The uncertainty of it all constricted my chest.
The top of my head burned with the ghost of the crown’s disregard.
The need for justice blazed hotter.
I couldn’t be the one the Protectorate army followed to war.
But Evie–dear, sweet Evie, still too innocent for this Clan world in my eyes–could command the Blood Brotherhood army to help us.
Her might could wash away my powerlessness and shame.
There wouldn’t even have to be bloodshed.
Silas didn’t have the crown, the Protectorate army couldn’t be summoned.
Plus, he was–and always would be–a coward. Seeing the biggest army in Malhaven march upon Aquila would make him flee, I was sure of it.
After that, the possibilities were endless, as long as the Protectorate was free.
I already imagined the lies Silas–and whoever was helping him–would spread.
That I’d sold my soul to ally myself with our enemies.
That I’d spread my legs to convince them to attack my own people.
That I only wanted the throne, and cared about nothing and nobody else.
After all, Silas needed the people to believe in an enemy to legitimize his claim. Since he had none, he’d created one out of me.
It was the oldest trick in the book. If you made the civilians fear and hate someone else, they didn’t have the time or energy to contest the Usurper’s wrongdoings.
It didn’t matter.
I would shoulder the hate if I had to, stand strong against the lies, if it meant the Protectorate would be free.
I began to pace, my favorite release when my mind tormented itself with too many what ifs–and this plan, hazy as it was, had too many of them.
The Blood Brotherhood army had to face the Serpents. A march on Aquila could only happen before or after.
The thought of the Serpents winning was too vicious to indulge. The gods weren’t that cruel.
The Dragon could also refuse to help us. From what Ryker had told me and how Evie blushed at the mere mention of his name, that was unlikely, though not impossible.
Even if Dax refused to acknowledge it, we would become family. One big, dangerous, dysfunctional family–and I was not above using that connection if it meant protecting our people.
Once Evie became queen, we had a claim–
Three loud knocks halted me.
They’d come from the door separating my bedroom from Ryker’s.
The uneasiness melted away as I rushed to open it before my fears could catch up. At the last second, I stopped, hand hesitating over the handle.
I had to let myself be seen.
Vulnerable.
Loathsome little feeling that managed to flay all the soft spots I thought I could keep hidden for all eternity.
