Page 81 of The Twisted Throne

“Only the most determined assassin would bother with the climb,” Will said with a laugh. “And the fittest.”

“Assassins are usually fit,” James muttered, snatching up his soup spoon and staring at the bowl like it had personally offended him. “If for no other reason than that they need to be able to flee the scene of their crimes.”

William waved a hand as though assassins were of no consequence. “The Amaridians have other problems to claim their focus than our dear Ahnna. Skirmishes in the Lowlands is what I’ve heard.”

The Lowlands was a coastal region north of Amarid that had been annexed by Harendell a generation ago. Though cold, the area was productive in the warmer months, and there had long been reports from Ithicana’s spies that Queen Katarina desired to reclaim them. It was believed that the reason she’d allowed Silas to rent her navy was to secure his support in the fight to reclaim the Lowlands. Though given the heavy losses Amarid had taken in the siege of Eranahl, the alliance had done more harm than good. “Will you send soldiers to defend the territory?”

William nodded, his mouth full of soup, but once he’d swallowed, he said, “They want a fight, we’ll kick them in the teeth, right, Jamie?”

James gave a tight smile, spooning soup into his mouth as though it were his last meal.

“Let’s not talk about politics,” Virginia said. “It’s tedious.”

Ahnna didn’t agree. “How long do you anticipate the conflict will go on for?”

“Not long. We’ll show them what’s what, and they’ll crawl back south.”

James was now attacking a dinner roll as though he desired to murder rather than consume it, and Ahnna suspected that meant he had different views but was declining to share them. Which was worrisome. She was already struggling to get a moment in Edward’s presence to discuss trade, and an escalation in the conflict with Amarid would only make his time more precious. Never mind that Harendell might well need many of the resources that they typically exported, namely, steel.

“If it’s war with Amarid,” William said, “we’ll be looking to Ithicana to show itself a true ally by denying them access to Northwatch’s market. See how long Katarina can fund her war with no trade east and no trade south.”

Amaridian wine was a significant source of bridge tolls, for the Maridrinians and Valcottans alike adored the northern vintages, and the wealthy imported a great deal of it. To lose that? Ahnna could feel the blood draining from her skin. “The southerners would take issue with that, I’m afraid. In our attempt to punish Amarid, we’d risk angering other nations.” She gave a tight smile. “Keris Veliant is particularly fond of Amaridian wine.”

“How else will Ithicana support us if it comes to war if not in stymying Amaridian trade?” William asked, his eyes burning intohers as he ignored her comment. “As formidable as Northwatch’s shipbreakers might be, I don’t think you’ve got the range to hit Amarid.”

“We have spies in places that you do not.”

William’s head tilted. “Are you suggesting that your brother currently withholds intelligence that might aid us?”

“No,” she said between her teeth. “I’m suggesting our spies might be deployed to serve your purposes.”

He huffed out an amused breath. “Ithicana only has one card to play. I’m sure your brother will see reason and play it, if it comes to war. Remember that we were willing to bleed for you against Maridrina when it benefited us little. If Ithicana isn’t willing to do the same, we might have cause to question whether we have an alliance at all. Whether Ithicana is the friend we should be leaning upon.”

Ahnna’s fingers turned to ice, because William had consumed a great deal of wine and might be revealing things he should not. Things like other alliances. And other markets. “What other friends does Harendell have in the north but Ithicana?”

William was deadly silent, then he burst into laughter. “None, as the case may be. So I shall pray that your brother does not leave us standing alone if war comes to the north. It would be tragic to find ourselves friendless in our time of need.”

“This is boring,” Virginia declared. “And hardly worth the conversation. Every other year, we teeter toward the same conflict and then back again. The spies have cried wolf about war too many times. I no longer believe it will happen.”

James stabbed at a thick slice of roast beef, looking ready to kill the cow it had come from for the second time.

“You don’t agree?” Ahnna asked him.

“I’m a soldier, so I hardly find discussions about the potential for warboring.”

Virginia stuck her tongue out at him, then said, “You should have invited Georgie, then. He would keep me entertained while you bore Ahnna with the same conversation I’ve heard a hundred times.”

“Still fancy Georgie, do you?” Will asked. “I remember when you used to practice signing your name as the Countess of Elgin.”

“Depends on my mood.” Virginia took a thoughtful sip from her glass, not seeming to be the slightest bit embarrassed. “Elgin is so far north, it’s practically in Cardiff. I don’t know if I could stand it.”

“I’m sure Georgie would keep you warm on those cold northern nights, little sister.” William smirked at her. “Since you can’t see for yourself, I’ll do you the favor of letting you know that in the years since you exited childhood, Georgie has taken to gaping at you like a fish that has found itself on land.”

Virginia picked up a dinner roll and threw it at him with surprisingly good aim.

“Cast your aspirations elsewhere,” James said. “George is too old for you.”

Virginia scowled. “He’s the same age as you.”

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