Page 105 of War Hour

His words aren’t the source of comfort he thinks it is, but I appreciate the effort all the same. Sending him a half-hearted smile, I nod, pressing my other hand into my forehead.

I don’t even know what my next step will be if they don’t approve of my plan. Short of building my own army, there is nothing I can do to stand against Drytas on my own. Every chance I have of stopping him relies on the Crowns.

I’m not entirely takenby surprise when the Crowns request Evander as well when they summon me back to the meeting room. Evander squeezes my hand before following the Guard sent to retrieve us.

When we arrive back at the meeting room, all the Heirs are present, which I hope is a good sign of their decision. Even Visha, while not directly an Heir, stands behind her uncle, watching our arrival. Lord Nicaise is turned around in his seat, speaking low to her as a startled expression crosses her face for mere seconds. When her eyes flick to mine, I realize he’s likely telling her what the Crowns had been debating.

Shaking my head, I push out any thought of her. I could not let myself be pulled in by her theatrics or distractions today. There is too much at stake.

Evander leaves my side, casting a last glance at me before joining his father at the head of the table. A new tension rests on his shoulders as he stands beside Lord Gennady. The cool, collected mask of Truth’s Heir falling across his face.

Murmurs echo across the table, the Heirs unaware as to the reason for their sudden summoning—and my own, for that matter.

“Everyone, take a seat, and we will get started,” Lord Gennady announces, gesturing to both sides of the table.

I stay at the head of the table, not even wondering if the group would allow me to sit in the chairs reserved for Valor. For I am not a Crown, nor an Heir.

Lord Gennady starts, his voice commanding the attention of the room. “Lysta has given us reason to reexamine the accusations against Lord Drytas.”

Some Heirs shift in their seat, leaning forward in interest. Neith catches my eye from his position further on the opposite side of the table but says nothing. Instead, he examines me as if I will give away what is going on.

“We have decided the risk of what Lysta’s words being true means is too severe to leave the situation without looking into it further.”

Bringing my hand up to cover my mouth, I stifle the sound of surprise threatening to burst out. My throat tightens, and I gulp, looking at the ceiling to blink away the mist clouding my eyes.

They believe me. Maybe not as much as I’d like but certainly more than I hoped. The Crowns are taking what I said and are endeavoring to find out more. No more pushing it off as the lies of a girl who has been seduced into saying the treasonous words. But as the words of someone who has some modicum of credibility.

I can’t help but look to Evander with hopeful eyes. We have done it.

Evander’s face is pinched, eyebrows drawn together as if scrutinizing every word coming out of his father’s mouth. Looking at Lord Gennady as if he doesn’t believe what he’s just heard.

I can’t help my small smile, glad my hand still covers my mouth.

Lord Gennady continues after he has let the information sink in. “Lysta has proposed a mission to the Crowns that allows us to confirm or negate the accusations. We cannot develop a course of action until the truth has been decided, but because of the potential danger of the mission, we agree it should be voluntary.”

Several Crowns nod along to Lord Gennady’s words, emphasizing their agreement. From opposite sides of the table, Neith and Visha share a conspiring look.

When no one protests his announcement, Lord Gennady continues, his tone foreboding. “The plan would be for the Heirs to journey to the Court of Valor with Lysta. Each of you are well trained not only in your powers but in weaponry and combat. You would navigate the city undetected, observing not only the state of the court, but its people as well.” Lord Gennady pauses, looking around the table once again. “The most important objective is locating Valor’s Trial with Lysta’s help and finding out if it is truly broken.”

When Lord Gennady hesitates in his speech, Neith clears his throat.

“Apologies, Lord Gennady,” Neith starts, but Gennady waves him on. “I’m sure this is not something approved by Lord Drytas, as that would be most difficult to believe. What if we are discovered while in Valor? I doubt our presence will be well received.” Neith leans forward, pressing a finger along the length of his lips in a face of consternation.

I’m reminded of the possibility of Neith working with Lord Drytas. If he is, telling him this plan is a risk to us all, but not if we leave before he can make it to Falland.

Lord Gennady looks at me with a sad glimmer in his eyes, as if not willing to speak the part of the plan that would leave me to the wolves. He swallows, bending to prop both elbows on the table in front of him. “If—if you are discovered—”

Lord Bralas jumps in at Lord Gennady’s hesitation. “If you are caught without being able to verify this information, Drytas will demand an explanation. You will tell him the Crowns have decided to allow him to deal with Lysta as he sees fit. And then you will leave her behind.”

All the Heirs recoil, even Neith, at the declaration, obviously not having expected such an extreme answer. They share concerned looks across the table. Evander’s eyes pierce me like a blade. As if his gaze will somehow carve the truth from mysilence. I didn’t tell him this part of my plan, knowing he would resist.

It’s what must be done to get the Crowns to go with the plan.

“Is that understood?” Lord Bralas says, voice raising. When no one responds, he continues. “Lysta herself has proposed this plan and will accept the consequences should it fail.”

Lord Gennady stands, leaning his weight on his cane as he peers down the table. “Knowing the uncertainty of this mission, all the Crowns have agreed it is up to each of the Heirs.” Taking in a deep breath, he asks, “Does anyone have questions before we go around the table?”

The room is silent as we wait for someone to voice their concerns. I expect a similar third degree that I’d received from the Crowns upon first presenting the plan.

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