“Prince Vesper of Sunset Kingdom just arrived. He’s here to see you.” The man explained.
Surprise filled me. Sunset and Sunrise had both been quiet, seemingly trying to keep out of the conflict brewing between the rest of the kingdoms despite my repeated requests to talk.
“Where is he?” I demanded, anxious to discover why he’d come.
“He’s been seen to the parlor,” he explained, and I thanked him graciously before turning to Zerlina.
“You’re going to join me for this, and you’re going to be your best, charming self,” I instructed her harshly, before leaning in to whisper in her ear, “Prove to me you still want that crown.”
“Of course, my beloved.” Zerlina smiled winningly, her mask back on. I could appreciate that, for I had often been forced to wear my own. But the time for that was over. Now was the time to see my vision come to life.
Zerlina was, unfortunately, proving to be more of a problem than I’d anticipated. I needed her father’s support, however. Dawn was our closest ally, and one I would need in the battles to come. Tariq could be done away with afterward, but not a moment before.
We made our way down to the parlor and, upon entering, found Prince Vesper waiting as promised. Not the king or even the heir, despite being the elder prince.
How embarrassing for him.
“Prince Vesper,” I greeted with a charming smile; Zerlina also appeared welcoming with a softened demeanor from beside me, her arm snaked around mine. “Welcome to Dusk Kingdom.”
“Thank you, King Cyrus.” He bowed his head but didn’t smile. “I am hoping you and I can help one another.”
“Oh?” I raised a brow as I helped Zerlina to her seat. I took mine across from the prince, ignoring the tea service as I crossed one leg casually over the other. I trained my eyes directly on him, hoping to gauge his reaction. “How so?”
“My father has thrown his support behind Asteria, the Star Queen,” he explained, making my jaw clench and lip curl as I tried to keep from throwing something. Possibly him.
“But my father also continues to support my brother as his heir. He’s unfit, to say the least, and will be the downfall of Sunset. My father chose him, because the gods said so. My father chose Asteria, because the gods said so. But—” Vesper cut himself off, clenching his teeth as his face twitched, trying to contain his anger.
And then I realizedexactlywhy he’d come.
“Ah.” A smile grew on my face. “I see. You know I’m going to fight Night’s forces and put Asteria back where she belongs, on her knees before me. If your father fights against me, Sunset will need a new ruler when the dust settles.”
“Yes,” he agreed through his clenched teeth. He sighed raggedly, body slumping in his chair. “And… you are going against the gods already. They have been proven wrong by choosing my brother. The gods…”
He trailed off, unwilling to finish the thought. But I certainly wasn’t, and had no problem pushing him further down the path he’d already begun to walk.
“Are wrong. They have lost their way and must be challenged.” I smiled widely. “It’s nice to see like-minded individuals do exist outside Dusk.”
“The gods are lost, and the land suffers. Only a strong leader can bring us through this now.” Vesper snarled. “A little girl won’t be the answer.”
I threw my head back with a laugh, “Especially notthatlittle girl.”
“Wretched thing,” Zerlina muttered, stirring her tea.
I reached over and patted her thigh, “There, there, darling. We’ll ensure Asteria learns her place well enough. Prince Vesper here can surely help us with that. Tell me, Prince, what plans have you learned of? What kind of numbers can you bring when your father has turned his elsewhere?”
Vesper straightened, his shoulders back as he met my eyes. “I have brought those loyal to me. Those who know the firstborn, respectable son willing to do his duty, is the correct choice of heir. And while I don’t know specifics, I can tell you that Asteria is working with those in Day loyal to her, while Calix brings Night, of course. They had Prince Altan of Sunrise with them as well, so it seems likely they have support from Gravadain.”
“Hmm.” I hummed, thinking over that information. “I appreciate you bringing that information to me. We’ll get you settled and meet again to go over more specifics of your role here soon.”
Vesper stood, bowing. “Thank you, King Cyrus.”
“No, thank you, Prince Vesper, for your support.” I nodded before grabbing Zerlina and leaving the room, thinking through plan after plan. I couldn’t let both Sunrise and Sunset follow Asteria and Calix. We would be buried under those numbers.
An idea hit me. A way to hit Asteria and Gravadain at once. Excitement thrummed through me, a type of exuberance I rarely felt these days. Only when I topped up on blood magic did I feel this good.
I dropped Zerlina off in a haze and found myself tracking down my commander to begin planning the execution of my brilliant idea. I stopped myself midway, realizing that in my excitement, I had forgotten the most important part.
Thewhere.
