Page 39 of A Tale of Ice and Ash
Chapter Seven:
The Dance of Fire and Ice
Deciding she was going to challenge the queen was one thing. Actually doing it was another altogether. It would not be as simple as walking up to the castle, announcing her survival, and asking her stepmother to step down. Any plans to that effect were quickly shot down.
“If we do that, the Queen would cut her down in a moment, declare she was an imposter, and carry on as she has. It’s too risky.”
Eirwen smiled. “You sound like you know what you’re talking about, Onyx. Ever taken back a kingdom before?”
“No, but I’ve spent a while imagining how I would do it.”
“I didn’t know you cared so much.”
“Just looking for a way to be rid of you.”
“So no public declarations just yet,” said Merry, refiling his brother’s tankard. “What does she need, then? Noble allies?”
Wren snorted. “The nobles grow fat off the people. As long as they behave, havingheras queen suits them. They won’t help.”
“Notallnobles are evil, you know,” said Eirwen indignantly. “Nobility doesn’t make you black-hearted.”
“No, but it helps corrupt a good one. Know any you can call on?”
Eirwen thought for a moment, wishing she’d been old enough before she left to know a little more about courtly politics. “My old friend Marie,” she said eventually. “She’s the only one I’d be willing to trust, at this point.”
“Does she hold much power?”
Eirwen looked down. Marie detested courtly life and was only minor nobility. She’d hold little sway with anyone.
“That’s a no, then,” Onyx confirmed. He shook his head. “I think we’re looking at a good, old-fashioned rebellion. Get the common folk on our side. Try a coup–”
“Possibly,” said Eirwen. “But–”
“Why don’t you try marrying Prince Cole and taking your throne back that way?” said a voice from the attic.
Eirwen burned. “I amnotmarrying that…idiot.He’s vile and disgusting andno.I’d sooner die!”
Ivy giggled.
“Go back to sleep!” Garnet yelled up the stairs. “Or I’ll send your father up.”
“Ooh, scary,” said Juniper.
“And thenI’llcome up after him.”
The twins fell silent.
Eirwen sat fuming in her seat, stewing silently. Wren refilled her tankard. She necked the entire thing and slammed it back on the table.
“I think we need to know a little more first about our enemy,” she announced.
“What are you proposing?”
“There’s a ball in three weeks. The annual Fire and Ice Ball. Masquerade. I want to attend.”
Five pairs of eyes looked at her like she was insane.
“To assassinate the Queen?” asked Wren. “Because that might work. It’s been a while since I assassinated anyone, but I volunteer.”
