What he implied hit all of them at the same time.
Aerina’s face went white. “No...”
“I am sorry it has come to this.”
“You cannot ask me to give them my son,” Aerina cried, leaping to her feet. “He is my son, Leif. Ouronlyson. If you send him there, he will be a prisoner within their walls. My husband has served you loyally for years. Is this his reward?”
Dyna’s chest tightened with emotion at her broken voice. Raiden stared at the king, motionless, too stunned to do anything else. His teacher who helped raise him was equally appalled, proving Eldred had no idea about this.
King Leif was indifferent to their reactions. “His reward was you.”
Aerina’s eyes welled, and she shook her head. “That was not a reward but a leash. Rawn is a noble elf, which you have exploited. He served your every whim to regain his honor. He removed the curse upon our family, and for that very reason, you are blessed with many children. My husband has held fealty to you for over twenty-five years. It is time that you show him the value of that allegiance.”
“What do you expect me to do? Send more men to war?”
“I expect you to act like a king!” Aerina slammed her hand on the table, making them jump. Leif stared at her, taken aback by her outspoken behavior, but the princess no longer cared what the court thought. “Lieutenant Handuril and the others who served under him are willing to fight. Why not you?”
Leif straightened. “Some conflicts cannot be settled with a sword.”
Her wet eyes shone with anger. “Some cannot be settled without one.”
His steely gaze narrowed as his lips pressed into a thin line. “The decision is made. Raiden is to be crowned a prince today.”
“You cannot do this to me!”
“I know this seems unjust, but how am I to leave Greenwood without a future?”
“What ofmyson’s future?” Aerina cried. “When Raiden was born, we hid him away so your firstborn could be declared first. You shunned us to the country for fear his existence would threaten your throne. I went willingly to prove to you my son would never be a hindrance. I endured you taking my standing. I held my tongue when you took my husband. How much more can you demand of me?”
“Aerina,” Leif said tightly. “You forget yourself.”
“Mother…” Raiden at last spoke, his voice tired and resigned. “That’s enough.” He rose from his seat and met his uncle’s gaze. “Is this your command?”
“It is.”
“Then I will go,” Raiden said, prompting Aerina’s face to fall. “May it be the only time you acknowledge that my existence holds any value to you, even if it’s merely to use me as chattel.” He bowed. “Sire.”
Raiden swiftly strode out of the room without looking back.
Aerina’s fists shook as she looked at her brother, her marred face now stone. “I take your deeds as inaction and your caution for cowardice. I have never been more ashamed to share blood with you.”
Leif blinked, his face flushing.
Her mouth pursed tightly. “You cannot have him.”
“Aerina—”
“You cannot! Find another way to bring my husband home.” Then she ran out after her son, leaving an awkward silence behind.
With a heavy sigh, Leif removed his crown and rubbed his temples. No one moved or spoke as they awaited his next response. “I must do what I can for the sake of Greenwood, and I do so with a heavy heart,” he said tiredly. “We will conduct the trade at the Blood Keep tomorrow at high noon, and there Raiden and the red princess will be wed. The conditions of our exchange have already been settled by oath.”
Dyna’s heart sank into her stomach, and she closed her eyes. Even if Leif wanted to rescind Raiden’s engagement, he couldn’t.
“We have not crossed onto those red sands since the last war,” Leif continued. “Therefore, this exchange is to happen under careful conditions. Altham has agreed that I may arrive escorted with seventy of my Kingsguard and my nephew.”
“Sire, you cannot possibly consider going yourself,” a counselor exclaimed. “With such little numbers, this would be the perfect opportunity to eliminate you.”
Voices swarmed as the elves again argued.
