Page 120 of The Twisted Throne

“Ronan and I came to terms on the matter of betrothals,” his father said.

“You can’t still mean to wed William to her when this”—James gestured to the signed pages—“kicks Ithicana in the teeth. Let her go, Father.”

“I’m not sending Ahnna anywhere,” his father replied. “She’s worth far too much, and Katarina knows it. I’m not letting her have Ahnna.”

A knock sounded on the door, and his father said, “Come.”

A servant stepped inside. “The guests have begun to arrive, Your Grace.”

His father nodded. “I’ll be along shortly.” When the man departed, he rose. “James, I know you feel a step behind, but trust my intentions. I will let no harm come to Ahnna Kertell, which is why I’ve ordered her kept to her rooms. Now go put on something appropriate. We’re going to change the world tonight.”

His father rose, circling the table to clasp James’s shoulder, fingers tightening in a way that told James any argument he gavewould be poorly received. “All will be as it should be, and I think you’ll be pleased with the results. But I need to go now. Alexandra will be upset that I’ve gone behind her back, and I need to ensure that eyes are on her before she causes trouble.”

“Does she suspect?”

Edward laughed. “Are you mad? Of course not.” Letting go of James’s shoulder, he said, “Only you know the truth. Because of all my children, you have always served me best. Your mother’s dying words were that your fate would be revenge on her murderer. And there is no doubt in my mind that you will be the damnation of Amarid.”

Then his father was gone.

James sat, feeling the weight of his new moniker drag him down.

Amarid’s damnation.

Ithicana’s damnation.

But above all else, the damnation of the woman with whom he’d fallen in love.

The queen’s eyebrow rose. “Is henow? And just whom have I murdered?”

“Siobhan.”

“That is an old rumor propagated by the Amaridians,” she responded coolly. “Edward knows it isnottrue.”

“Then he’s either been lying, or his opinions have changed.” In quick, terse terms, Ahnna explained to Alexandra everything that Edward had said in the throne room, the queen’s lip curling with disgust as she listened.

“I knew he hadn’t let it go,” Alexandra said between her teeth. “Knew in my heart that he still conspired with those ungodly menaces to the north. He would destroy our relationship with Ithicana, a God-fearing kingdom, all because of the hex that witch put upon his soul. And to what end? What is Cardiff compared to the bridge and its access to Maridrina and Valcotta? He would have us trade our steel for sealskin when we might trade it for rubies. Fool!”

“Can he be stopped?” Ahnna demanded.

Alexandra bit at her thumb as she paced the room. “Not easily.”

“So what do we do?”

“I suspect Edward means to reveal a deal with Cardiff tonight, which is why he does not want you there. Which means that youmustbe there.”

“What will that accomplish?”

“There will be outrage over what he has done, of that you can be sure. Your presence will remind the people of Ithicana. Of the old and secure alliance with a God-fearing nation. They’ll see an opportunity to undo Edward’s idiocy with a union between you and William. A king only has power if the people will it, Ahnna. Edward will not have the support of the people tonight, and you must capitalize on it.”

It wasn’t much of a plan, and seeming to understand that, Alexandra gripped Ahnna’s hands. “You are betrothed to marry William. No matter what Edward achieves, you will one day be queen and have the power to undo all that he has done. No matter the hurt in your heart over his deceptions, cling to the truth that Edward will not live forever.”

“How do we get her to the ball, Your Grace?” Hazel asked. “There are guards on the door. They might allow us to come and go, but if they see Lady Ahnna, they will surely interfere.”

“Georgie will be our ally in this, I think, for not only are his family’s lands near to Cardiff’s border, but they are also good and God-fearing people. Most of all, Edward’s actions will put Virginia at risk, and Georgie would die before seeing harm come to my daughter. That he came to me with your speculations speaks volumes of his feelings about the situation. It is no small thing to go against the orders of one’s king,” Alexandra said. “Hazel, get what you need, and we’ll move to my rooms to prepare. I’ll go speak toGeorgie. Be ready to leave when I return.” Her eyes locked on Ahnna’s. “This is your moment, Ahnna. Your moment to live up to your mother’s aspirations for you to forever unify Harendell with the Bridge Kingdom. Do not disappoint.”

She turned and strode into the other room, the door clicking as she exited into the hallway beyond.

Ahnna had no idea how this would work, but she didn’t intend to face it wearing a dressing gown. Striding to the wardrobe, she wrenched it open, staring at the gowns hanging within. “I hate all of these.”

---