The War of Two Queens (Blood and Ash 4)

A muscle flexed along Murin’s jaw. “What were your demands?”

“They were quite simple. Only five,” I stated. “Denounce the Blood Crown and all that involves the Rite. They were to agree to no longer feed from the unwilling and order all Ascended and guards—mortal and vampry alike—who answer to them, to stand down. Finally, they had to agree to forfeit their positions of authority over mortals and cede them to Atlantian rule.” Temporary Atlantian rule, but I left that part out. I didn’t think we had any business ruling over mortals, but that was something I needed to discuss with Casteel.

“And how did they respond to the demands?” Murin demanded.

I glanced at Kieran, who pulled the missive from the breast pocket of his tunic. He handed it over. I unfolded the parchment, the one-sentence reply clearly visible.

We agree to nothing.

“Of course.” Murin sneered.

“Their response was disappointing but not unexpected.” I glanced down at the slip of paper, calling forth the Primal essence. Just an ember of energy sparked from the tips of my fingers and swept over the parchment. Within a heartbeat, ash fell to the ground. Knowing I was showing off, I lifted my gaze to the generals. Many stared at the dusting of ash, their eyes wide. “Was it, Kieran?”

“No,” he confirmed. “That is why a few stayed behind after Emil delivered the missive. They watched, speaking with mortal business owners and those who displayed tendencies of a Descenter. They spoke to as many mortals as possible, warning them that if the Ravarels didn’t accept our demands, we would take the city come tomorrow.”

Another wave of disbelief screamed from the generals as Aylard muttered, “I didn’t agree to any of this, by the way.”

I really disliked that man.

Valyn’s features had locked down. “I’m not sure if that was a wise move.” He looked at Hisa. “You agreed with that?”

“I did.” Hisa nodded. “It gives the people a chance to leave the city before they get caught between our forces.”

“But”—Gayla stressed the word—“they now know we’re coming.”

“They’ve known that for quite some time,” I replied.

Sven scratched at his beard as he drifted away from the generals, nearing the other table that had a rough map of the city drawn up. “The Royals would’ve already started preparing for an invasion the moment our Queen relieved them of a King.”

“Except now they know exactly when we will take their city,” Murin reasoned.

“It is a risk,” I agreed. “One that we decided was worth it.”

“That map?” Lizeth followed Sven, glancing at Hisa as she gestured at the drawing. “This is your work?”

A brief grin appeared. “It is.”

“Knew it,” the wolven general murmured.

“So, let’s say your plan works. The people flee the city, leaving it somewhat open to us.” Valyn joined the others at the map. “Where would the Ascended be found?”

“Anytime the Ascended were under threat in Masadonia or in the capital, they retreated to the Royal Seat, where they would be protected by the interior Rise.” I walked over to them, Delano at my side and flanked by Kieran and Vonetta. “I imagine many, if not all, will be in Castle Redrock when we take the city during the day.”

“When they will be at their weakest.” Murin nodded, having finally made his way over.

“Any Ascended who attacks should be killed,” Hisa continued on to another part of the plan that would also likely not sit well. “Any who stand down and do not fight should be captured and left unharmed.”

“They will need to be spoken to, and it will need to be determined if they can be trusted to abide by the demands,” I said. “Not all Ascended are bloodthirsty monsters. I know this. My brother wasn’t.”

Murin looked up, his brows lifting. “And what of our King? Would he agree with that? With any of this?”

My fingers curled inward, digging into my palms. “If you have to ask that question, then you do not know your King at all.” I held his stare until he looked away. And I held myself still until I was confident that I wouldn’t do something rash and very unbecoming of a Queen.

Like stab him in the face.

Murin’s jaw worked. “Are there any more unexpected guidelines?”

“There are.” I smiled at him, enjoying the little prick of acidic anger that came from the Lord. “If possible, no homes or buildings should be damaged. The people who flee will need places to return to. And the outer Rise? It must remain intact. It protects the people from the Craven.” Guilt slithered like snakes in my veins. Wasn’t I a hypocrite to stand here and speak of the importance of the Rise when I had nearly taken down an entire section of the very structure in a fit of rage? I exhaled slowly. “They will need that protection once we are finished. We’ll take down the gate. That will be enough.”