Page 71 of The Princess of Nothing
Sighing, Cedric sat back down and leaned back. “Then what?”
I licked my lips. “Well, we have no armies of number at our disposal.”
Abor agreed. “Our army cannot take on Magaelor and Berovia. Our guards must remain here, defending the castle against the feral fae and luna assassins sent to hurt our king.”
I had forgotten for a moment about the civil unrest in their own kingdom. “Yes. However, we do have one advantage.”
The four other men leaned forward. They had been handpicked by the king to lead the negotiations, after Blaise decided me taking back Magaelor was in the best interest of his rule. All were lords of various pockets of land across Niferum.
One chimed in. He had a long silver beard, with eyes to match. “What would that be, young lady?”
I hated being called that. I was going to be queen, for goodness’ sake. I turned my attention from him back to Abor, who ran his hand through his wavy, long blond hair, seeing as he was the only one who seemed to regard me with any sort of respect. “We have the mountains,” I explained. “They’re almost impassible with the weather, narrow walkways, wolves, glamours in place, and the feral fae villages just beyond. We’re in dangerous territory to my people. One or two could come across, but they wouldn’t dare attempt to bring an army through. Any negotiations we do with Edgar must be done at the border. He is vulnerable here.”
One of the lords cleared his throat. “They could come by ship.”
Abor shook his head at the gray-bearded man. “They wouldn’t dare cross our waters, Gregoir. The mer are rampant here, and the sea treacherous. Not to mention our icebergs. Why do you think they only send a few assassins at a time?”
“They can’t fly,” I said. “Even with our magic, there is only so much we can do. We can’t influence or change the weather. There are limitations. With me, we can exploit Edgar’s army’s weaknesses.”
“Where do you suggest we meet with King Edgar?”
I groaned at hearing “king” in front of his treacherous name. “I say offer to bring him into the castle.”
Abor shook his head. “We are on high alert with the attacks, and I highly doubt your cousin would agree to come.”
I leaned back. “Then arrange a meeting at the border.”
Abor’s shoulders slumped. “I will do my best. They have been stubborn in their communications with us.”
Cedric stood, warning in his gaze. “I suggest you do it quickly. Pull whatever strings you have. We’re running out of time. It’s just like you were saying. You all made such a point of it! She is the rightful queen according to the beliefs of all monarchies. If you undermine her, then you’re undermining the very foundation monarchies are built on. Would you like your own destabilized?” He half-smirked, using their own words against them.
They did all have strong interests in Blaise remaining king. The monarchy kept them rich, with land, titles, and everything they enjoyed. “No,” Abor said quickly, his tone clipped.
“That is all for today,” Gregoir announced and stood along with the others. “There is a feast this evening.”
Abor slapped Gregoir on the shoulder. “First one in weeks. The atmosphere is growing duller by the day.”
I followed their chatter as they left the cold room, then I walked out behind them, hand in hand with Cedric. “Blaise is avoiding me. He won’t even come to the council meetings. You’d think he would. It’s in his interest.”
“I can’t imagine why.” His reply was thick with sarcasm. “He was going to marry you, Winter. You’ve come to his home with another man. What did you expect?”
My stomach churned. “It was a political marriage.”
His eyebrow arched. “Not even you can believe that’s true. Look, I know you two are over, and I trust you—I’m not worried—but don’t pretend there was nothing between you. You told me about the kisses and dancing when we were in Berovia, remember?”
I placed my hand on my aching stomach. “It was fleeting.” I mentally kicked myself for overexplaining every detail of my trip back home, when I’d arrived in Berovia and found Cedric. “Really, I made it sound more than it was.”
He laughed. “I wish sometimes sorcerers also couldn’t lie. Look, us faeries feel things deeply.”
“Not Blaise,” I snapped. “He doesn’t. Trust me.” I thought back to the mer king. “Anyway, the good news is Edgar is still on the throne and hasn’t moved from the castle.” I recalled the beginning of the meeting, something I’d been waiting to discuss with Cedric in private. “Which means Berovia hasn’t yet sent armies or managed to siphon magic from the dragons, else they would have. The bad news...”
“Nothing came out in the newspapers.” Cedric sighed. “Abor didn’t say a word, and I assume it’d be the first thing they’d mention if it was public knowledge that Xenos is hoarding dragons and building an indestructible army.”
“No,” I grumbled. “That spineless newswriter. To think, I gave him two important letters right on his lap he could have used to make the biggest story of his career.”
“Your being alive has been announced, however.”
“Yes.” I sighed. “It seems everyone is aware, thanks to King Xenos, which means I have zero element of surprise. There are a lot of questions being asked.” My stomach knotted. People wanted to know my whereabouts all this time and how I got to Berovia, but fortunately, while in Niferum, I didn’t have to answer any of them. “I’m sure they’ll die down soon. Gossip always does.”
