Luca was not Amarande, and though he had daily access to the king, he wasn’t a surrogate son. But over the course of his childhood at the castle, he’d seen enough to know what Amarande said about her father’s broken heart was true. But what if it wasn’t broken by Queen Geneva?
Luca tried again to swallow, his throat parched.
The room was quiet. Tala continued, tone somber and low. “King Lotyoa was known for his kindness. He was more trusting than whatwas prudent in his position. Of everyone and anyone, and I believe this is what was the end of him.”
That weight pressing on Luca’s chest tightened, squeezing his lungs until he couldn’t breathe.
I am told I am kind and trusting—like my father.
I will make the same choices.
And if I make the same mistakes, I will die.
When Luca drew in a breath to speak, his voice shook. The blood in his veins was one thing, his life experience another.
“Your doubt of Ardenia is well founded. Though these actions are not in line with the King Sendoa I knew, I respect what you’re telling us. But you must also understand that I trust Princess Amarande with everything I have.”
The leader didn’t respond.
“Tala, look at me,” Luca said, placing a hand on the man’s shoulder. “I would like you to trust me—be it as the Otsakumea or simply as Luca—when I say that Amarande is not her father. If she is with me, she is with you.”
Luca settled back. His companions nodded, unified. Tala drew a thin breath. “You must contact her, my Otsakumea?”
“Sending a message to Amarande is a promise and I am required to keep it.”
“My Otsakumea, Princess Amarande should not require anything of you. You are not her stableboy anymore.”
“Irequire it, not she. If I make a promise, I keep it. Most especially to those I love.”
Tala’s expression did not change. He did not approve. “It is imperative that the princess comes alone, not with her army. I do not trust her that far.”
“The princess will come alone.” Luca needed Amarande more than any army she could bring to defeat the Warlord. He had seen the determination of his people in that cavern, felt it in their grips as they’d taken his hand and looked him in the eye. Every one of them prepared to fight. And win.
At Luca’s word, Ula immediately got to her feet. “I will go to the princess.”
This was not a surprise. Ula knew by virtue of her paw print she was someone equally trusted by the resistance and Amarande. Theperfect bridge. Tala nodded at the girl, lips turned wryly at their craggy-faced corners. “Of course you will, Ula. You are just as brave, as loyal as your mother—willing to do what is needed without even being asked.”
Of course this man knew Lygia, too. It made sense and yet her lips dropped open, her golden eyes round in surprise. A flush bloomed across Ula’s face and throat, her thick fall of dark hair not enough to hide it. “Thank you.”
Osana stood and steadied the scabbard that held Sendoa’s sword across her back. “Luca needs your medical talents. I will go,” she announced. “I know the quickest way to the Itspi and the princess gave me instructions on what I am to say to the guards.”
Osana had the same compliant attitude she’d had since joining their crew at the Bellringe, but something about the way Luca read it had changed in the past day. Luca always believed the best in people, but King Sendoa’s death and everything after it had added a sour note to that optimism. Still, it was a solid argument and he did not want to appear combative before Tala.
“I would feel better if someone goes with you—Urtzi, would you indulge me and join Osana? I’m sure the kitchens would be happy to fill your saddlebags before you head out.”
Mid-bite, Urtzi backed off the bread in his fist and exchanged a heavy glance with Ula. “I travel with Ula.”
Suddenly Luca realized his request had been much more than simple. Had they been apart since she’d literally left her mark on him as children?
“Doesn’t mean you can’t travel with me,” Osana replied, her voice light before adding, in a heavier tone, “Especially if it’s the Otsakumea’s fancy.”
This last bit was clearly for the benefit of Tala, who watched the exchange with his arms wound over his lean chest. He didn’t like the assignment, he didn’t like the resistance of orders, he didn’t like any of it. Ula understood this as well as Osana, as well as Luca. And she would find a way to make Urtzi see it, too.
“Go on, you big oaf,” Ula said, permission clear. “Maybe you’ll appreciate my finer qualities a little more if you see what else is out there.”
Urtzi hesitated a moment, but then stood. “I will go.”
Relieved, Luca nodded.
