Page 104 of War Hour

I nod rapidly, latching onto the chance to convince them. Stepping forward, I brace my hands on the table, gathering strength to tell them my plan.

A voice echoes in my head, warning me they will not listen.

“What if I could get you the proof you need?”

Five pairs of eyes watch me with an air of skepticism.

“How?” Lord Rhen asks, his gaze pinning me in place. “How could you possibly prove it?”

Standing up straight, I rub my sweaty palms on my pants before clasping my trembling fingers together. Steeling myself, I say it—my plan that could solve everything.

“Send representatives of each of your courts with me to Valor. I know the city better than anyone, and I can guide them. They can see for themselves the state of the Trial and the city.”

Lord Bralas crosses his arms, finally taking a seat at the table among the other Crowns. “And if what you say is not true? Ourpresence will only anger Lord Drytas, and we will have him to answer to. We’d be breaking the treaty.”

It is then I get a glimpse of Lord Bralas I have yet to see so far. The angry force who endeavored to diminish me every chance he got isscared.

Looking to the empty seats on my right, reserved for Valor, I shift on my feet. Standing across from the people who hold my fate in their hands, I hold my breath before continuing. “If I’m lying, your people can hand me over to Drytas once we are there. You can pretend you changed your mind about my sentencing, and wished to deliver me to him to handle as he sees fit. Maybe you’ll even win his favor.”

Lord Gennady sits forward suddenly, eyes wide as he stares at me. “He would kill you for treason if we handed you over.”

Giving the older man an upside-down smile, I shrug.

“Then it’s fortunate for myself I am not lying.”

Lady Ivianna taps her fingernails against the table in rapid succession, her face deep in concentration. “And who do you expect us to send? How do we know you won’t bribe or threaten anyone we send into confirming whatever you say?”

I grimace, knowing the final part of my plan will likely be what sets off the growing tension.

“Send your Heirs. Who could you trust more to carry out such an important task?”

Before I can finish the sentence, they shake their heads, equally upset at the concept of sending their children on such a mission.

Leaning forward, I implore the Crowns to listen. “You’ve seen what I can do,” I say, referencing the battle between Torryn and myself that exploded before them all. “And I know what your Heirs are capable of. I pity those who would step up against them.”

I know I have said the right thing to convince them when they exchange a look of solidarity. “And how do you expect to get into the city?”

I stifle the sense of victory blooming in my chest. “I have a way for us to arrive there quickly, and exactly where we need to be. But I will not be disclosing it until I know we are moving forward with the plan.”

Even if Sar volunteered to use her power for the mission, there is no need to share the extent of her abilities when the plan is not guaranteed.

“You’ve thought of almost everything, it seems,” Lord Gennady says.

I nod, swallowing the emotions rearing up now I have finally been heard. “I’ve been trying to figure out how to make you all believe me since I arrived. I foolishly believed if you liked me or I fit in, I could convince you. Turns out I just needed to be willing to go back to the place I escaped.”

Lord Gennady looks at me with weary eyes at my words. He stands and the other Crowns follow his lead. “This is a decision we will need to discuss in private. Leave us, and we will summon you upon our decision.”

I nod, holding back the abundance of gratitude surging in me.

Chapter 41

The hours between when I left the Crowns to deliberate and when they summon me back are torturous.

I sit with Sar and Evander in the library, replaying every sentence I’d uttered, every question they’d asked. Wondering if I pushed too hard or not hard enough and if I had forgotten an essential part of the plan. Preparing myself to either accept their decision or fight even harder.

Evander takes my hand under the table, rubbing the pads of his fingers across my knuckles. I try to hide my trembling, but he has already seen the physical depiction of my mental state.

Leaning toward me, Evander whispers, “Whichever way it goes, you’ve done everything you can.”

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