Page 97 of The Princess of Nothing
“You’re right,” Morgana replied. “They know lunas won’t relent. What is the point of taking a kingdom if all their inhabitants are dead?”
“Exactly.” A self-assured smile spread across my face. “We can do this.”
She linked her fingers with mine. “We can. I’m by your side, Winter. Your closest friend. Your family, even. Through anything.”
***
With bright-blue eyes, shoulder-length blonde waves, and a smile despite the cold winds and sea-sprayed journey, of course it had to be her.
“Florence Montague,” I said in greeting. “I’m shocked you’re here. The last time I saw you, you didn’t want me to be queen someday.”
“Things change,” she said too brightly, peering around me. “Where is Adius?”
I arched an eyebrow. “Why?”
“I’ve come to see him too. I want you to win. I mean, you’re not as bad as Edgar.” She forced a snarky smile. “So I guess I’m on your side.”
“Fantastic,” I replied, trying to keep the spite out of my tone. “He’s over at the camps. There are horses to take you into the town. Also... if you would like, you can fight with us.”
She scoffed a laugh. “Like a soldier?”
“Yes. Like a soldier.”
Her thin eyebrows pointed downward, her forehead wrinkling. “I mean, it’s not the worst idea.”
“I’ll take it as a compliment.”
Morgana gave me an assuring nod and mouthed “see.”
“Ah, I see Adius.” She beamed. “Good to see you, Winter. I mean, Your Majesty,” she said, then hurried to the horses and guards.
I turned toward Morgana, wide-eyed. “I can’t believe she came. I really didn’t think Edgar was that bad.”
“He fell for Florence,” she explained. “He wanted her to be his wife and was unrelenting in his pursuit. She’s in love with Adius. It’s obvious, even if they won’t admit it to each other yet. Although, I’m sure their time will come. War brings out the truth in many hearts.”
“Oh.” It did explain why he flushed when I mentioned her the day he arrived. “I didn’t think Edgar was like that with women.”
“Honey.” Morgana touched my hair, smiling. “You don’t know your cousin at all. Your father described him as someone who is passive, a pushover who wants good things, but getting to know him while he was king, we saw his true colors. His ego will be the death of him. He cares too much what others think. He acts as if he is above it all. He despises our religion. He thinks he knows best and lets Berovia call the shots. He’s insecure but proud. Don’t dismiss him, Winter. He believes in everything we don’t, and some of those views are good, but it doesn’t make him a good person. Power has rotted him. Some people can’t handle it. It ruins them.”
“I understand.” The sea looked to blend with the sky as they both sank into deep grays and blues. The last of the ships, before Edgar would be here, arrived unscathed. Aqugar had kept to his word. “So when will Edgar attack? Has there been word on his position?”
“We know he has soldiers at the other side of the mountain. The hunters have come through to join us, leaving the border in Edgar’s full control. They’re sending ships, of course, but some of our own are mixed in. We can fight them when they dock, but I believe Adius thinks they will mostly be coming through the mountains.”
“Which gives us an advantage. Not too many can fit through there at a time.”
Morgana shook her head. “They cannot. Unless they do come by sea.”
“How are the numbers building with women joining to fight?”
“Good. Many have stepped forward. Naturally, a lot of the men and older women don’t agree with what we’re doing.”
I shrugged. “As long as they’re training them, I don’t care. I’m going back to the castle. If there is any word on Edgar’s movement and his armies, you have them contact me immediately. I want to be there, armored and ready when he arrives.”
