Page 96 of An Archer's Redemption

I cringed.

Every member of the Council turned to me with astonished eyes.

They had, no doubt, heard rumor of the dead High Sheriff’s son making a surprise appearance, but none had the temerity to believe the rumor held any truth.

Yet here he was, begging audience with their Queen.

I looked to Ethan and nodded once. “Let the Council hear his words. We may need their wisdom upon receiving the Order’s request.”

He turned to the page. “Show him in, please.”

No one stood as Danym entered. It violated protocol and custom, even simple good manners, but the Queen remained seated, so her Council followed suit.

For his part, Danym looked as unkempt as I felt.

His normally well-brushed hair tangled rather than hung to his shoulders. Its shine was somehow dull. His eyes carried bags I’d never noticed before, and his shoulders slumped in contrast to the proud posture he regularly displayed.

Good. At least I wasn’t the only one to lose sleep.

A twinge ofsomethingpassed through me as I watched him enter. Despite everything, part of me wanted to comfort him, to rush forward, grip his arm, and help him into the room. I shook off that silliness and turned my expression to steel.

He stopped on the golden mark, bowed toward the throne, and waited.

Ethan spoke coldly. “Voice, to what purpose do you interrupt a session of the Privy Council with Her Majesty?”

Danym rose.

The ice in Ethan’s voice somehow granted him strength, and his eyes hardened. He ignored Ethan and looked directly at me.

“I came hoping you had considered the One’s offer. It has been nearly a week, and he grows impatient for your reply. I fear, without this marriage, the Kingdom may experience . . .difficulties. . . that could otherwise be avoided.”

My brows rose, as did the heat coursing through my veins. Chairs groaned as a few of my Ministers shifted in their seats.

“Are youthreateningthe Queen?” Ethan asked.

Danym shook his head. “Only advising, as is my duty to the Crown.”

Others began to speak, to ask questions and raise their voices. I silenced them with a raised palm, then stood and walked a pace from the table.

“What sort ofdifficulties? Please,adviseus.”

“Your Majesty’s people suffered great loss following the folly beyond the mountains. Husbands, sons, fathers—so many were lost. Our Priests minister to the needs ofourpeople. We understand the value of faith in a time of sadness and grief.Ourpeople seek shelter in our arms when the Crown’s own embrace is . . . lacking. The One fearsourpeople’s reaction should the Crown reject the Faith’s honest offer of alliance and friendship.”

I balled my fists and forced myself to breathe slowly and deeply. Not only had he threatened the Crown with possible unrest, but his continual use ofourpeople claimedmysubjects were shared by his One. Everything he said was an affront to me, my family, my crown, and my Kingdom. I knew Ethan had been right to advise caution and a level head, but I could not let this weasel spew such filth, not inmyPalace, beforemyCouncil.

“You think weconsideredmarrying you? Or marrying your Faith? Or whatever insanity you were proposing? Does your One think we have completely lost our mind?”

As I marched forward, guards reacted, encircling Danym with pikes at the ready. I pointed an accusing finger at him and spoke with the wrath of a royal.

“Tell yourmasterthe answer isnoand willalwaysbe no. I will not marry a dog on a leash, even if that leash glitters with gold.” I sucked in a breath and glanced apologetically toward Ethan before returning my eyes to Danym’s. “And do not botherreturning to the Palace—ever. I, Jessia Vester, First of her Name and Queen of the Spires, hereby sever all relations with the Order, and therefore expel the Order’s representative to the Crown from the capital. Your Priests may continue ministering tomypeople, but enter the capital again at your own peril.”

I turned and nodded to Ethan. “We are done here. We shall resume tomorrow. Guards, getthat manout of my Palace. Escort him to the city’s border once he has gathered whatever belongings he might need. If he resists, send his head to the One as a token of our love and affection.”

I marched from the chamber without so much as a glance back.

Chapter 39

Irina

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