"Possible," Harwick agrees, though he sounds doubtful. "Or they're waiting for something. Planning something we can't see yet."
The discussion continues around him, but Bellamy's attention wanders again. He finds himself staring at the eastern border, tracingthe line with his eyes, wondering what lies beyond it. Wondering if Ivah thinks of him at all, or if their night together was just another conquest to be forgotten as soon as it was claimed.
The thought makes his chest tight and his hands clench into fists beneath the table.
"—propose sending an envoy north," Lord Vance is saying when Bellamy tunes back in. "Open negotiations before things escalate further."
"And if Kent sees that as weakness?" Harwick challenges.
"Then we'll deal with that when it happens. But we have to try diplomacy first."
Queen Amelli looks to her son. "What do you think, Bellamy?"
All eyes turn to him, waiting for the wisdom of their future king. Bellamy looks down at the map again, at the red pins marking enemy positions, at the trade routes and strategic passes that could determine the fate of thousands.
"Send the envoy," he says finally. "But quietly. No formal embassy, no fanfare. Someone who can gauge Kent's intentions without appearing to capitulate."
It's a reasonable response, a princely response. The nods around the table tell him he's chosen correctly.
"I'll handle the arrangements," Lord Vance says.
"Good." Queen Amelli gathers her papers. "Harwick, I want increased patrols along the northern border. Not provocative, but visible. Show them we're aware and prepared."
"Already done, Your Majesty."
"Excellent. I think that covers everything for today."
The council members begin to file out, but Queen Amelli catches Bellamy's arm as he rises.
"Stay a moment."
When they're alone, she moves to the window that overlooks the castle courtyard. Below, guards drill in neat formations, their movements precise and coordinated.
"What's troubling you?" she asks without turning around.
Bellamy lets out a short laugh, though there's no humor in it. "Where should I start?"
Queen Amelli rolls her eyes and turns to face him. "It's obvious something has been weighing heavily on you, and it's been since the battle with Everitt." Her green eyes are sharp with maternal concern. "Are you worried about what Harwick said? About a possible assassination attempt?"
Bellamy considers the question seriously. "If Ivah had wanted me dead, Mother, he had ample opportunity. During the battle, when I was alone and vulnerable..." He trails off, not wanting to think too deeply about why Ivah had spared him that day.
"Then what?" She studies his face with the intensity that made her such an effective ruler. "What did you learn from the Barbarian King while you spoke with him in the dungeons?"
Bellamy hesitates, choosing his words carefully. The truth sits heavy on his tongue—conversations about poetry and philosophy, confessions whispered in lamplight, the gentle way Ivah had touched his hair. But he can't say any of that.
"We spoke of rule," he says finally. "Of peace, and how best to provide for our kingdoms. Of what it means to lead people who depend on you."
Queen Amelli's eyebrows rise. "That sounds surprisingly civilized for a savage like Ivah."
"There was a lot about him that surprised me," Bellamy admits, the words carrying more weight than his mother could possibly understand.
She moves closer, her expression growing more concerned. "Are you scared to face him again when the time comes?"
Bellamy shakes his head. "I think we have more to worry about on our Northern front. King Kent and his forces pose a more immediate threat than whatever Ivah might be planning."
"That's true," Queen Amelli agrees, though her eyes never leave his face. "The Northern kingdoms have been growing bolder. Still..." She reaches out to touch his arm. "If you need to talk you know I'm here."
I kissed our greatest enemy,Bellamy thinks.I let him touch me, claim me, and I would do it again if given the chance.But he can't say that. Can't burden his mother with the knowledge of what her son has become.
