32
KADEN
Leaning over the desk, I glare down at the map. Xs mark where our enemies lays, camps surrounding our border to the south. A detailed report was given by Zeke and Samkien after days of staking out our lands and both hover at my side as I try to make sense of it.
Or rather, try to plan.
Griffin’s forces are large, spread out in staggered positions. They cover the other’s blind spots, making sneak attacks harder. I could easily take out a camp with my siblings, while the soldiers stay back, but to be seen and captured would not help.
“And the rest of the troops?”
“On their way,” Zeke informs. The medals on his chest gleam in the candlelight. My first act since returning was to promote Zeke to General and Samkien to Captain. My mother would approve.
It was a rumor, one I saw firsthand growing up. My mother never loved Zelos, but she did love Zeke. By honoring him, I honor her.
“How long?”
Samkien rubs his chin. “Days, still.”
The lords further out in our kingdom were sent word once Iarrived. It’ll take them time with their armies to come to our aid. If Griffin decided to attack, we’ll be short of help.
“Fuck,” I groan, slamming my hand on to the table. The map ruffles and neither of the Fae react. Luckily, without the curse, I’m no longer prone to losing control with small frustrations.
Fee strides in my office—what was once Zelos’ office. It still bears the marks of his rule—tall imposing bookcases, hidden compartments I’ve yet to explore, and small lavish details I’m slowly ridding of this home—but it holds my things now.
Oslo’s journals are in the desk, where I can easily reach them. It aids me in feeling like the old Fae is still guiding me.
“Do you kiss your queen with that mouth?”
Glaring at her, I smirk snidely. “I do other things with my mouth to my queen.”
She holds up a hand, face turning green as Zeke coughs a laugh into my hand. “Pass.”
“What do you bring?”
She tosses a small parchment onto the table, Mal entering behind her. He’s taken to blending into the Black Palace, wearing darker clothes like the rest of us. It’s not so weird; when he was a child, he often rummaged in Reid’s clothing to find something.
“Nothing good. Griffin’s men are still coming. He has wagons full of weapons and an arsenal coming in.” She crosses her arms, annoyed. “I’d say we’d find a way to hit him on the trails, but we’re limited.”
“You could blast them with fire,” Mal offers, looking at the map. “I’ve had to stop her no less than five times on our scouting missions.”
I give Fee a look. I do not have time to control her while preparing for war.
She shrugs, looking away. “I didn’t do it. But it would make things easier.”
“And then what, Fee?” I ask, gesturing to the map. “If we attack, we better be prepared for the return.”
My sister rolls her eyes, cocking a hip. “I didn’t think that far. That’s why you’re king.”
“Acting,” I remind her. I’m technically only king in name and power because of my birthright. I’ve not been formally coronated.
She waves me off. “You’re the king in all the ways that matter.”
“What shall we do?” Mal walks to stand beside me. “There’s only so much information we can get. Soon, they’ll be here.”
“I don’t know what they’re waiting for.”
“Griffin,” I answer smoothly. “He thinks he has the upper hand and wants to be the one to take the palace. I assume my head, too.”
