Page 151 of Thorns & Fire
Kipp’s grin widened.‘Then it’s a good thing I began working on this weeks ago.’
‘How?’Thea demanded from across the table.‘All you’ve done lately is drink yourself stupid.’
‘It’s all part of the process,’ Kipp declared, tapping his temple before he faced Wren again.‘I’ve already sent ravens to any noble houses with former ties to Delmira.When your kingdom fell, its people didn’t simply vanish.They spread throughout the midrealms and beyond.Wherever they are, their oaths are still tied to the Embervale family.If there is honour among them, they will answer a call to arms.’
‘What did you tell them?’Wren asked.She couldn’t believe it.Long ago she’d learned that Kipp was always a few steps ahead, but this...?
‘I told them that the midrealms were under threat once more, and that the war hero heir of Delmira was claiming her crown in order to stand against tyranny and terror.’
Wren faltered.‘So they’ll be expecting Thea, then...’
‘No.’Kipp’s brow furrowed.‘They are expecting Elwren Embervale.War hero of Thezmarr.’
‘But—’
Thea cut her off.‘You are no less a war hero than any one of us,’ she said sharply.‘The rest of the midrealms knows it.It’s time you knew it too.’
Wren blinked.Yes, she had fought alongside them.But she had always felt on the outskirts of it all, with her potions and poisons instead of shield and sword.
The faces gazing back at her now told a different story.
With a knowing smile, Kipp continued.‘The law of the midrealms states that should a kingdom fall during war, the surviving kingdoms are obligated to share resources and help rebuild.It is a law that has been in action with Naarva since the end of the shadow war, and now with the emergence of a new queen, we will ensure that its benefits are extended to Delmira as well.’
Wren wrung her hands in front of her.‘But it’s not enough.’
‘No,’ Kipp agreed.‘The very infrastructure of Delmira is in tatters.I am looking into any offshore coffers the Embervales might have had, but for now, you are a penniless player on a board of kings.Not only do you need to rebuild an entire kingdom, you need to defend it.’
The room was silent for a moment, the extent of the uphill battle ahead utterly overwhelming.
‘You have two cards to play,’ Kipp said slowly.
‘Delmira...’Wren breathed.
Kipp nodded.‘Delmira was once the most prosperous land in the midrealms.More valuable than gold.As you are the only person who can make it that way again, you hold more power than you know.Not to mention that if your magic proves as effective in other kingdoms...you will be in high demand.’
‘And the other card?’Torj asked, his husky voice heavy with dread.
It was then that Wren understood.She locked eyes with Kipp and he gave her a sombre nod.
‘My hand in marriage,’ she said.
CHAPTER 64
Wren
‘The deepest silence falls just before the world tears itself apart, where fate balances on the edge of a blade, choosing which way to fall’
– Elwren Embervale’s notes and observations
‘WHAT?’THEA ALMOSTupturned the table.
‘You can’t be serious,’ Wilder said, looking from Wren to Kipp and crossing his arms over his chest.‘There’s got to be another option.’
Only Torj was silent.Only Torj understood.
Wren’s hand slid to his beneath the table, finding his palm cold and clammy against hers.
Kipp forged on.‘By the time we leave this room, you’ll already have several offers.I know of four that were in discussion shortly after the last war.Queen Reyna has a nephew that she’ll no doubt put forwards.Lady Liora has a son.’
