“Seren’s right,” I agree. “She’s been instrumental in every relic and the journey back to Thornewood.”
“Your opinion of me matters little,” Seren bites, and doesn’t even look at me.
Well, fuck. I’m impressed too.
“Fair enough. I know you have no reason to trust or even particularly like me. I’ve earned your fury. That’s not in question,” I offer.
“You’re fucking right about that,” Ronyn spits at me from across the table. Daelen still pinning him in the seat with a well-placed hand to the shoulder.
I meet his gaze for a moment, but press on. “Both Lady Sylvaine and Seren are right—we need to play our cards smart… and fast.”
“What are you suggesting?” Therion presses, a calculating look etched across his face.
“We need to secure aid from Nymeris and Caeloria.”
I’ve been thinking about our options constantly; the other continents are our best chance.
Seren and Ronyn’s faces are unreadable—waiting for more information. I know they’re hearing about the other continents for the first time—and I haven’t even mentioned the Taars yet. I’ll save stories of their life of brute savagery in the mountains for another time. The Taars are savage, yes, but they’ve never bent a knee. They’re elusive, but allies like them can turn the tide.
King Thalmyr has burned the other continents from the history books—erased them from Dravara’s memory with threvenar in the water. He’s made his people believe there is no escape. No other option but to bend a knee to his rule.
But he’s fucking wrong. There’s always another way, and I’ll find it.
But not today. Today is about Elyssara—every day will be about Elyssara until she’s safe again.
“Send an emissary, Prince. They need to know the time for diplomatic games has ended,” Eldric offers.
He’s not wrong. We’ve been playing this game of impending war with Maldrak for a decade. We’ve been playing a strategic game of chess with the other continents for their aid, too. We need them to know—it’s now or never.
“Why don’t you go to Nymeris yourself, my prince?” Varian slides in smoothly. “I can stand in as Regent in your absence.”The snivelling bastard.He always reeks of opportunity and greed.
“I have other duties, Varian,” I say dismissively. “But I agree that we should send an emissary. Eldric, you have a long-established relationship with Caeloria. Queen Maireth has often been impressed by your political maneuvering—you’ll travel to her.”
Eldric nods his agreement.
“Lady Sylvaine—Nymeris covets knowledge. Queen Ilyra is secretive, yes, but she listens to those who bring what she wants.Youbring what she wants.”
I know I need to command like this—to take control of the situation, despite the hollowness in my chest. It’s the only way I’ll get her back.
“And the rest of us?” Therion questions.
But I ignore him.
“I need to visit Nalya,” I say. “She has the information we need to get Elyssara back.”
I suck in a breath through my nose, anchoring myself for the decisions I need to make.
Every alliance, every deal, every ounce of control—just scaffolding to keep me standing until I can reach her again.
CHAPTER FIVE
ELYSSARA
I edgetowards the black dress hanging in the wardrobe. A bony, impossibly small bodice and sheer skirts stare back at me. He wants me on display.
A costume. A show.And I’m the main act.
Bile rises in my throat.
