My breath catches. “What do you mean… no.”
“The answer is no.”
I exhale a curse. “You have to believe me—”
“I do believe you. I send out scouting missions regularly to the north and the east. They have reported to me about the black bands which have formed within the Fulcrum, and they have found the savaged bodies of farm animals and wanderers alike. My guards have even stated that they have seen demons, out in the shadows of the night.”
“What do they look like,” I breathe.
“Nothing one ever wants to meet without being fully armed and without a backup of at least three.”
“Please… you have to come fight with us.”
“Us? You are going out, into the night, and hunting those things?”
The sensation of free-falling, from when I let go of the statue’s palm, returns to me. “I would rather die battling this enemy of Anathos, than be slaughtered in the Dark King’s victory.”
“The Dark King does not slaughter.” That hard voice goes hoarse. “It is so much worse than that. You would be better served to avoid such a battlefield.”
“I brought your ruby back, didn’t I.”
“Let not one successful mission blind you to the realities of war. Especially with an enemy such as the Dark King.”
“Are you coming… or are you afraid.”
“Watch your mouth,” the Queen snaps. “Liberties are granted at my discretion, and much more easily revoked.”
I let my head fall all the way back and stare at the ceiling. “Please. We need you. Anathos… needs you.”
There is a shifting, the Queen turning to go. “My people here are my firstpriority. I will not leave them to battle for others. They have suffered enough these past years—”
“There won’t be a Kingdom of the South if the Dark King gets out of the Fulcrum!”
“The mural has foretold the prosperity that is our due—”
“It is wrong.” I step behind the throne and wave my hand around at the painting. “You are a leader who will not look any in the face, I have your crown and these are naught but pictures! The time is nigh for war, and weneedyou—”
“Our business has concluded.”
“Wait!” Abruptly, I think of Merc in that cell, and rearrange my priorities. “My husband. Please may I see him?”
“He is already in your room and resting.”
I blink stupidly. “We have… a room?”
“You brought me back my ruby, so yes, I am inclined toward proper hospitality. I have also had him attended by my personal healer.”
“You did this before I even returned?”
“If he was dead and you were triumphant, that would have put a damper on things,” the Queen responds dryly.
“And if I didn’t come back with the gem?”
“I would have killed you both and been done with it all.”
The casual way she speaks of death reminds me of exactly who I’m speaking with: A warrior who makes calculations with all the emotion of a broadsword.
“You are the only one who can lead us,” I say as tears spear into my eyes. “I beg of you, please take your crown.”
