“The tension with Haran is the precise reason for the quick preparations,” Sawyer said. “Our marriage will strengthen Bremloc’s ties to Voltas.”
“Voltas?”
“It’s a port town,” he explained. “Theport town, as a matter of fact. It’s at the heart of all trade, as it controls a vital canal along the main trading route that offers safe travel through treacherous waters. Most ships pass through on their way to other cities.”
“Lady Alina’s father rules over Voltas?”
“Yes. As such, he has complete control of the canal and the ships.”
“The ships?”
The skin tightened around Sawyer’s mouth. “Voltas possesses the largest naval fleet in the seas. None can rival them in either speed or strength. So you see? My marriage to Lady Alina will hand over that control—of the port, canal,andthe ships—to the crown. Perfect for controlling the flow of goods. As well as putting blockades into place to prevent select areas from receiving shipments.”
“Perfect during wartime,” I said, finally understanding.
“Hopefully, it doesn’t come to war.” Sawyer glanced at Kuya, who’d fallen asleep on his cushion. “Yet, if warisdeclared, the alliance with Voltas will grant us the advantage. As it has been the plan from the very beginning.”
“What do you mean?”
“Remember in the summer when I met with bridal candidates? I was naïve in thinking I had an actual choice in the matter. My father chose Lady Alina as my future bride as soon as Lord Norwood offered her hand in marriage.”
It made sense now. Some of the people in Bremloc criticized King Eidolon for not taking action against Haran, but he’d been setting up the board all along, piece by piece.
“I’m so sorry, Sawyer. It’s not fair.”
Kuya emitted adorable little noises as he dreamed. A small blessing. The conversation would’ve upset him.
“As is the life of a royal.” Grief laced in Sawyer’s tone, and when our eyes met, that same sadness reflected in his eyes. “Sacrifices must be made to uphold the wellbeing of the people. If the alliance with Voltas will benefit Bremloc, it’s my duty to see it through. No matter how much my heart aches.”
Wanting to distract him from that sadness, I opened the basket. “Okay, I have a question for you, and it’s super important. I’ve asked my men the same thing. It’s a rite of passage.” I withdrew a gingerbread man I’d frosted specifically for him. “How would you eat this cookie?”
Sawyer grabbed it, his lips skewing. “It’s wearing a crown.”
“A cookie fit for a prince. With royal icing and all.” I pointed to it. “Now, humor me, my dearest princely friend, and answer the riddle I’ve bestowed upon you.”
More of Sawyer’s tension—and sadness—left him as he continued to smile. Good. My silliness was a blessing sometimes.
“Hmm. Well, let’s see.” He examined the cookie. “I suppose I’d do this.”
He dunked the head in his tea and bit it off.
I gasped, causing him to jump and spill a bit of said tea. Noah jerked his head toward us, hand flying to the hilt of his sword.Oops.
“All’s good. Don’t kill me, Sir Noah. I like my head right where it is. But speaking of heads. That’s one method I haven’t seen yet. Dunk the poor cookie into the tea to drown him first. I’m impressed. I didn’t expect it from you. Well done.”
Sawyer stared at me in silence for a second or two… and then he laughed. Hard. The kind of laughter that came with a chorus of snorts.
We really are related.I laughed like that too when I thought something was super funny. The reminder made me happy but sad too. Because I couldn’t tell him the truth. Not without risking so much.
His laugh woke Kuya, and the cat boy flashed his prince a toothy grin before yawning and snuggling deeper into the cushion, curling his tail around his body.
“So.” I turned to Sawyer. “What else have you been up to lately?”
“See those stacks of documents?” Sawyer motioned to the desk in front of the set of windows. “I’ve been writing to cities outside the capital and gathering pledges from the lord mayors, dukes, and archbishops in regard to demi-human rights. Anti-discriminatory decrees mostly.”
“Really?”
He nodded. “I remember you telling me about Miles and how he came to work in your café. He was seeking employment, and the baker treated him horribly simply for him being a demi-bear. And that’s only one instance. I’ve heard countless stories just like his. I’ve witnessed the injustice with my own eyes too. These decrees will make such acts punishable by law.”
