Chapter Twenty-Three

CHAPTER

TWENTY-THREE

_________

T HE WHISPERS HAVE GOTTEN WORSE.

My palms prickle as I eye two female servants along the wall giggling to each other. Cayden has been at the border the past week, and our chain of correspondence has been a hot topic. I wonder if Hyacinth tells anyone I tuck the letters he sends me into a drawer rather than discard them with the rest of my mail.

At least it's impossible for the castle to know how the ink has smudged from rereading them before bed.

"The food supply sent to Aestilian before winter will have to be substantial considering how treacherous winter months are in the north," Ailliard says. The way he conducts himself in the alliance meetings makes me wonder why he was a guard and not an advisor.

"How large is the population?" Eagor asks. "We're a wealthy kingdom, but I must know if sending this much is necessary."

Ailliard looks to me to answer.

"Two thousand," I respond. It's less than that, but this means they'll have more than enough food and plenty to spare. Ailliard gives me a subtle nod of approval, but Eagor's calculating gaze remains fixated on me.

"May I inquire as to how many of your citizens were originally mine?"

"If you don't know who's missing, does it truly matter they're gone, Your Grace?" Saskia interjects. She's seated on the Vareveth side but has been nothing short of an ally to Aestilian. "Forgive me if I overstep, but we should focus on what food to send to get them through winter and prioritize signing the treaty in a timely manner."

"I'm in agreement with Lady Saskia," Ailliard says. "Her Majesty and I will not disclose irrelevant information, and she has come here at a great risk to her safety."

Eagor gives a tight nod after several prolonged seconds. "I must apologize again for the altercation in your bathing chamber last week."

I give an even tighter smile. "I'd prefer to focus on my people than the past if that's all right with you."

He sighs, plucking some parchment off the long oak table lined with advisors. Saskia and Valia are the only women on their side, and I'm the only one on mine, sitting between Ailliard and Finnian.

One of my many grievances is how often women are left out of conversations when we're the ones who find logical solutions after a mess is made. So much time could be spared if more women were given the chance to participate from the beginning, rather than as a last resort.

"There will be a surplus of grains and oats, as well as other necessities. We'll supply livestock as well," Eagor says. "We'll be hosting a ball to showcase our alliance that Valia has begun planning."

Valia perks up at the mention of her name. It's the first time her husband has acknowledged her presence in this meeting. I can't help but pity her. She's been nothing but condescending since I've met her, but it's obvious her marriage was not a love match . . . it's not even friendship.

"The king, queen, and crown prince of Galakin have been invited. I sent their invitations with our exports this morning."

"They may not attend if there are storm surges as there often are this time of year," Eagor says as he stands up from the table, and the rest of us follow suit. "This meeting is adjourned. Ailliard, you and one of my advisors will meet with the keeper of livestock tomorrow to iron out the details."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Ailliard bows his head. "Thank you for your generosity."

Eagor smiles at the pair of us, but his eyes linger on me. I force my lips not to curl as his eyes dip to where my gown hugs my body. My people are more important than my pride and comfort. Nobody else notices. He knows how to be subtle about it, and I'm sure many would say I should be honored that a king looks at me in that way or that I'd never be worthy of his glance if I addressed his behavior.

Valia rounds the table and I step away from Ailliard and Finnian's conversation to greet her. Ailliard approached me the morning after Cayden and I got back to the castle to apologize, and we've been mending the wound left behind from the argument ever since.

"I wanted to let you know in advance that there will be several worthy suitors at the ball who are all eager to meet you." She smiles widely and clasps my hand. "I know you've grown quite close to Commander Veles, but a princess needs a man with a good family name."

I bite my tongue. "Commander Veles and I are allies."

She playfully rolls her eyes. "Don't worry, I won't tell Eagor."

"Queen Valia, I adore your gown." Saskia steps beside me and slides her arm through mine. "Forgive my intrusion, but Queen Elowen and I have plans this evening."

Valia's smile tightens, but she proceeds with the practiced grace of someone trained to be a queen since she was a child. "Enjoy your evening, ladies."

Saskia and I step into the hall and keep our pace swift and voices low, barely audible above our gowns swishing and heels clacking on the tile.

"Did Eagor say something to Cayden about our . . . situation?" I ask. "Is he in trouble?"

She shakes her head, keeping her face close to mine. "You must understand how threatening your existence is to the rulers of Vareveth. You have a link to five dragons and a claim to the Imirath throne, and you are unwed."

Ice slides through my veins when I think of Garrick and how my very existence was punished.

"The army reveres Cayden and are completely loyal to him. He's known to be one of the best swordsmen and strategists in Ravaryn history. He's both loved and feared, infamous and a mystery. Everyone knows to never underestimate how ruthless he is. They want you to wed someone they can control. Preferably a man of Vareveth nobility who wouldn't mind being Eagor's lapdog. If Galakin comes they'll most likely play their hand at a union between you and their prince."

"The rulers of Ravaryn must not be as powerful as they hope if they plot about how to control me." The walls of the castle suddenly feel too tight around me.

"Eagor ordered Cayden to stay away from you."

That statement shouldn't faze me. It shouldn't drape a heavy cloak over my shoulders. It shouldn't make me want to see him walk down the hallway with a familiar smirk playing on his lips.

"What did Cayden say?"

I open the door to my suite to avoid Saskia's observant gaze but nearly stumble over the rug. At the center of the table sits the most gorgeous bouquet I've ever seen. A crystal vase holds various flowers in shades of green, purple, white, blue, pink, and red—the colors of my dragons. The fresh scent of spring blooms around me as I walk closer and pluck Cayden's note off the table, dragging my finger over the crossed-sword seal.

"He said Eagor couldn't order him to do that." She runs a slender finger down one of the supple petals. "And then he laughed in the king's face."