The tension in the room had shifted as the soldiers against the wall relaxed back into their original formation.
“And how does this joyous union increase the goodwill between Chendas and Iseldis?” the councilor asked.
“I don’t know.” Meena shrugged flippantly. “But Solano and I were planning to take an immediate wedding trip to Falqri. It’s rather selfish, really, but I was hoping King Gareth would allow for us to leave from the Iseldis port if he is controlling the outbound ships.” Meena kept talking. “I know Falqri is a favorite destination of his majesty. I’ve never visited there myself, and I’ve always wanted to see why the king loves it so much!” Meena clapped her hands together. She was pushing the topic of Falqri too aggressively.
“His majesty will be most pleased,” the councilor responded. “Especially if you would deign to visit him in Chendas with your new husband.”
The weight of what she was proposing settled on Meena’s chest. She was buying time for her family and kingdom, but she was also placing herself at the whims of the man who had tried to kill multiple members of her family. Iseldis would be too burdened to come to her aid should she need help.
King Frederich’s fingers curled around the armrest of his chair. “The White Palace is a considerable distance from the fort and would be very much out of their way.”
Meena smiled weakly, forcing herself to breathe. This was a simple negotiation. It was not as though her life and kingdom were riding on it. Except they were. Her mouth moved to swallow, but the lump in her throat refused to move. Her fingers returned to their habitual tapping as she tried to recall feeling amused at the situation. She could not panic now.
Meena imagined herself sneaking into the White Palace of Chendas, dressed in darkly colored breeches and a hat that covered her hair. She would slip into the king’s own office and slyly take a magic-filled item from his secret desk drawer that she would discover by a stroke of luck. Then, she would make her escape, leaving through the servants’ hallways so as not to be discovered by the guards. Fortunately, she had not seen any guards in the palace at all, which made her secret mission that much easier.
The sound of clanking armor and shifting feet brought her back to the present moment. The councilor cleared his throat, and the row of soldiers behind him simultaneously shifted in place, as though reminding them of their presence.
“I’m sure the happy couple will be safer coming to Chendas after their wedding trip regardless. I will let his majesty know to expect them by the first day of harvestreign?”
“Yes,” Meena said, before her father could ruin their plan—the plan which was currently working fairly well. Her voice was loud, but still carried a small squeak, which she hoped no one noticed. She could find a way back to Iseldis after they accomplished their mission in Falqri. The important thing at the moment was getting Sol into the enemy’s fortress.
“We would invite you to join us for dinner, Councilor,” King Frederich said. “But I’m sure you have traveled far and fast today and would be more comfortable seeing to your men than entertaining an old monarch like myself.”
“You are too kind, your majesty.” The councilor bowed, dipping nothing more than his head at his shoulders. His eyes lingered on each member of the royal family, sending a ghosted smile at Meena last. “May your marriage be long and prosperous, Princess Philomena.”
She dipped her own head imperceptibly in thanks.
Younn left the room, and his soldiers filed out after him.
Meena waited until every soldier had left the room before she turned to face her family.
“An intriguing plan, little sister.” Erich was the first to speak. He quirked an eyebrow at her. “But who’s going to tell Sol?”
Chapter 12
Sol could feel his own heart pumping so aggressively in his chest he wondered if it was trying to escape his body. “No,” he growled. “No.”
“I think it’s a resourceful solution,” Aizel said. “Unusual, yes, but crazy enough it just might work.”
“No.” Sol could force no other word through his paralyzed lips.
The soldiers in the room below followed the Councilor out of the main door, slowly emptying the great hall.
“She is the best option you have. Will you not even consider her?” Aizel pressed.
“No.” He couldn’t tear his eyes away from the princess below, standing on the dais, her back to her family. Sol couldn’t see her face.
“You’re beginning to sound like a whining child,” Aizel said.
Sol did not deign to offer her a reply. He needed a moment to think before opening his mouth again.
“I can understand why you are shocked, but Sol.” Aizel moved closer to him. “You have to do this. For Istroya. For our families.”
Sol shook his head. “It would never work.”
“It’s the only option.” Aizel’s voice was desperate. “Robin said you can’t get to the fort by land, and now even the sea is closed to you.”
“Then I’ll walk down the shoreline.”
