Page 72 of The Princess of Nothing
Cedric rubbed the side of my arm. “Because we already had the element of surprise with our vast armies?” he joked and looked around the empty corridor.
I smacked his arm. “Blaise has agreed to join forces.”
“To house you, to aid you, but not to back you with a show of force. You heard them. They don’t have the numbers. They’re fighting their own people with their army.”
I rubbed the side of my neck. “Then we must pray Edgar will abdicate.” The idea was laughable.
“I don’t pray, but I will certainly set the intention.”
I blew out a tense breath. “I mean, Edgar has to, by our laws—even though he won’t because he doesn’t care for tradition.” I ground my teeth. “I am heir to the throne and alive, but if what you said before is right... He doesn’t believe in our religion, which means he thinks he doesn’t need to follow our rules.” My shoulders slumped. “I am utterly alone, fighting for a crown, and sometimes, I wonder why I even bother with the odds stacked against me,” I admitted, feeling smaller than ever.
Cedric leaned down and kissed my forehead. “You have rambled on and on about how much you love your kingdom, your people, and how you want to change things. You talk about your birthright with unwavering faith, and your religion, the things you’re fighting for. Don’t lose sight. You’re the most stubborn person I know.”
Warmth spread through my stomach. A playful smirk curled my lips. “I am a little stubborn.”
He placed his fingers an inch apart. “Oh, just a little.” He laughed.
An idea popped into my head. “Wouldn’t it be amazing if I could get news to the firedrake warders about Xenos hiding them? I saw them at the castle. They were terrifying. I hoped the news would be enough, but apparently, I need to take things into my own hands. I mean, we could join forces against Berovia. It’s a start. An army. Imagine, Cedric, if we had dragons on our side.”
He placed his hands on my shoulders, exhaling softly. “I wish I could say it’s possible, but they reside on one of the deadliest islands in the world. We wouldn’t even make it past the shores alive. Also, not to take away more hope, but I want you to be realistic. Aquarius is the only one who can navigate the fae waters and any others with ease. He’s the most skilled sailor I’ve met, and I’ve come across many. We would need him to get there and he’s gone from here, probably back in Berovia by now.”
I groaned. “Great.”
“You don’t even know if the firedrake warders would have agreed. They may have just descended on Xenos and gotten themselves killed. They’re wild spirits, Winter. They can’t be allied with.”
“I disagree. A common enemy makes a wonderful alliance.”
“Then we must agree to disagree.”
I rolled my eyes. “Enough talk of politics.” I tugged him down a narrow passageway and grinned when I reached the arched, glassless windows. “I want to show you something.”
Before I could walk us into the small courtyard leading out to the larger gardens, I spotted Lucien and Niam, Blaise’s brothers, walking.
Lucien spotted me first. He was a spitting image of King Azrael, from his long nose to piercing eyes and tall, muscular appearance. Niam looked like Blaise, but his features were softer. His almond-shaped blue-and-silver eyes met mine. Next to them, Niam’s boyfriend waved. He was dressed in some outfit resembling peacock feathers.
“Who are they?”
“Notice the crowns,” I said as we approached them. “Niam and Lucien Lazarus. Princes. The other is Niam’s partner. I forget his name.”
“Winter!” Niam said brightly, hugging me. “It’s great to meet you once again. Although, I did expect to have you as my sister by now. Never mind. Blaise told us how you running away from the wedding saved us. I’m glad your father is dead after what he wanted to do to us. I mean, my condolences and everything, but he was quite the monster.”
“Enough, Niam!” Lucien scolded, bringing his icy gaze back to mine. “My brother tends to babble when he’s nervous. We are pleased to make your acquaintance.”
Niam pressed his lips together. “Sorry. You remember Crawn?” He pointed at his boyfriend, whose bright-green eyes matched the turquoise in the feathers on his shirt.
I shook his hand. “How are you?”
He bowed at his waist. “Your Highness.”
“We are late for a meeting.” Lucien’s gaze bore into Niam’s. “We’re afraid we must cut this short.”
Even in his mannerism, Lucien reminded me of the Azrael I’d met when I’d come here at fifteen, after our engagement. Ruthless. Devoid of emotion. More so than even Blaise.
Niam smiled, bunching his cheeks. “Blaise will be delighted to have you back. He cares about you, you know.”
Lucien scowled. “Niam.”
“Sorry. I’ll see you this evening at the banquet?”
