Page 52 of Rise of the Vicious Princess

“Very well.” The man took a deep breath and then said briskly, “Rullenvor has concerns about our allyship with Calera.”

“We’re listening.”

“This war.” He spread his arms out, palms up, as if to say, Surely, you know what I mean.

“What about the war?” The queen’s blue eyes bore into the man before her. “Your offer of help is up for discussion at our council meeting, but these things take time and should have no bearing on our trade relationship. Our trade with Rullenvor continues to be as strong as ever. Our coin retains its value.”

“But for how long?” He leaned forward. “I was Rullenvor’s ambassador to Montevallo for three years. I know King Alaric and how he thinks. He will not stop fighting until he crushes your kingdom and takes your throne.”

Unless he thought he was being given the throne without the years of additional bloodshed it would take to win it. Charis held herself absolutely still as she watched Ambassador Shyrn. The parchments that were on their way to Montevallo now felt like golden keys that would unlock the solution her people so desperately needed. A solution that wouldn’t involve Rullenvor’s interference, which was clearly where this conversation was heading.

The queen apparently shared Charis’s thoughts, for she cocked her head as if studying an ant on the cobblestones and said, “I don’t believe I’ve asked for Rullenvor’s advice in forming battle plans, but I’m happy to hear that you’re supportive of us remaining on the throne. When your trade delegate arrives in a few days, we can all meet and discuss our mutual interests and how to accomplish them.”

Ambassador Shyrn’s smile reminded Charis of Reuben’s expression when tasked with interrogating a prisoner. “You misunderstand, Your Majesty. We value our partnership with Calera.”

With Calera. Not with the Willowthorns.

The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees.

“Explain yourself, Ambassador Shyrn.” There were daggers beneath Queen Letha’s words.

“The High Emperor of Rullenvor believes that Calera is a jewel among the sea kingdoms. Your land is perfectly suited to farming all manner of foods and raising all manner of animals. He would be loath to lose trade with you, and he understands that should Alaric take the throne here, a new trade agreement would not be as favorable for us.”

“And the High Emperor believes it benefits his trade agreement with us to take the help of your ally Te’ash?” the queen asked.

Ambassador Shyrn drew in a breath as though determined to get through something unpleasant. “Your Majesty, it is the High Emperor’s view that you have had eighteen years to establish dominance over King Alaric and restore your borders, and you have not been able to do so. You have also not responded to his ally’s offer of assistance. These are not the actions of a leader who is able to protect her people. Therefore, the High Emperor graciously offers to make Calera a protectorate and establish rule here under the auspices of a regent from Rullenvor, in exchange for bringing the full might of our army and that of Te’ash to bear against the Montevallians, both on land and at sea. The High Emperor believes he could quickly defeat the enemy forces and restore the peace and prosperity that Calera was once known for.”

The silence that followed his words settled over the room like a shroud. Charis kept her expression cold and emotionless as she waited for Mother’s response. They couldn’t afford to alienate a powerful ally like Rullenvor, but they would have to be truly desperate to give up the throne and allow strangers to rule Calera.

And with the betrothal offer on its way to Alaric, they weren’t yet desperate.

“This is most unexpected,” the queen finally said.

“I realize that, Your Majesty, but—”

“I wasn’t finished.”

The ambassador took one look at the queen’s face and hastily bowed his head. “My apologies, Your Majesty.”

“This kind of offer takes careful consideration. I’m sure the High Emperor doesn’t expect an immediate response and will understand that I will need to meet with my council and take advisement. An issue like this could take several weeks to decide, perhaps more.” The queen stood, no sign of weakness evident. Immediately, Charis and Ambassador Shyrn followed suit. “I will send for you when I have an answer. In the meantime, we look forward to welcoming your trade delegation and to continuing the friendship between our two kingdoms.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Ambassador Shyrn bowed and left the room.

The instant he left, the queen collapsed into her chair and turned to Charis. “That is no benevolent offer.”

“No, it isn’t.” Charis shook her head. “Rullenvor and the Rakuuna see us as an easy conquest because we’ve got our hands full with Montevallo. When we turn down their offer, they might decide to send their warships and take what they want. We can’t fight a second war, Mother.”

“I’ve bought us some time,” the queen said, cold fury on her face. “Now we’d better hope Alaric accepts the betrothal offer. If we reach peace terms with Montevallo, Rullenvor will have to either let go of the idea that we can be conquered or understand that a marriage between you and a Montevallian prince means Rullenvor would be facing their army as well as ours.”

“In the meantime, we need to have everything ready for the trade delegations, and we have to be certain of our own people’s loyalty,” Charis said, the queen’s rage a match for her own. “We will shore up our alliances, ferret out the spies, and be in a position of strength when Alaric replies.”

“Let’s get started.”

Twenty-One

TWO DAYS LATER, Charis rose early, ate the bowl of fruit that a kitchen maid had brought up, and then knocked quietly at Tal’s door, his breakfast in hand.

A floorboard squeaked and Tal’s voice, husky with sleep, called, “Come in.”

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