Total pages in book: 247
Estimated words: 235897 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1179(@200wpm)___ 944(@250wpm)___ 786(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 235897 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1179(@200wpm)___ 944(@250wpm)___ 786(@300wpm)
Brennan presses his lips into a flat line, and my stomach rolls.
“That particular matter didn’t make it to Poromiel’s table.” Lewellen folds Andarna’s list and puts it into the front pocket of his hunter green tunic. “Your sister argued valiantly and displayed astonishing capability, but the Senarium voted six to one, and the safety of Navarre’s borders is not to be tampered with.”
Mira crosses her arms.
Prickling heat rolls down Andarna’s bond, and my hands curl, my nails biting into my palms. “What about the alliance?” Without it, the deal with Tecarus falls apart.
“It’s failed,” Lewellen announces unemotionally, as if reading from the death roll.
“Because the fliers aren’t safe here.” I bite out every word at my brother.
“Because treaties like this take time, and we won’t figure this out before their queen’s deadline in two days.” Brennan rubs his thumb along his chin. “Flier cadets will be safe in Aretia while we still have wards, and hopefully Queen Maraya can force her nobles back to the table at a later date,” Brennan promises, his shoulders sagging. “Politics are complicated.”
Fuck that. How can our nobles let them walk away without an alliance, knowing we have the means to protect the fliers?
“We still have the means,” Andarna reminds me.
Right. Plan B: treason. Guess that path chooses itself.
“When you put it that way.” I force my shoulders to relax and my hands to fall peacefully at my sides. “I guess it’s back to Basgiath business as usual tomorrow, and I should prep for our mission—or is research as out of my control as the team members?”
Mira’s eyes narrow in my direction, like she’s the inntinnsic in the room and not Xaden.
“Every resource, including the royal library, will be made available to you,” Brennan promises.
“Oh good, because books will keep her safe.” Mira shoots Brennan an icy look.
The right books will.
“Well, as fun as this has been.” Aaric nods at me, then departs without another word.
“He’ll come around.” Lewellen sighs, then turns to Xaden with a smile so proud it borders on teary. “Enjoy your win, Xaden. Delaying the alliance is unfortunate, but we won. Your father would be proud.”
“I highly doubt that.” His tone is sharp.
What? I reach, but his shields are tighter than ever. Did he get his father’s sword back? Why wouldn’t he be happy about that?
“We’ll leave you to tell her the good news. I really am sorry we couldn’t make the alliance work.” Brennan gives me an awkward, apologetic smile, then heads out, taking Lewellen and Mira with him.
I wait until the door shuts behind her before I turn to Xaden. “What did you win?”
Every muscle in his body seems to tense even more, if that’s possible. “I didn’t win it. Didn’t even ask for it. I’m the last person…” He shakes his head and stuffs the rolled orders into his breast pocket. “Lewellen and Lindell told them it was the price of keeping the riot here, and the Senarium gave in. That’s how scared they are of losing our numbers. They actually agreed to give it back, and I wish they hadn’t. Not now. Not when I’m like…this.” He points to his eyes as if they were still red, but I only see him. “My father wouldn’t be proud. He’d be horrified.” Every word is short. Clipped.
“I don’t believe that.” It’s impossible not to be proud of him, not to love him.
“You didn’t know him. There was only one thing in this world he loved more than me.” He looks away, and I start to rethink my assumption about the sword.
“What did the king give you?” A blade wouldn’t worry him like this.
“I’ve been trying to think of a way out of it for the last hour. The king sanctioned both Lindell and Lewellen for their roles in hiding Aretia—just like they predicted this morning—so they’re not options. And I can’t reject the agreement, or everyone will know something is wrong.” His tortured gaze finds mine, and my heart clenches. “The only solution I can think of is you. You’ll be the first to sense when I lose the rest of what makes me…me.” Slowly, he tucks a windblown strand of my hair behind my ear.
“You won’t.” I have enough faith in him for the both of us.
“I will. This morning showed me it’s just a matter of time and reason.” He nods with a certainty that sours my stomach. “It’s not fair, and you might hate me for it later, but I need you to make me a promise.” His warm hand cups the back of my neck as his eyes search mine. “Swear you’ll sound the alarm if I go too far, that you’ll keep it safe, even if it’s from me.”
“What—” I start, but the gym door opens, and I look over my shoulder to see Garrick waving a rolled parchment.