Page 138 of Silver & Smoke
‘I’m afraid you’re going to need it.’ Torj guided her to a seat, gently pushing her down into it.
Wren’s stomach bottomed out. ‘Oh?’
‘We’ve had word from Darian.’
‘Is he alright?’
‘He writes on behalf of his father...’ Torj said slowly. ‘Lord Lucian wants an audience with you, to plead for a pardon.’
Wren blinked, her tea forgotten. ‘What?’
‘He insists that Silas had some kind of mind control over him and King Leiko, similar to what Artos used on Leiko during the shadow war. That they were forced to help him...’
Wren brought a hand to her face, pinching the bridge of hernose to alleviate some of the pain blooming behind her eyes. ‘What does Darian say?’
‘Nothing,’ Torj replied. ‘He simply relayed his father’s message, and Lucian’s intent to speak with you in private.’
Wren nodded. ‘When?’
‘Tomorrow.’
She laughed at that. ‘Doesn’t sound like a request, does it?’
‘We both know that’s not in Lucian’s nature,’ Torj said. ‘Kipp’s had reports of forces gathering at the Devereux estate. Regardless of his claims, his influence is undeniable.’
‘And do you believe his story about mind control?’ Wren asked with a raised brow.
‘Not for a second. You?’
‘I trust that bastard as far as I could throw him.’
‘I thought you might say that.’ There was a hint of a smile on Torj’s lips as he ducked out of the tent, only to return with a square box.
Wren set the canteen aside and stood. ‘What’s that?’
Torj slid the box onto the nearby table. ‘Something you’ll be needing before long.’
Opening the box, Wren peered inside, moving the wrappings aside to spot something achingly familiar. She looked up at Torj, whose answering grin was wolfish, and then she laughed. She laughed until she cried.
Wren didn’t know where to start when it came to ruling her kingdom. Dorinth had been all but razed to the ground, and the broader lands of Delmira had no people, no established regions. Aveum and Harenth’s forces had begun the march back to their own kingdoms, and the ruins grew emptier by the day. It would take decades to rebuild. There was a chance the task might not even be completed in her lifetime. The mere thought was enoughto make Wren want to crawl back into bed. But the next afternoon, she spotted the Devereux banners on the horizon, and steeled herself for what was to come.
Darian rode at Lord Lucian’s side, his face a mask of indifference, but for the slight dip of his chin when he saw Wren.
‘Welcome to Dorinth,’ she greeted the noblemen as their horses reached the fallen gates of the city. ‘It’s my understanding that you seek an audience with me, Lord Lucian?’
‘It is, Your Highness,’ he said, dismounting with a bow.
‘It’sYour Majestynow,’ Torj growled from Wren’s side. ‘Our queen was officially crowned several nights ago.’
Lord Lucian gave another elaborate bow. ‘My apologies, Your Majesty. I am not as up to date with current events as I once was.’
‘Apology accepted,’ Wren replied with a wave of dismissal. ‘If you’ll follow me, we’ve prepared some refreshments for our meeting, though you’ll have to forgive the simplicity. We are still on rations here.’
Wren and her guard led their guests to the makeshift council tent, where Kipp had set up a table and chairs for the occasion. She motioned for her guests to sit as she took her place at the head.
Lord Lucian took the seat at her left side, with Darian to his left. Torj stood just behind Wren, and she could feel the anger rolling off him in waves, vibrating down the bond they shared. She didn’t risk a glance back at the warrior. She had to do this on her own.
‘So, tell me, Lord Lucian,’ she said slowly, ‘why have you sought this meeting?’
