Total pages in book: 362
Estimated words: 347293 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1736(@200wpm)___ 1389(@250wpm)___ 1158(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 347293 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1736(@200wpm)___ 1389(@250wpm)___ 1158(@300wpm)
Ash’s expression was unreadable. “Kolis says a lot, Sera.”
“I know. He is aware of his limitations, and I think he knows how tenuous his hold would become if another challenged his power. I mean, he absolutely hated when I used the eather around him, and I don’t think it was because he was afraid of me or anything like that.”
Nektas cocked his head. “What do you mean?”
“He doesn’t like to be challenged.”
Ash’s jaw flexed. “That, I know.”
“But it’s about more than just his ego,” I told him. “I think it was because he didn’t want anyone else to see that I could challenge him.”
Ash’s head tilted. “And how does that have nothing to do with his ego?”
“I…I don’t know. I’m not explaining it clearly enough.” Frustrated, I shoved a curl away from my face, searching for how to convey what I felt when it came to dealing with Kolis. “Look, I don’t think Kolis is reasonable when it comes to anything that doesn’t line up with what he wants, but he knows what war would do to the realms. He doesn’t want to rule over a pile of bones. He will seek to prevent that, which in his own shitty way, he’s trying to do. If there’s a sliver of a chance that he will abdicate the throne, then how can we not pursue that?”
Ash didn’t respond for several long moments. “We spoke about entombing him. If we were to do that now, it would mean we’ve reneged.”
My stomach churned. “I know.” A muscle ticked in Ash’s jaw, and my chest tightened. Did I make the right choices?
“There is no right or wrong choice,” Nektas said, and I turned to him. Did I speak out loud? He was focused on Ash. “Peace should always be attempted first.”
Ash sat back. “Even if that peace comes with a threat looming over our heads? Do we continue to live like that?”
“That’s what your father would’ve chosen,” Nektas said quietly.
“And look what that got him,” Ash shot back.
“You think he didn’t know the risks of refusing his brother? He did. But he had to think of everyone else. That is what a King does.” Nektas held Ash’s stare. “That has never been what Kolis has done, but that is what Sera is trying to do.”
“I don’t think Sera made the wrong choice,” Ash insisted as he shifted toward me. “I don’t.”
Then what did he think? Because it sure didn’t seem like he agreed with what I did.
“Okay.” Rhain held up a hand. “What was his response?”
“He didn’t accept or turn the deal down,” I said. “Neither did I. I think Aydun likely sensed we were both going to say no, so he told us we had time to think it over. We have about a month.”
“We should continue as we’ve planned then,” Rhain said, setting his glass on the tray behind him. “Summon the Primals. Gain support. Nothing has changed.”
Folding my arms over my waist, I nodded absently. Rhain was right. Nothing had changed.
But like before, I couldn’t shake the feeling that everything had.
After Rhain and Nektas left, Ash and I sat in silence for a little while.
“Rhain is right. We should continue as planned,” Ash said as he rose from the settee.
“Agreed.” Nibbling on a fingernail, I watched him walk to the desk and pour himself a drink from the decanter.
It wasn’t often that I wished I had his ability to sense emotion, but now was one of those times. I couldn’t tell if he was angry or disappointed in me for offering the deal. If it was the former, I could deal with anger. Disappointment, though? My stomach churned. That would be harder to face.
But I knew he disagreed with what I’d decided. That much was clear.
He looked over at me. “Something to drink?”
“Water is fine.”
“I will head to Vathi in the morning.” Ash poured from the pitcher. “I think it would be wise to let Attes know about the deals.”
I nodded. “He won’t be happy to hear what Kolis asked for.”
Lowering the decanter, Ash’s head tilted, and his brow furrowed in perplexity.
“He knew her when Kolis brought her back and kept her captive. I don’t know why Kolis allowed that, but Attes grew to care for her,” I explained, folding my other arm over my waist. “I think it may have been more than that, honestly.”
“If that is the case, then I feel bad for the bastard.”
Well, I guessed feeling empathy for him was a step in the right direction. “I think it’s also a good idea for Attes to keep The Star, at least for now, since Kolis believes we have it.”
Ash nodded. “Would you like the water?” he asked as he approached. “Or would you like to continue chewing away at your finger?”
I narrowed my eyes at him and took the glass. “Thank you.”