Page 36 of A Queen This Fierce and Deadly

Blynth didn’t argue, simply reached into one of the large satchels he had traveled with and pulled out a map, which he spread out on the table between us.

“Regner’s ships were as far south as they could anchor while still remaining in Eprothan waters,” he said, gesturing to the area. “They’ve now disappeared.”

“Disappeared?”

He nodded. “Regner must have ordered them north. I just can’t understand why. Meanwhile, his regiments are positioned throughout Eprotha, moving closer to the Gromalian border.”

“Now that Eryndan is dead, he’s going to try to take Gromalia,” Lorian said. “Then he’ll work his way down to the fae lands, which are fractured—with only some of the wardens cooperating with us. He’ll wield the last amulet, taking down our wards with stolen power and brute force.”

“With Rekja’s army fighting on their own borders and in their seas, they won’t be able to spare anyone to fight with us,” I said. “Regner doesn’t even truly need to conquer Gromalia—he just needs to ensure the kingdom is incapacitated, the Gromalian armies busy protecting their own people. And then we’ll be forced to fight in the fae lands. Alone.” Icy rage swept through me. How many people would die before he was done?

“Meanwhile, Zathrian will attempt to take the hybrid kingdom. He has taken your army and will use it to attack any who prevent him from becoming king. Including you and any hybrid who allies with you,” Lorian said grimly.“As soon as Regner feels he has adequately conquered Gromalia and weakened the fae, he will target our people—turning on Zathrian.”

A heavy silence claimed the room. As much as all of us wanted Zathrian to pay, it was the hybrids fighting under his flag who would suffer.

“One of the hybrid elders has agreed to contact Orivan. One of Zathrian’s generals,” I said.

Blynth’s brows shot up. “I know Orivan. He’s a good man—and a loyalist. Before this, I never would have imagined he would follow your cousin. I will attempt to send him a message as well. Hopefully he can be persuaded to listen.”

Would I try to steal Zathrian’s army—myarmy—out from beneath him?

Without hesitation.

“Thank you, Blynth.”

“We need Demos,” Blynth said. “Not to imply that you’re not necessary, Your Majesty,” he said quickly. “But—”

I shook my head. “I understand. Demos has a deep knowledge of our people, our army, and the tactics most likely to work. And sending messages back and forth to him is simply taking too long.”

If Demos, Tibris, and Asinia hadn’t managed to convince the rebels to join with us by now—after the attack they’d experienced—they likely were not going to be able to. And we were running out of time. The reality was, they couldn’t stay wth the rebels indefinitely. My mind went quiet, and the churning in my gut eased. The thought of having all of them back with me, even just fora little while… “I’ll ask Demos to meet us after our visit to Sorlithia.”

Blynth nodded. “Thank you.”

The absence of Regner’s fleet made heat simmer through my veins. Where was he? What was he planning?

We’d heard nothing from Kaliera either. Had Regner learned of her betrayal? Was she dead? Truthfully, I doubted there was much she could tell us now. At this point, she would only become a threat. Still, I didn’t want to have to tell Jamic his mother was dead before he got to see her again.

“We need Rekja’s armies,” I said.

Lorian squeezed my hand. “I have some good news, at least. Conreth gave me full access to his generals.”

“What?” Lorian had said they’d talked, but his eyes had been so cold, I hadn’t asked him about the contents of that conversation.

Now, he nodded, his expression grim. “When we meet with the others after convincing Rekja to help, both fae and hybrid generals will be present.”

Blynth nodded at the unspoken command. “I will ensure everyone we need is there.” He hesitated. “And the hybrids in the fae lands?”

Some of the tension melted from the back of my neck at the reminder of who we were fighting for. “The moment the time is right, when we’ve dealt with any of Regner’s soldiers hiding in the pass and when our armies are in position, the hybrids are going home.”

Blynth’s eyes met mine. “Some of them won’t go. They won’t trust it. They’ll have too many memories of last time.”

And he was one of them. I could tell by the way his jaw ticked. “I won’t force anyone to go,” I said gently. “But this is the best way to keep them safe. The pass is clear of snow. Unlike last time when our people were forced to flee, they will be properly clothed, carrying food and other supplies with them. And they will be guarded.”

My chest ached at the expression on his face. It was something I’d seen time and time again from the hybrids. The tiniest glimpse of hope, ruthlessly suppressed.

“If you believe it can be done…”

“It can. I will make sure of it.”

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