Iywan stands in the doorway of the dining hall. He quickly covers his pinched expression with a smile, his voice hollow as he says, “Good afternoon, Your Highnesses.” He bows so deeply that I quirk a brow.
“Good afternoon, Lord Iywan. I was just bidding Princess Carys farewell. Many thanks for your hospitality on behalf of me and my right-hand man. He is out enjoying the garden as we speak. I will be sure to tell King Freyr about your wonderful Feast and the lovely Princess Carys.” Odgar’s tone has changed from friendly to formal, but his body language remains relaxed. I envy him.
“I am glad to hear it,” says Iywan. “I heard there are sweets in the kitchen. I hope you will take some for your travels.”
“How could I decline such a delicious offer?” Odgar rocks back on his feet, beaming at Iywan.
Iywan chuckles but, again, it sounds hollow. He bows once more, says a quick goodbye, and leaves. My brows furrow, and I remain staring at the spot where Iywan stood a moment ago. Had he truly come in here for sweets, or did he somehow learn of my whereabouts and came to investigate?
It’s likely the latter.
I turn back to Odgar, finding it in me to smile at him once more. “Safe travels. I hope we’ll meet again.”
“May fate bring us back together, Raven Princess,” Odgar replies with a small dip of his head.
I turn to walk away, and Callum follows along. The council meeting starts soon, I never got anything to eat in the end, but I need togather my composure and mentally prepare. As we walk back toward my bedchamber, Callum is rigid at my side.
“For the gods’ sake, Callum. Speak your mind.”
“Do you truly see yourself marrying someone like Odgar?” he asks.
“Yes,” I say automatically. I chance a glance at Callum, his throat bobbing as he swallows.
“He may make you happy.” His voice sounds strained, but he has the grace to fake a smile.
I nod and take a deep breath. “Perhaps.”
Mentally repeating everything I learned from Odgar, I step into the council chamber, prepared to make my case. Only Iywan and Jac are present, but moments after I take my seat, the other councilors arrive. “Welcome,” Iywan says. “Most of our guests have departed. So, without further ado, we must discuss the matter of Princess Carys’s marriage.” He turns to everyone except for me as he continues. “Because of the rising unrest of the rebels in Erleya, Councilor Tomen has advised that it would be in our best interest to keep our ties within our kingdom rather than form a foreign alliance.”
I lurch forward in my chair, my palms flat against the table. “What?”
All heads turn to me except for the master of foreign affairs. I want to yank out what’s left of Tomen’s white hair and shove it down his throat. He steeples his hands on the table and keeps his cloudy eyes on Iywan, who continues.
“The attack was unfortunately timed with our foreign diplomats present. No one wants to ally with a nation that cannot even control their own citizens. It makes us look as though we’re on the brink of total anarchy.”
My mouth falls open, but I immediately press my lips firmly together until they start to go numb. I move my hands to my lap, clenching them to hopefully stop them from trembling. I want to protest, but I don’t want to lose my temper. “What are you proposing, Lord Iywan?” I ask as calmly as possible.
“Your betrothal to Lord Commander of the Royal Brigade—Rheon of Bayenbar.”
Fucking hells. My mouth opens and closes again. I swallow, praying to keep my composure. “Lord Iywan, I have a different proposal.”
Jac leans back in his seat, amusement playing across his dark face. Gods, he is infuriating. Iywan draws himself up in his chair, cold challenge on his face while Tomen and Belhan simply blink at me.
“Odgar Erlingson, prince of Uldarvik.”
Iywan’s exhales slowly and the annoyance on his face melts into contempt. Meanwhile, Sessaley looks intrigued and, as always, Taliesin is indifferent.
“Prince Odgar has informed me that he would gladly accept my proposal should he be chosen. His brother, the king of Uldarvik, already gives his blessing. Uldarvik will be a strong ally. They are excellent in the export of fish and timber, and they are a robust agricultural kingdom. Given the state of the growing blight in Erleya, it would be beneficial for us to be united with a land abundant in thriving crops, particularly oats, barley, and rye. They are also rich in iron ore, silver, and copper.”
I glance at Taliesin, but her dark eyes are half-lidded, her fingers drumming silently on the table. I want to shake her; she’s useless.
I sigh and continue. “Should our armed forces require more weaponry, Uldarvik’s cannon production is notable. You speak of your concern about the unrest from the rebels, Lord Iywan, Councilor Tomen, but Uldarans aren’t intimidated by that. A large fraction of their population is born and raised to be fighters. They have shieldmaidensand fearless warriors. They are brave and fiercely loyal. My marriage to Prince Odgar would be exactlywhat is needed for the kingdom. Astrongunion. In manpower, in trade goods. Prince Odgar is kind and intelligent. Our people will adore him.”
The silent tension is so thick that the air is suffocating. My hands shake even more where they’re hidden beneath the table, and I wait with apprehension foranyoneto say something.
“It’s too risky,” Iywan says at last. “These are trying times for Erleya. A foreign union is out of the question. Lord Commander Rheon Odhran has been the superior officer for decades. He has been a part of the Royal Brigade as a soldier for even longer. He charges all divisions and is revered not just by soldiers, but civilians. His long-standing, renowned presence in Erleya is just what the people need. With your impending transition to reigning monarch, Prince Odgar would offer no such familiar comfort to the masses, I’m afraid.”
“Long-standing, renowned presence? Revered? I think the word you’re looking for isfeared. Lord Commander Rheon orchestrated a public flogging five years ago!”
