For whatever reason, he also saw a bit of good in the king.
“Zayde and I balance,” I said.
The king grunted. His gaze narrowed on the smooth floor. Nothing good ever happened when this man started thinking. “My court does not need balance. I’m the only one with a hand on the scale.”
In that, he was wrong. I couldn’t wait until the time came when I could show him.
“Someone needs to tell the Riftflame high lord that they must hand over their core of power,” he said, musing. While I was grateful he’d moved on from Tempest, danger also lay in this direction. “Once I’ve taken that court’s core power, no one will be able to stop me.”
Except Lydel. Ivenrail had done his best to steal the core from Lydel—a colossal failure to his undying rage. With his upcoming marriage to Brenna, he believed he had that court’s power poised for engulfing.
As for Weldsbane, he’d sucked down my court’s core the moment the last breath leaked from my mother’s crushed lungs. At five, I couldn’t command the will needed to hold him back.
When I was ten, I learned how to tap into the core of Weldsbane’s power. Since then, I’d slowly, carefully taken small sips of it back. If Ivenrail suspected what I was doing, he hadn’t let on, though this man gave away almost nothing.
“If you hadn’t killed the Riftflame emissary a few moments ago,” I drawled. “You’d still have your tool.”
“He failed.”
Complete loyalty was not always for sale. “He told you he needed more time.”
“I don’t have time. The Lieges—”
I lifted my brows. “What about the Lieges?”
“They’re restless.”
They were his minions to command, but they were well aware that he hated them. Yet he still needed them to control the dregs. If he ever found a way to do so himself, he’d kill every Liege on the continent.
“Tell the Lieges to stop being restless,” I drawled.
“Youdo it.”
“A controller does not handle Lieges.” Killing them gave me much more pleasure.
“A controller obeys his king in all things.”
“Handle the Lieges yourself or ask Zayde to do it.”
“Now there’s a thought.” His head tilted as he watched me. “Do you think Zayde has the strength, let alone the determination, to do something like that?”
The strength? Yes. The will? Probably not, but it would distract the king and buy me time.
“Ask him,” I said. After all, hewasthe best choice for this.
“Maybe. I might have someone else in mind for that.” The king grunted. “What can I do about Riftflame?”
“Send a courtier to apologize for the unfortunate death of their emissary, someone who can persuade them to relinquish the rest of their court’s core power.”
“Who do you suggest?”
“I’ve been away from Bledmire for some time. You select someone.” Perhaps I should name one of my many enemies since they were sure to fail and find the same end as the one who’d just been burned by Madrood. What a pleasant idea. I’d think about it.
I dipped my head forward. “My time is limited. As you so politely pointed out, I have yet to control Tempest, and you’re eager for a willing taste.”
“Yes, stealing power gives it a sour flavor.” He smacked his lips. “Find her. Tighten the collar if you must but make her eager to comply. Bring her to me after the evening meal.”
“Very well.”
