Page 55 of The Last Valkyrie

I did not hesitate. “I do, Father.”

“Well, that is unfortunate . . .”

Taken aback, I shot them a confused look. “How so?”

“Because there is one thing I can think of that would make me consider this request of yours more seriously, son. The same thing I requested of you years ago, before you were ready.” A smile, conniving and impish. “Difference is, now I have someone in mind.”

My face blanched.No,I thought, wishing to the spirits that I had gotten out of this predicament—hopingI would have gotten out of it by all I’d done for Heira and theMaltor.

Magnus noticed my change in stature and said, “What’s wrong, Corym? What have they asked?”

Vaalnath scowled. “Tell the human I will not deign my ears to hear such vulgar words in my palace. Only elves may speak in my presence, in theElventongue.”

I shook my head to Magnus, hoping he wouldn’t ask more.

TheMaltorcontinued, leaning forward on their chair. “You know of the E’lain family, I’m sure.”

“Of course,” I answered with a deep nod of respect. “An honorable family.”

“Yes, quite. Handmaid Zentha is of their ilk, did you know?”

I blinked rapidly, thinking of our charming, cunning, beautiful maid from when we’d first arrived here weeks ago. “I . . . did know that, Father. Yes. Where is this line of questioning going?”

Vaalnath stood, clasping hands in front of them. “Zentha is daughter to the Ferinosk leader—a vile woman, so I’ve heard.”

Spirits save me . . .

“I grow tired of them ceaselessly attacking our eastern flank, all along River Th’race. We could end the conflict in one fell swoop, because they wish for camaraderie. They just don’t know it.”

“Maltor?” I questioned, slightly confused.

“Zentha is a ready nurturewife, son. Countless suitors have sought her hand. She prefers where she is. A lowly position like hers is no place for such a noble-bound woman, don’t you think?”

I gulped, shaking my head. “I—I don’t know.”

Vaalnath slid toward me, putting their hands on my shoulders with a smile. “Wed Zentha E’lain, Corym, to bring the Ferinosk into the fold. Forge our alliancehere, in Heira, and I will assist you in forging an alliance with the humans in Midgard.”

“You look like you’ve seen a ghost, friend,” Magnus said to me outside the assembly hall.

Jhaeros chuckled to himself, finding this whole situation grand. I was losing my mind, racking my brain and trying to think of ways out of it.I have to help Ravinica. It must be done, no matter what.

“I have, Magnus. And that ghost is myself.”

We walked outside the palace, into the clear blue night.

“What did the emperor—sorry,Maltor, say?”

I told him of our conversation, saving the worst part for last. “In order to broker a peace treaty with the Ferinosk tribe, my liege wishes me to marry Zentha E’lain.”

His gray eyes bulged. “Zentha? As in thehandmaid?”

Jhaeros laughed louder. This time, when Magnus glanced back, he couldn’t help but chuckle also, despite the severity of the news. “Vini’s not going to like this.”

I put my hands on my head, anxiety rattling me. “I can’t do it, Magnus!”

“But you will.” His voice brooked no argument. It was flat, stoic, reminiscent of the sociopathic quality everyone had always told me about the bloodrender.

“I will?” I asked, more to myself than anyone.

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