Page 24 of Their Crowned Mate
"The coyote," Joram said, nodding to him. "I'm ahead of you. I know that palace inside and out. Spent enough years underneath it to suss out all the details. Now it looks like we might actually have the numbers to execute it, but time is of the essence. With this many people clustered in one space this close to the palace, it's only a matter of time before the emperor figures something out."
"We're ready," Alexander assured him, looking at me. "Just say the word."
Warmth spread through me at the thought that he and the others were behind me. Willing to back up their loyalty not just with their words, but their lives.
"We should attack at nightfall," said Joram. "And you came at an opportune time. Tomorrow evening is a festival, so many of the palace guard will be in attendance."
The emperor won't be, though?I asked.
"No," said Joram. "He's too good to mingle with his people for such 'lowly' occasions." His voice was dripping with disdain. "It's the perfect opportunity."
"Must be fate," said Aurelius.
I had a feeling that was more true than he could possibly know. It was as if all my life, something had been leading me to this point. I just had to hope it was for the realm's salvation and not my own destruction. Especially when all the people I loved most were counting on me to lead them.
It's settled, then,I announced.We'll attack at nightfall. In the meantime... what do we do with everyone?
"That's a good question," Joram said, scratching his graying beard. "I'm afraid there's not that much room at the cabin, and my men are stationed in the surrounding villages, waiting for word."
"Our army can camp in the woods," said Alexander. "They've certainly faced worse accommodations."
I didn't fully know what the vampire wars had entailed, but I had a feeling he was probably right about that.
As Alexander and Aurelius went to get their troops settled and give orders, the rest of us went inside and spent the next few hours gathered around Joram's table, going over the finer points of the plan that we would have to then disseminate to the army.
Jax and Damon were present, and the only reason I wasn't pissed about it was because they both had a good deal of strategic knowledge we could use. For the moment, they seemed eager enough to make it up to me and prove their worth. And as long as they behaved, I'd let them.
Considering the fact that they both kept glancing warily at my mates, I didn't think they were going to be pushing the boundaries any time soon.
Once everything was finalized, Joram divvied up the guest rooms, and I prepared to get some sleep surrounded by my guys. Fortunately, the larger room was in the basement, so that would afford a bit of privacy. I wasn't sure about shacking up with my three mates in my father's house, but this wasn't even the most awkward thing I'd been through lately.
I was about to head downstairs when I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned around to find Joram standing there, smiling. "I just wanted to catch you alone for a minute to say thank you."
"Thank you for what?" I asked, turning to face him.
"For all of this," he said, gesturing around him. "This wouldn't be possible without you."
I smiled a little. "I figure it's time to finish what we started, you know? Together."
"Yes," he said, his eyes looking suspiciously teary. "I wish she could see you now. She'd be so proud."
"She is," I told him. "I know she's still watching out for me. For both of us."
He nodded. "I know you don't need my blessing, but for what it's worth, if those three are willing to stand at your side here... Well, they have it."
"Thanks," I said with a laugh. "I appreciate that."
"They treat you well?" he asked stiffly.
I wrinkled my nose. "Are we really having this talk?"
He shrugged. "I figure I've got a lot of time to make up for."
I couldn't help but laugh. "They treat meverywell," I assured him.
"Well, good. They certainly look at you like you hung the moon," he mused. "That red-haired one especially."
My face grew warm. "Aurelius? We're... he's... We aren't together. At least... not anymore."
