Page 65 of Of Realms and Chaos

“Even better. I have always had a craving for spice.”

Pink light lit up my body, my magic bursting from me. He didn’t move back, though he did flinch. I smiled, letting my magic slowly slink into him. Sampling.

“You will likely regret this, handsome.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

Asher

After I had completely broken down in Shah’s arms, the two of us decided that it was time we stop letting others control our lives. We both wanted a world in which our nightmares faded and our dreams came true. In order to secure this future, we had to work together.

Without much thought, I took the lead in plotting ways Eoforhild could aid Behman, especially when they were sending their people to fight in a war that was not their own. Over the last hour, Shah and I discussed strategies, alliances, potential enemies, and everything in between. Most importantly, we calculated ways in which we could maintain the safety of the forces she would rally for Eoforhild. The numbers were small, but I knew better than anyone that a single soul could alter the future.

“We will keep your forces behind the demons, acting as a sort of last defense. I cannot promise they will not die, but I can give my word that I will fight to my death to protect them.” Hoping my words conveyed the honesty within my heart, I wiped my hands on my gown.

Shah had offered me a stunning violet piece, the lavender lace work on top of the cotton adding dimension that mirrored Nicola’s favored dresses. The amount of material was both overdone and impossibly comforting. There was a sense of peace that came with the weight of the fabric attempting to anchor me in place, even the tight bodice was oddly grounding. It reminded me of the good that I needed to fight for, the parts of Betovere that not only needed, but deserved to be saved.

Hardening my heart was not as difficult as I thought, not when I had so much to be furious about. So I let it consume me, that red-hot rage within, the very temper that Mia chastised me for time and time again. It propelled my mind forward, helping me gain enough speed to make the alliance with Behman work.

“I will not force anyone to join, but even those willing might not be ready to die. So it means a lot to me that you are prepared to protect them.” Shah was wearing a similar gown, though hers seemed to be thinner, less flamboyant in its size.

Three cups of coffee in, I came up with a system in which Eoforhild could portal ships of supplies to Behman as payment. When the agreed upon debt was paid, then the demons would continue to trade with the mortals of Behman, as well as any other kingdom that brought their banners to our cause. Shocked was an understatement for how Shah reacted to the offer. She was stunned into silence for a few minutes, which prompted me to admit I did not necessarily have the authority to make the agreement. We had fetched Henry, as well as Wrath, and now the two of them sat nearby.

Henry had not made contact with Bellamy, but he was confident the prince would be willing to accept the terms of the alliance. The captain in Henry took over as Shah and I discussed placement of her soldiers, his presence suddenly moving from the background to my side.

“Yes, that would be safest in theory, but the fae are smart and strong. They can take out a hundred soldiers in the blink of an eye, and I fear they might target your party for what their rulers will view as treachery.”

Having not thought of that, I sat down, trying to reform a plan in my head that would lead to the least loss of life. But that was the hardest part because there would be loss of life no matter what. Innocent fae forced to fight and die, demons wielding swords to save their realm, and mortals battling for something better.

Unless…

“Okay, so then we train together. Portal any man and woman willing to fight into Eoforhild and teach them. Merge them into our ranks, mask them. That ensures they are not targeted, makes them more equipped to fight, and presents us as a united front.”

Both queen and captain seemed to contemplate my plan, their faces pinched. Wrath remained silent at my back, but I could practically feel him there, the excitement in his mind loud.

“Hear me out. What is the best outcome of this war?”

Without hesitation, Henry answered, “Eoforhild is victorious.”

I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. “Let me rephrase. What is the best outcome of this war for everyone?”

Wrath chuckled, the sound making Henry jump. A near silent spew of curses left his lips, but then Shah spoke, cutting him off from his tirade.

“We are all victorious.” Hands to her lips and brow still furrowed, it seemed Shah was picturing that world, how we could achieve such a thing.

With a sigh, I turned around, walking over to Wrath. He was seated on a small sofa, curled up and tracking us. Scooting next to him on the green velvet, I absently scratched behind his ears as I thought.

The idea of fighting against my own kind again made my stomach churn. If Bellamy was right, then I was fae, but there was something other inside of me. Even if I had no fae blood in my veins, even if I was the horrifying creature from the Underworld that many thought me to be, I would still want safety for the realm that raised me.

Yes, ideally, all would survive this.

“If we have a big enough army, then maybe we can get them to pause long enough for me to challenge Mia. Xavier taught me a lot about politics, but he also schooled me on war and universal laws. I was brought up on strategies and winning plays, reared for a position of power. Because of that, I know that to decline a direct challenge from an enemy will be seen as weakness. She would never allow it, not when she has been hiding away her power for centuries in order to showcase it in a display of triumph. It will be too good of an opportunity to pass up, and she thinks me weak-willed enough to pull my hits.”

More than that, I knew what it was like to be desperate to prove yourself—to need the acceptance of those around you in a way that was all-consuming. Mia wanted the respect afforded to a supreme ruler, and she would do anything to gain that, even risk her life for the chance to slaughter me in front of thousands. Once, I was something to mold and craft—a toy—but now, I was the enemy that needed to be silenced.

“Is she right?” Shah’s question held no hint of animosity or hostility, but it still sank deep into my chest, piercing through my already shredded heart. What Shah did not know was that I had suffered the consequences of doing so once before.

The blood-soaked soil of Haven was proof of that.

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