“Yet,” Koldo continued, “we must handle this with discretion, Your Highness. Geneva has an extensive network of support.”
The queen’s eyes narrowed. “Supporters? Or simply those who fear her?”
“In this case it doesn’t matter because both groups will protect her,” Ferdinand answered, voice firm and gaze slipping into the middle distance, the past fifteen years welling up within him. Amarande hadn’t asked him to detail the horrors he’d witnessed as a growing child—bodies burning night after night, and other cruel acts. Quietly, he continued. “It doesn’t matter if they’re protecting her to save themselves or because they believe in her. We have to assume that for every Torrentian who now sees Luca as king, there are just as many who would not hesitate if Geneva demanded their aid.”
Ferdinand’s answer sat heavily between them on the polished table. Geneva had a vast sandbox in which to hide. But Amarande had a feeling she might seek specific aid from those with whom she had a particular bond of trust rather than throw in her lot with an endless march of fearful plebeians. Perhaps even Geneva herself had hinted her preference while fleeing Amarande in the secret corridors of the Itspi.
As long as I live, I can gather opposition. So can the previous Warlords. They’re alive, you know. And they are not the sort to let their legacy go quietly.
Amarande had called that a threat.
It was.
And yet you let her go.
Now the queen was left with only questions. She’d felt that way when her father died—the unknowns piling on top of each other until they reached Sendoa in the stars. But these questions, this problem, was all of her own making.
Again, she turned to her brother and asked him something shedidn’t know, hoping that he would have an inkling of information. “And what of the former Warlords? Would they provide aid, shelter, protection?”
Ferdinand inclined his head, a lock of sunset hair sweeping into one eye as his bear-like shoulders hunched with his line of thought. “It’s possible.”
Now Luca added to the pile of questions. “Do we have any idea where the previous Warlords have gone?”
Luca’s attention swung among Koldo, Ferdinand, Osana, and Tala. These four knew more about the Warlord’s reign than the rest of them combined. Though much of that knowledge was weighted to Ferdinand and Tala.
“Talmage is dead,” Tala answered, unequivocal.
“It issuggestedthat Talmage is dead, though that is not my belief,” Koldo responded, cool gaze upon the rebel leader.
Something heavy passed between them—and a quick glance at Luca revealed that he was as clueless about it as Amarande. The queen could not let it sit. “What is your belief, General?”
“It is my belief—no, my firsthand knowledge—that Tala bears a striking resemblance to Jericho Talmage.”
Tala’s face broke into a look of mild annoyance. “And, as I told the general, there is a good reason for that.” Here, he addressed both Luca and Amarande, his wizened gaze never straying. “I am Jericho Talmage’s twin brother.”
Amarande’s whole body balled up tight—she’d learned Tala had been the man to shoot her with a dart and use her as penance to the Warlord, and he’d apologized for that.But… this?
Luca’s features blanched and his lips dropped open, no quick dismissal at the ready with an equally speedy grin and shrug. Instead, the first to speak was Ula, her golden eyes crackling with the same furious sarcasm as her voice. “And you never thought to mention thatto the Otsakumea?”
At this, the corners of Tala’s lips tipped up, as if he couldn’t help but smile while admitting something so large. “It was common knowledge among the resistance. I’d been there since day one.” He looked to Luca. “My Otsakumea, please understand. My brother’s blood never meant more to me than serving your family.Hitz ematen dizut.”
I give you my word of honor.The code among the resistance.
Hehad beenhonorable. Fought seventeen years to achieve what occurred at the firepit just a few nights ago. Saw Luca safely through to victory.
And yet.
Amarande watched the general, stoic and unwavering. She’d clearly stewed over this for days. Clearly brought it up to Tala. But Koldo hadn’t brought it forth to Amarande or Luca.Why now and here?
Amarande’s stomach dropped. She glanced around the table, nearly every seat filled with someone who’d once been an enemy but was now on their side. Perhaps this wasn’t any diff—
“Geneva told our queen both previous Warlords were alive,” Koldo said, her dark eyes unmoving from Tala’s form. “That is correct, is it not, my queen?”
Amarande had just stated as much in her questioning and was slow to answer—but Ferdinand was not. “Geneva believed Talmage to be alive and in hiding.”
Talmage was either gone or on his last days when Geneva and Ferdinand joined the Warlord’s caravan, and Ferdinand had insisted he did not know the man’s face. Amarande very much wished he did in this moment.
“If that is true, where is your brother, Tala?” Koldo asked. Next to her, Captain Xixi added the weight of her practiced officer’s glare.
