Page 14 of The Court of Secrets
Lord Abor nodded, and I smiled.
I leaned over the table. The edge dug into my stomach. “Kiros has yet to declare war against us, unlike Xenos who always sent threats our way. We cannot afford to go to war with them. Their numbers are much vaster than ours. They have far more coin, and they’re organized. Their only weakness is their lack of ships.”
Vahaga’s lips pinched. “We may not get an opportunity like this again. They are weakened now.”
“He may not want to go to war with us at all,” I stated. “We would only aggravate him into an attack.”
Lord Edur nodded. “I agree with Winter.” His eyes widened. “I mean, Her Majesty.”
“I vote we go to war,” Gregoir stated, interjecting. “We must show strength and honor. You were captured. It cannot go unpunished.”
Abor gripped the edge of the table. Vahaga’s eyes regarded him. “Then we must take it to a vote.”
The dryness in the air irritated my nose. I sneezed, then excused myself. “I apologize.”
Abor waved his hand. “A vote then.”
Louis wrapped his fingers around his silver goblet, looking at me as he smiled. “I vote to attack.”
“As do I.” Gregoir raised his hand.
Edur looked at me, sadness in his eyes. “I vote against an attack.”
Vahaga raised his arm. “I vote for the attack.” He looked at Abor. “How about you Lord Abor?”
Threat laced his tone. He exhaled slowly. “I vote to attack.”
I clenched my jaw. I could tell he didn’t agree with the others about this. He was a smart man. Traditional? Yes. Misogynic? Yes. But he wasn’t about to allow more civil unrest, yet something kept him in line. Vahaga’s influence was vast. I had to find a way to untangle it.
“The matter is settled.” Lord Abor tilted his chin upward, then smiled. “We shall send our forces. Gregoir, you command men in your holdings in Redwinter Province?”
“Yes. I shall send them.”
I shook my head, wanting to ask why they’d not been sent to aid me in the battle, but I knew better. “It is a mistake,” I said once more, hoping to deter them. “He will come for us.”
“There has already been a vote,” Vahaga said, interrupting. “The matter is settled.”
If Kiros told them the truth, my story might be questioned. Of course, his word against mine would never hold in a court nor bring it to trial, but it could spark rumors, and rumors were dangerous things. “Is there any other news I should be aware of?” I shot Vahaga a look. “Anything that may have slipped your mind to tell your queen?”
He sneered. “Your Majesty, we wish to keep you informed on all information of importance.”
“Well, then… I should be going.”
Edur turned his gaze to mine. “Forgive me, but I do believe we have forgotten to tell you that your mother is on her way from Inferis.” He half smiled, a knowing look on his face. He was on my side. At least I could count on one of my lords.
I turned toward Abor and Vahaga. “My mother?” I asked, anger lacing my words. “Why in Magaelor would she be coming here?”
Lord Abor answered. “With Edgar dead, you must show a united front. Your father and you had a strained relationship. Those at court know this.” He paused. “Word travels. He publicly sent you and your mother away after your brother’s death. The people of Magaelor care about family unity, and your house is in disarray.”
I knew what they were getting at, but the answer was no. “You will send her back.”
“She is the queen mother.”
“She could be the actual queen, and I still wouldn’t bring her here.” I balled my fists, which were hidden by the polished tabletop. I looked at the array of parchment in the middle of the table, and a map of the kingdom and Berovia’s. “I can manage my image.”
Louis scoffed but masked it with a cough.
Vahaga’s lips curled upward when he looked in Louis’s direction. “With a light fae at our castle, so close to Her Majesty, and your eldest friend, Morgana, barely seen by your side, we must, unfortunately, disagree.”
