Page 104 of Her Cruel Redemption

‘I didn’t think I needed to ask permission,’ I replied, taking my seat at the head of the table. The attendant returned, placing the extra chairs. Mae and Elias didn’t move at first, and I could feel their hesitation like a tangible thing. I turned to them, offering a nod. ‘Please, sit.’

Esario exhaled sharply through his nose. ‘The discussions taking place in this room are sensitive. Only members of your council should be privy to them.’

‘That seems sensible. Elias and Maelyn have a seat on mine. They need only the formalities to solidify it.’

This news sank through the room like a stone. A stunned stillness followed it. I could almost feel Grand Weaver Dovegni’s rising rage, like he was a furnace somewhere to my left. I didn’t look at him, though. His anger was none of my business. I wasn’t here to make anyone at this table comfortable.

‘Gwinellyn,’ Esario said again, carefully measured now. ‘That’s a significant decision. Surely such a thing requires more discussion.’

I sat taller, stiffening my spine. I wouldn’t let them make me feel small or stupid. Iknewthis was right. ‘I don’t remember a discussion about every member ofyourcouncil, Esario.’ For a beat, I wondered if he would continue to challenge me. But then he cleared his throat and settled back in his seat. I felt a faint glow of victory, and it steadied my heartrate.

‘Very well,’ he said, his tone clipped. ‘Let it be noted that Princess Gwinellyn has extended an invitation to herfriendsto sit among us.’

A murmur ran through the table, but no one openly objected, though there were several glowering sneers shot towards Mae and Elias, who remained silent, watchful. I doubted this was the end of the matter, but for now it seemed like whatever Esario wanted to discuss was more important to him than challenging me. Which was a good thing for him, because it would be embarrassing when I refused to back down.

The king tapped a finger against the polished wood. ‘Now, if we are finished rearranging the seating plan, shall we turn to the matter at hand? We’ve received word from the enemy.’

I exhaled sharply. ‘An offer?’

‘A bargain. General Morozov, will you fill us in?’

Morozov leaned forward to speak. ‘A faction of Ashreign’s forces have made contact. They’ve cited claims made by Princess Gwinellyn that she’ll open her council to include a host of new voices if she sits the throne.’ His gaze flicked to Mae. ‘They’re willing to sit down and negotiate a new order on this basis.’

Esario snorted. ‘A faction? So they’re dangling an offer of peace without Soveraux’s knowledge, I suppose?’

Morozov nodded. ‘I would assume so. Given that it comes with a promise to turn him over to us.’

My mouth fell open. ‘What?’

‘He’s a lit fuse on a powder keg,’ Morozov continued. ‘They know he’ll need to be removed if they ever want to see an end to the conflict. And as they put it, there aren’t many who’ll stick their neck out for him at this point. He’s been a means to an end, but they’re ready to see that end.’

‘Are you sure they’re willing to betray him? He’s led the alliance and he’s Ashreign’s king. He must command some loyalty,’ Esario said, rubbing his chin. ‘Why would they turn on him now?’

‘Because we’ve driven them out of Port Howl,’ Lord Faucher chimed in, smacking a fist on the table. ‘They’re running scared!’

‘It would seem it has more to do with his own mismanagement than anything,’ Morozov continued evenly, unmoved in the face of Faucher’s enthusiastic pride. ‘He’s lost the confidence of his forces, and they hinted at a physical weakness of some sort. On top of that, he has a standing order that Rhiandra Tiercelin is to be taken alive. Harmed under no circumstances on pain of death. She’s throwing bolts of lightning, and his soldiers are supposed to turn their weapons away. What kind of loyalty do you think that commands?’

My pulse hammered in my throat as I tried to grasp the enormity of what Morozov was saying. A standing order that Rhi be taken alive… I had seen enough of Rhiandra and Draven by now to know that whatever was between them was powerful and lethal and utterly convoluted. What would she do if she knew he was going to be taken prisoner?

Vic added his voice to the conversation now, frowning as he said, ‘So, if we accept their offer, they deliver their king to us and… what? Expect a seat at this table?’

Morozov nodded. ‘That was the implication.’

A wave of muttering broke out as the councillors discussed this with their neighbours.

‘What do you think?’ I murmured to Mae and Elias. ‘Could it be true?’

Mae licked her lips, before leaning in to speak. ‘I think so. Orym…’ Her words seemed to catch in her throat. She cleared it and continued. ‘She said as much to me… when we spoke. News of what you said at the negotiation has spread through their ranks. There are a lot of our own people at least who want to hear you out.’

I felt a surge of disbelief at Mae’s words, but also a warmth. This wasn’t just about political manoeuvring anymore. I’d come into this war to fight for the Yoxvese. What if I could unite their fractured people and bring back the sons and daughters who’d felt forced to leave their home to chase justice?

Esario raised a hand to silence the room, and his voice dropped low. ‘Entertaining this offer would be rewarding treachery with power, but it is not my crown and council they’ll compromise.’ His gaze flicked to Mae and Elias, then to me. ‘What do you say, Gwinellyn?’

For a moment, I felt exposed. The walls felt closer, the scrutiny sharp. Some of my own council were subtly trying to catch my attention, to no doubt call for a chance to discuss in private. But I had already made my decision. I nodded. ‘I want to at least have the conversation.’

‘Good,’ Esario said, clapping his hands together. ‘I’ve been eager to hang the bastard since the news of the invasion.’

‘Might I suggest burning, Your Majesty?’ Dovegni suggested in a low drawl. ‘Seems only fitting, since it’s been the method he himself has favoured.’

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