Page 144 of Given to the Black King

Iona pretends not to notice.

“So it was a faction,” Iona says.

“A powerful one,” Ghenn says. He pushes Speaker Reth’s seal toward her. “Still a faction.”

I dislike the distinction.

She feels that before I speak.

“Do not invade my country because six men are greedy,” she says.

“Seven,” I answer.

“Who is the seventh?”

“The man who carried both marriage contracts.”

Her hand closes around the edge of the ledger.

“He also signed the confession that broke Osk’s army.”

“He waited until a knife was at your throat.”

The room goes quiet.

Iona looks down at the black ink staining her thumb.

Ghenn turns a message strip over. “Vess’s rider overtook Callas before the first southern relay yesterday morning. He changed to relay horses for the return. He will be back before sunset.”

“What do you want done with him?” I ask.

She thinks before answering.

“Under escort, not in chains. Let him spend the road wondering.”

Vess’s mouth curves.

My queen reaches for the next ledger.

I cover her hand.

She looks at me.

“Rest.”

“I have been healing for two days.”

“That is different from resting.”

“I am capable of reading while sore.”

“I know exactly how sore.”

Perr drops a stack of papers.

Vess laughs.

Iona closes her eyes.