Dirty fabric was shoved inside James’s mouth and his wrists were bound, as were Ahnna’s, but if James could have smiled, he would’ve, because nearly every sailor aboard was staring south where the fleets were colliding.
“Your Grace, the Cardiffian flagship is coming alongside,” a lookout shouted. “They’re asking permission to board.”
Lestara smirked. “Granted. Hopefully he’s coming to beg my forgiveness for his tardiness.”
James watched Ronan’s ship come alongside theVictoria,the vessel not nearly as tall, though that proved no problem for his uncle, who climbed into the rigging and jumped aboard. His feet made a loud thump as he landed. “Daughter.”
James’s skin prickled at the tone of his voice, but Lestara didn’t seem to notice.
“You’re late, Father.”
“Late would imply the battle is over, but I see Ithicana yet holds strong against you.”
Lestara scoffed. “Hardly. What you are seeing is the arrival of the Maridrinians and Valcottans. Likely stirred up by some grandiose speech Keris has given, because he’s far too good at convincingpeople to die for him. Which, with your arrival, they surely will. Victory will be ours.”
Unless Keris used some form of magic, the prince consort had nothing to do with that fleet’s arrival, but James didn’t try to speak. He didn’t need to, given the amusement on Ronan’s face.
“Can’t blame Keris Veliant for all your struggles, girl. It seems you and yours have suffered mightily against naught but an island defended by a handful of soldiers, and I think that’s to do with your leadership of this battle. You know nothing about war.” He gave a cold chuckle. “Though I see you brought yourself a shield.”
“Do not call me girl.” Lestara’s knuckles whitened where she held the baby against her chest. “I will accept your advice, but I am leading this battle, Father.”
“Oh, of course!” Ronan rocked on his heels. “Well, let’s have at it, then. Carry on with your speech.”
Lestara cleared her throat, then smoothed her skirts with one hand. “My brave and loyal soldiers, we would have won this handily on our own, but our ally Cardiff has arrived.”
The sailors and soldiers didn’t seem to be paying attention to her, their eyes all fixed south, but Lestara only shouted louder, as though volume would make a difference.
“My father, King Ronan, has our backs, and together we will show every nation, north and south, that Harendell will not be made a victim. We will rule, and beneath King Oliver, a golden era will dawn!”
“That last bit is true enough, given your mother saw it in the stars,” Ronan said. “Cardiff sailed for King Oliver. A new alliance has been negotiated, but it is not with you.”
To James’s amazement, the Cardiffians lifted Virginia onto the deck of theVictoria.Hazel was with her, one hand steadying his sister’s elbow as she walked across the deck, and Theryn and Waynne walked behind them, hands resting on their weapons.
“Lestara, give me my nephew!” Virginia demanded. “A baby has no place on a battlefield.”
“I will do no such thing.” Lestara stepped away from him, tripping on her skirt. “What is Virginia doing here? What is going on?”
“What’s going onis that Keris left me his dog as a gift,” Ginny snarled. “Good girl that she is, Fiona found gloves hidden under your bed that were covered with poison. The same poison that killed William.”
Lestara’s eyes bulged. “That is a lie.”
“I’d tell you to burn the evidence next time, but there isn’t going to be a next time.” Virginia’s lip curled with derision. “There are no men left for you to work your particular form of power on.” Her head tilted. “Archie, I suggest you sit this one out.”
The man in question was busy trying to look invisible, and he twitched in alarm when his name was called. James had no doubt that Virginia had endless proof of his treason given that Theryn was watching him with hard eyes.
Expressions on the deck were hardening, because his sister was beloved. But above that, his sister was Harendellian, and for better or worse, that mattered.
Lestara saw the shift, and her voice had a desperate edge as she said, “Virginia is trying to frame me to take power! That’s all this is!”
“I saw you, Lestara.” Ahnna spoke from where she remained on her knees. “I saw you through the window of your room. Saw you touch William’s face and then discard the gloves.”
“Your word is worth nothing!” Lestara shrieked. “These are all lies to discredit me! Why is no one doing anything?”
“They all sense the wrongness in you. They all know that it was you who brought them to this moment.” Ronan waved a hand toward Ornak. “Now hand over the baby to Virginia.”
“No!” Lestara stumbled away, coming up against the railing. “The stars said I would be a powerful woman and queen. They said my deeds would never be forgotten, and what greater deed is there than claiming the bridge?”
“What else did the stars tell us about you, Lestara? What else did Caly see on your seventh birthday?”
