“You are masters at your commandeering of the Teyre River.It issucha brilliant trade opportunity and revenue for your people.”
Eyreling’s chest puffed out, pride filling his face.“You are too kind, Miss Kallistar.In fact, Prince Valeris and I were securing our own alliance along the river.I think it will do both of us much good.”
Analleia’s eyes lit up like a flame in darkness.“Oh, do tell, what sort of alliance?”
A series of warnings rang in my mind, and I opened my mouth to respond but the fool beat me to it.
“Prince Valeris has secured rights to the quarry, and we will exchange passage down the river with a fair price for their stone.Haskelle is in need after all, and this provides us the perfect bargaining chip.”
You fool.
“Lord Eyreling—” I interjected.
“Has he now?”She threw me a quizzical look tinged with a bit of smugness.“I just spoke with the ambassador over the northern quarry in Andovar and was under the impression they had no intention of making deals at the opening ball this evening, and were hesitant to makeanydeals with Paravellia.That is a lofty treaty to confirm in these few short hours.When did you secure this alliance?”
Her slyness caught me off guard, and my answer didn’t come quick enough.The damage was already done.She knew exactly what she was doing.She hid it behind a mask of ignorance, but her destruction was purposeful.
“Oh, no bother,” she continued, “but I must say, you’re a smart man, Lord Eyreling.Why not make an alliance with the quarries yourself?Cut them a good enough deal they’re willing to make you a bargain.It removes the middle man and establishes good foreign relations between you and the north.Paravellia already uses the Teyre River, what more would they have to offer?”
Any thought of ever dancing with this woman or showing any semblance of interest or admiration evaporated with her words.Anger boiled within me as I clenched my hands into fists, barely able to remain respectable.
“Lord Eyreling,” I cut in, “perhaps we should—”
“Perhaps not.”The greed dissipated from the diplomat’s eyes, now replaced with reason.“I’ve reconsidered your offer, and I’m afraid I will have to withdraw my interest.”
I stood there feeling very much the fool and unable to say anything.It took me a moment to realize the sensation pulsing through my system was shock.Defeat.A feeling I wasn’t used to.Only one other person had ever beaten and completely humiliated me like that before.
“Would you care to dance, Miss Kallistar?”Lord Eyreling extended his arm to her and she accepted.
She flashed a brilliant smile over her shoulder, but to me it was deadly as a goblin’s sneer.“It was lovely to meet you,Your Highness.”
Of all the—
I ground my teeth together, trying to gather my bearings.I looked to where Zandyr smirked at me, having overheard the whole exchange.
My gaze flicked back to the woman as she disappeared into the crowd, strolling away on the diplomat’s arm like nothing had changed.
But everything had.
With one simple phrase, she’d nearly stolen my chance for the throne, jeopardizing the future of my kingdom.
