I blinked, staring after him in surprise.
That went well,the Eye drawled.
I flinched. I'd grown so accustomed to the silence in my head that her voice was a shock.Welcome back, I said.Anything to report?
Then you don't want to discuss how your mate just walked out on you?
He'll be back. I've upset him, but he'll get over it.
No. Really?
I don't appreciate your sarcasm.
The Eye laughed.
I grimaced and stalked into my bedroom. I kept going until I was out on the balcony. I had a view of the gardens and beyond the castle wall, the city. The crowds had dispersed, but there were still many people in the streets going about their day. They would be in danger soon, and it was all because of me.
That is the way of things,the Eye said.They've reaped the benefits of living in a crown city and now they must pay the price. You can always give them the option of leaving. Just warn the city when the nobles are on their way.
I think I will,I said.Now, back to my question. Have you learned anything from spying on the nobles?
Only that they are lost without people to wait on them.The Eye chortled.I wish I could show you what I witnessed. It was especially amusing to watch them try to cook their meals. Oh, wait. Washing clothes was even harder for them.She giggled.
What about the war? Anything that could help us?
With all the support facilities, such as farms and armories, abandoned, you have set their plans back, Lyrandir. Well done. They're scrambling, trying to figure out how to take care of the basics of living while preparing to march on Renris.
So, they will attack us here?
Oh, yes. That has never been in doubt. But you'll be pleased to know that the other enclaves are wavering.
What does that mean?
They've lost a good many of their working class as well, but not as much as Vacrond. And now, they're watching the nobles of Vacrond struggle. They're scared, Lyrandir. You've scared the other enclaves. None of them have ever considered the fact that the lower classes could just quit and move away. These are people whose wealth extends back centuries. If any of them remember doing for themselves, it would be a distant memory.
I was so shocked that I asked aloud, “Are you truly saying that I could win this war simply because these people are too snobbish and stupid to perform the simplest of tasks?”
She went grim.No. The war will still turn in their favor if you fail to claim me. But your position has gotten stronger.
I sighed in frustration. How could we gain so much advantage and still lose to them? There was only one answer—the strength of their warriors surpassed mine. And so, there was only one course of action. I would have to train these people even harder than I'd planned.
Chapter Twenty-One
I didn't see Aras until dinner that night. Even though I was distracted by my parents and Ellas, my stomach twisted with anxiety over my mate all afternoon. I wavered between seeking him out and letting him cool down. Then Aras appeared, joining me at the royal table as if nothing were amiss.
I had to smile and make a grand speech for the Dragons filling every table before I could speak to Aras. Yet another price of being king. I motioned for the feast to begin and music immediately filtered down from the musician's gallery above.
Only then could I take my seat and whisper to my mate, “Where have you been?”
“I went to take care of a few things on the Tiger's Claw,” Aras said stiffly.
“Aras,” my mother called from my right, where she and my father sat. “We missed you earlier. Is all well?”
“I was just telling your son, Your Grace,” Aras said. “I had to see to my ship.”
“Oh, do you own the ship you captain?” my father asked.
“Yes, Your Grace.”
