I took a deep breath, and he let his chair fall forward with a bang.
“It’s as I said. Sunrise Kingdom hasn’t answered your request.” His flippant smirk had me grinding my teeth.
“Have you impressed upon them the importance of a swift answer?” I ground out, knowing the lightning in my eyes gave away my short temper when Garridan raised a brow at me.
“I can certainly remind them again.” He nodded his head toward me, and his inquisitive nature proved it could definitely be a negative when he pressed, “Is there a reason you can’t wait?”
I leaned forward, putting my elbows on the small table between us. Meeting in the brothel meant meeting in conditions below me, but it was a necessary condition to ensure those in the palace never looked too closely at certain people.
“Is there a reason you need to know?” I asked, malice sneaking into my tone. The blood magic made my temper a bit harder to repress of late, and I found myself having to stay my hand more than usual. “Maybe you should do what I tell you and not ask stupid questions.”
Garridan scoffed. “One of the reasons I’m good at my job is I know why I’m doing things. It allows me to improvise. You always said that was one of the things you liked best about me.” He raised his brows, widening his eyes as if to underline his point. “Has that changed?”
“My Prince.” He added pointedly after a moment, causing me to deflate a bit.
Garridan wasn’t my enemy. He wasn’t one of the many looking to undermine me. Or seeking to usurp me from my rightful place. I needed to remember that. I couldn’t let my anger over what happened with Asteria destroy everything I’d worked for all these years.
“You’re right,” I sighed, my shoulders slumping. “Things have been moving swiftly lately; it’s made me a bit more on edge.”
Garridan nodded once, acknowledging it before moving on quickly. Another reason to appreciate him.
“I need to ensure none ally with Calix,” I told him sternly. “With Day and Dawn, we currently box Night in. But if he gains allies in Sunset or Sunrise, they can box us in. It’s simple geography. I must ensure nothing gets in the way of my plans, and those two kingdoms have proven…” I searched for the correct phrasing for a moment. “Reticentto get involved.”
“Understood. I’ll ensure they understand the importance of their response.” Garridan promised with a nod.
The silence of both kingdoms until now was hardly reassuring. At least, if anything, they seemed more inclined to stay out of affairs to the south of them than to help any other kingdom in particular.
With Day and Dawn with me, we had a good chance against Night. Should they increase their numbers, though, we could potentially face trouble. And I refused to allow Calix to win.
There was no reality where that was an acceptable endgame.
No.Iwould win. And then, I’d see Day and Dawn’s kings and heirs stricken from the board. Sunrise and Sunset would follow swiftly. Having them close only made it easier to take them out swiftly when the time came.
My father would ultimately prove the biggest issue. What to do about him was a constant question nagging in my mind.
All my life, I wanted nothing more than his approval. But I was moving past that now. My plans were bigger than he or I.
I had a destiny to fulfill now.
And no one would stand in my way of fulfilling it.
Chapter Eight
Calix
Upon waking up,I immediately started making plans. I knew if things went as I expected, Asteria was going to have an emotional day. So I went straight to Delia and Ilta, who were having breakfast together out on one of the patios overlooking the gardens. The bright and colorful backdrop was always one of their favorites on the grounds.
I sank down into one of the white wicker chairs beside them, grabbing one of the rolls from their breadbasket and getting my hand slapped for my trouble. I stuffed it in my mouth, raising a brow at Delia, but her scowl didn’t lessen.
One of the many reasons I loved my friends. They didn’t care about my station and treated me the same as everyone else. Slapping me for my poor table manners included.
“I need your help,” I confessed, looking to them both, and while Delia watched with knowing eyes, Ilta bounced out of her relaxed slump, her wide eyes gleaming with excitement.
“What’s going on, Calix?” Ilta demanded, leaning toward me like she might shake me for answers.
I huffed a laugh. “Today is going to be emotional for Asteria. I was thinking that it might be a good idea to go out tonight. Let her blow off some steam, you know?”
Ilta clapped her hands together, “Oh, yes! That sounds like a perfect idea. I’ll plan it out!”
