Page 139 of Silver & Smoke
‘Your Majesty, I wished to explain my actions in the recent conflict, to provide you with some much-needed background information as to why my forces were not here to defend you.’
‘By all means, continue...’
‘As my son outlined in our correspondence to you, both King Leiko and I experienced a fog over our mental capabilities at the hand of the enemy Silas. Without King Leiko’s previous experience,we would not have recognized it at all, but he was able to identify it in the days after battle, once Silas’s hold had loosened.’
‘I’m familiar with the mind control used over King Leiko in the past,’ Wren replied evenly. ‘You’re sure it was the same? Back then it was a near-lethal combination of sovereign and shadow magic, utilizing the former King of Harenth’s empath abilities... As far as I’m aware, the only person in the midrealms with an inkling of empath ability is Regent Liora, and as a distant relation, her magic is diluted. Not to mention, she’s an ally of Delmira.’
Lord Lucian sat back in his chair, seeming to relax as he forged on. ‘King Leiko swears it was of the same ilk – the same symptoms, the same level of control over our mental faculties. We were forced to hold our troops back. Forced to ally with the tyrant.’
‘And this mind control... Was it also responsible for your promise of a poison formula that didn’t exist? And that particular taunt that was sent to me via our outposts?’ she asked casually.
Lord Lucian nodded fervently. ‘Yes, the very same. I hope you know I would never wish harm on the midrealms. I have done so much to rebuild it after the shadow war.’
Wren considered him. ‘I’m aware of how much you contributed to the restoration of Tver’s castle.’
‘And I would be willing to do the same for Delmira,’ Lord Lucian added. ‘It would be an honour to see this mighty kingdom restored to its former glory.’
‘A generous offer,’ Wren replied. ‘In exchange for what?’
‘A royal pardon,’ the nobleman said. ‘For all the former... indiscretions.’
Wren rapped her fingers against the table. ‘I see.’
‘I hope you do,’ Lord Lucian continued. ‘With my resources behind you, we could have the city of Dorinth rebuilt within five years. We could have it trading with the other kingdoms within a matter of months, particularly given the nature of the land. We could reach out to farmers and agriculturalists from other kingdoms, offering land in exchange—’
‘We?’ Wren interjected.
Lord Lucian placed a hand over his heart and bowed his head. ‘Yes, Your Majesty,we. You would have my full support in every avenue of development.’
‘Even though I have no intention of marrying your son?’
‘I would advise againsttwohusbands for the time being, Your Majesty.’
Wren studied him before motioning to Kipp, who brought over the food and drink they’d prepared. ‘It’s a fair proposition, my lord.’
‘Thensmile, Queen Elwren. History is being made at this very moment!’ Lord Lucian declared, his chest puffing out as he gestured to his own people, who brought bottles of wine from their supplies. ‘You will have a fully established kingdom at your feet in no time.’
Wren declined the wine offered with a wave of her hand. ‘I’m avoiding such vices while I rebuild my kingdom,’ she told him. ‘Let us toast to our alliance in a simpler manner.’
She watched as the refreshment tray was placed in front of them, and the Lord of Larkwood Valley was handed a small ceramic cup. He blanched at the sight of the teapot before them.
‘I prefer to toast with wine, as is customary,’ he said stiffly.
‘Given all that you’ve been through, I made something special for you,’ Wren said, her voice softening. ‘It’s the same concoction that helped King Leiko all those years ago. It’s a preventative against any empath mind control. You’ll never have your free will taken from you again.’
Relief washed over the nobleman’s face. ‘You’re too kind. I suppose you’ll be drinking this as well, then?’ He leaned forwards, eyes narrowing slightly. ‘You can never be too careful.’
‘Of course, Lord Lucian.’ She lifted her own cup in a gesture of goodwill. ‘I’m always careful.’
And then, Wrendidsmile.
She smiled as she poured his tea from the Ladies’ Luncheon Teapot.
CHAPTER 74
Wren
‘At the commencement of her reign, Elwren Embervale, Queen of Delmira, ordered hundreds of fields of silvertide roses to be planted across her kingdom’
