Page 78 of Silver & Smoke
Kipp was nodding. ‘I already have something in motion, Prince.’
Lord Ethel rose to his feet and addressed Kipp, this time with a respectful dip of his head. ‘When do we leave, then, Snowden?’
‘Three days from now,’ Kipp replied. ‘The rest of the Devereux forces are due to join us by tomorrow, with the units from Aveum, Harenth and Tver to meet us on the way.’
‘Very well,’ Lord Pendelton said. ‘I’ll inform our men.’
Lord Lucian’s scrutinizing stare swept over them and Wren trained her eyes on him, refusing to look away, to yield to the challenge in his glower. His expression was utterly clear this time: her reputation had almost cost him dearly, and he wasn’t pleased. But he dipped his head in a show of respect. ‘Until our next meeting,’ he offered stiffly, before he took his leave.
The other noblemen followed with similar farewells, leaving Kipp and Wren behind with Zavier, Darian, Thea, Wilder and Cal, the Warswords collapsing into the newly vacated seats.
Thea’s head dropped into her hands. ‘There isn’t a tea strong enough in the midrealms for how I’m feeling right now. There’s so much dick-swinging it’s insufferable. Didn’t we put an end to all that during the last war? Remember when Anya kicked all of them out of the war tent and the women did the planning? I much preferred that.’
‘Same here.’ Wren huffed a tired laugh before she turned to Darian. ‘Your father is growing impatient...’
Darian grimaced. ‘He is. He’s determined to see us married before your coronation, so there can be no doubt of the role the Devereux name played in the reclaiming of the most prosperous kingdom in the midrealms...’
‘Do you think he’s encouraging allies not to pledge to us until after we’re wed?’ she asked.
‘I wouldn’t put it past him. One of his many mottos is about seeing the ink dry on the parchment before fulfilling a deal.’ Darian took a deep breath, as though trying to compose himself. ‘And from what I understand, our time is running out regarding the other matter at hand?’
Wren nodded.
The nobleman swore under his breath. ‘It wasn’t supposed to happen like this. I thought it was slow-releasing. That’s what my father said...’
‘I know,’ Wren said, sounding far calmer than she felt. ‘The thing is, I don’t even think he’s lying. I believe it wassupposedto be slow-releasing, but something is accelerating its symptoms.’
Darian glanced around the tent, despair etched across his features. ‘If I ask about it again, it will only make my father suspicious.’
Wren shook her head. ‘He won’t tell you anyway. You’ve played your part well so far – don’t throw it all away now. If it comes to it, I’ll marry you, Darian.’ She ignored the sounds of shock from her friends. ‘But for now, we bide our time. Does that mean we have no solid allies? Not even in the men sworn to you personally?’
‘We have allies,’ Darian argued. ‘Certainly more than when we started this farce.’
‘But enough to take Dorinth? Enough to lay siege to an enemy stronghold?’ Wren bit back.
The nobleman sighed. ‘My father is a cunning man. He may be starting to suspect there’s more to my end of the bargain than meets the eye.’
‘Then perhaps it’s time I held up my end of our deal... I could handle him as discussed.’
Darian blinked at her. ‘It’s too soon.’
Wren could feel her friends’ eyes on them, assessing their dynamic, all of them on edge. Only Kipp and Torj knew what she had promised the Lord of Larkwood Valley in exchange for his help with her campaign.
‘But if he’s... no longer an obstacle, the Devereux connections will look to you for leadership. If you summon their banners, they will come.’
‘It’s not that simple,’ Darian said, his voice low. ‘There are restrictions in place for this very reason, legal ramifications if things take a certain turn.’
‘Are you having second thoughts?’ she asked.
The laugh that burst from Darian was dark. ‘Do you know what it’s like to smile at someone who has caused you harm? Who drove the most important person in your life away?’
Wren gave him a flat look. ‘I’ve got a fair idea, yes. For as long as I can remember, I’ve smiled for men who would sooner lock me away in a kitchen than hear my thoughts. For many years, I pretended I was less than I am to survive.’ She leaned back in her chair. ‘Say the word and it will be done.’
‘I appreciate it.’ Darian’s relief was palpable. ‘Now, where is the Bear Slayer?’
CHAPTER 42
Torj
