Page 95 of The King's Man
I looked at my mate sharply. “Theynor’s border isnevervulnerable,” I muttered. “But what gain would that be in any case? Yilan has already aligned with Melek. He is already crowned King of Theynor and the Shadekin. They had no need to take Gall or Istral to see him in control.”
“Not to mention that if they wanted to fight and win, they’d be better off having us here, pinned against the mountains, than letting us take an army across the continent,” Yilan added.
Yilan’s use of “us” didn’t escape me, and my chest warmed. But I kept my face blank because Melek didn’t want me to look pleased.
Why?
The talk ran in circles, but in the end it was clear to all of us that Melek’s plan was sound. And while not without risk, no plan that involved a King traveling ever was. I prayed Yilan and Diadre didn’t notice the Advisor’s focus on Melek over Yilan—I wasn’t sure the women were ready to hear the truth about Neph attitudes towards a Queen. Besides, it was something we would work to change. Just like the rest.
It was astounding to me, though, that here in a tent, at night, over a meal of meat and potatoes, nations were formed.
Melek had ordered a formal peace treaty written up, and while we all witnessed, Melek and Yilan both signed it on behalf of their nations.
“Have that copied and taken by Nephilim flight to every Capitol as quickly as it can be reached, along with the news of our impending arrival,” Melek said quietly, turning back to his meal after the signing.
Even I was breathless at how quickly and easily the world could be changed with the strike of a pen, and the thoughts of man.
It was… humbling. And unnerving.
Discussion continued on how close to the border to have Jhonas bring the Shadekin forces—after all, they were another resource, and a very useful one if there were issues in any of the other nations. But they were also needed here to keep Theynor safe…
“Bring them to within the edge of the Shadows,” Melek growled after we’d argued the point for an hour. “Nephilim will leave this area, but if any try to advance, the Shadows will have them. Jhonas and his troops can merely be back-up.” I saw a look pass between Yilan and Diadre—none of us really knew how Hever had gotten us safely through the Shadows. That beating I had taken in the Shadows was evidence that it wasn’t as simple asgood intentas Hever had told us.
But that was another problem for another day.
“…first thing tomorrow I want your names for who will make the best Governors for each nation—consider the personality and societal strength of the natives. Once we’ve selected our representatives, we’ll distribute wealth and resources through them to offer as needed once they are in place. Nothing wins a people over faster than solved problems and increasing wealth, are we agreed?”
The murmurs and mutters around the table were affirmative.
“Very good. Then send our messengers immediately: This is a time for celebration. The Neph and the Shadekin are now one. They carry the Continent together. Every nation will have their chance to see it for themselves when the King and his Queen visit in person.”
“We need to get some Shadow Walkers here to travel with us,” Yilan added. “They can search ahead of us as we enter each Capitol—and measure the people’s response to our decrees.”
“And our assassins can solve any of the problems they find,” Diadre said with a wicked grin.
The men at the table shifted in their seats. But no one argued. The Fetch might rarely show themselves outside their own nation, buteverynation was aware of their seeming ability to hide and spy in impossible places. If only they knew therealtruth, I thought, remembering Diadre disappearing before my eyes.
Melek huffed. “Add something to the notice that on its surface sounds like we’re celebrating the alliance, but is actually a veiled threat to let the nations know we now have Fetch working for us.”
Yilan nodded. “Publicly we will offer them the carrot—strength, and wealth. But privately, and in whispers around the cities, we will make the consequences clear. And where an example is needed… an example will be provided.”
Melek nodded his agreement. “So it is decided. We take the Neph warriors back to Valgorath with us—and a few of the Shadekin. They’ll be handy to have at my back when I claim the throne. On the journey, we make certain every people understands who they are dealing with. And once we find Gall and Istral we ensure the consequences are swift, and public. No one else should ever be tempted to try a similar tactic. Let them see that the wrath of both nations simply isn’t worth it.”
Everyone agreed, and just like that, the course of history was changed.
I squeezed Diadre’s hand, but avoided her eyes so as not to draw attention to her. Instead, I turned to Melek—to find him glaring at me. “That is our conclusion for tonight,” he said to the table, but his eyes stayed on me. “You others may leave us. I need to have words with my General.”
I frowned and narrowed my eyes. “Words aboutwhat?”
“I want you to remain here and work with the Shadekin forces—share our ways, and learn theirs. Also, keep a Neph eye on the border, just in case.”
I frowned harder, but nodded once. “That’s wise. And Diadre can help me—her brother is the Captain leading their forward forces—”
Then Melek played his hand and sent me spinning. “Yilan will be taking Diadre with us. She is a skilled assassin. Her skills will be needed to keep the Queen safe.”
I was left gaping, fear and confusion roiling in my chest—was he serious? The others went wide-eyed and hurried from the tent to avoid being caught in the crossfire they all anticipated.
Because weallknew what happened when a Nephilim King attempted to take a female claimed by his General.
