Page 103 of War Hour

Lady Ivianna looks me up and down before adding, “You need to leave. This is no place for you.”

Lord Rhen stands on the opposite side of the table from Bralas. He turns to Gennady for an explanation, as if he issomehow a part of my plan. “You don’t seem surprised at her presence, Lord Gennady. Is this your doing?”

Lord Gennady raises his hands, mouth curving into a frown as he shrugs at Lord Rhen. “I would never make such moves without the agreement of the other courts. I have nothing to do with this.”

Lord Nicaise pushes away from the table to look out the door behind me. “Where are the guards? There’s no way they voluntarily let her in.”

Over the jumble of voices, I raise my own to be heard, keeping my tone firm. “I need you all to listen to me for five minutes. Just five minutes.”

Lord Bralas strides to the door, muttering, “This is ridiculous.”

Summoning my shield, I block the door, making it impossible for anyone to leave. Stepping to the side, I stand in Lord Bralas’s way. “Just five minutes.”

Lord Bralas chuffs an outraged laugh. “Orwhat?”

“Or nothing,” I say with a tone of finality. “I will not harm you. I will not trap you here.” I drop the shield, standing to the side to allow Lord Bralas to pass. “But you will sorely regret not listening to me if you walk out right now.”

Before Lord Bralas can do just that, Lord Gennady clears his throat, tapping his finger on the table to draw our attention. “I do not see what harm five minutes could do.”

At his words, three of the Crowns settle, quieting their arguments and sitting back in their seats. Lord Bralas stares me down, lips twitching.

Speaking just to Lord Bralas, I add quietly, “I would not waste your time, Lord Bralas.”

He steps back, but does not regain his seat. Instead, choosing to lean over the table, hands gripping its edge.

“Lysta,” Lord Gennady says, calling my attention. He gestures for me to stand at the head of the table.

“I know you believe the lies Lord Drytas has told you,” I start, looking between the Crowns.

Lord Bralas groans. “This matter has already—”

“Shut it, Bralas,” Lady Ivianna sneers. “I’d like to hear her speak freely. She never got the chance at the judgment hearing after all.”

Lord Bralas quiets but glares at me with renewed intensity.

I shoot a look of thanks to Lady Ivianna, but her face is hard.

Get on with it, Lysta.

“It is easy to let such accusations die at the dismissal of a lord. Especially when you have felt none of the impact nor fear any of the repercussions. But if anything I say is the truth, you have more reason to be alarmed than Drytas allows you to think.”

The Crowns stare back at me in total silence. I can hear my heart pounding in my ears, and I take a deep breath before continuing. “If I’m telling the truth about what Lord Drytas has committed, and nothing is done, your Heirs won’t have courts left to rule one day.”

A startled look crosses their faces, and I know they are thinking of their children. Even Lord Nicaise, who is without offspring, draws a concerned face at my words.

“I have poured over every book in the capital’s library, looking for the answer as to why Valor’s Trial collapsed. It has never been heard of. But there is also no record of a lord breaking the consent requirement and forcing people to Trial.”

I pause, waiting for the room to interrupt me once again, but they remain silent.

“Lord Drytas proclaimed right in front of me that if he could not build an army using his own Trial, he would take over theother courts, and Trial them there instead. He has no qualms about bringing war to your doorsteps.”

Fists clenched at my side, I repeat what Lord Drytas had promised. A flicker of hope sparks in my chest at the pensive looks around the room.

“And if you don’t think he would sacrifice the lives of your people to make it happen, know he sacrificed his own people as if they were a means to an end. Do you think he values your people over his own? No. All he values is power. At any cost.”

The room is silent as the Crowns exchange a look between them. Even Lord Bralas, who had been beyond furious mere minutes ago, is understanding the gravity of my words.

Lord Nicaise is the first to break the silence. “Realize we cannot act on your word alone. Even if the truth of what you speak of is a threat to us all, we need some form of proof or evidence.”

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