most of them are loggers and woodworkers.”
“It’s still an Elvarran kingdom. We can’t fully trust them.” Valentin runs a hand down the back of his neck.
“Are we to defendeveryborder in the south?” I say in annoyance. “We have one army. You can’t spread yourself thin trying to protect everyone.”
“We have the biggest army,” Valentin boasts proudly.
I wave him off. “If we protect the northern border, everyone else is supposed to supplyuswith gold or goods as payment.”
“I know, but we need Erynthe,” he counters. “The human kingdoms must remain united.”
“The only kingdoms that have helped us are Oderris and Nythara. With Nythara gone, we are severely lacking in the hunting and fur trade. Father should be incredibly worried about the food supply,” I rant, anger bristling in my tone. “Meanwhile, Avelisar siphons us dry with their demands, and we send our people to die!”
My brother takes the letter from me. “You’re right.”
“I know I’m right.”
“If Wrath’s Blade were to appear on our doorstep, we would have sent all our men away, leaving us vulnerable.” Valentin’s tone is severe.
“Exactly. Avelisar needsourarmy.” I remind him, pointing a finger at his chest. “Not the other way around. Don’t let thempush you around when you’re on the front lines riskingyourlife.”
“This is why I need you,” he admits. “Snap some sense into me.”
“House Valantis has not stood this long only to fail now,” I urge, stepping closer. “You’re the future king! They should respectyou. You’re the one who won Crossgate for the south, not them.”
My brother nods, rubbing the stubble on his chin as he thinks. “I did. I restored all the land the Elvarrans captured and took control of the passage.”
