The War of Two Queens (Blood and Ash 4)

I looked at those gathered, realizing I needed to do as Cas had taught me. “You may rise.”

“In case of what?” Valyn asked quietly, the first to get to his feet.

I met his stare as pressure landed on my shoulders. “In case our intentions have to change.”

Gayla’s focus sharpened on me, and there seemed to be some sort of understanding there. As if she knew that I recognized that this was the best-case scenario.

That I knew all of this could go south and there could be untold losses of life on both sides. But I, with their help, would do everything to prevent that from happening.

The tension slowly eased from the room as we discussed how we planned to take Oak Ambler and then how we believed the Blood Queen had discovered a way to harness Primal energy. But when Valyn turned to me, I knew it would only be a short reprieve. “What will happen after we take Oak Ambler?”

“We might as well all get back on our knees,” Emil said with a sigh. “Because you’re not going to like this either, and then she’s going to go full god on us again.”

Vonetta shot him a narrowed-eye glare.

“I would like to go on record now,” Hisa spoke, and I sent her a look identical to the one Emil had received from Vonetta. Undaunted, Hisa lifted her chin. “This is a new part of the plan that I don’t agree with.”

“We will have to confront the Blood Crown on many different fronts,” I said. “Atlantia will need to hold Oak Ambler while a sizable force travels westward, securing the cities between here and Carsodonia.”

“Sounds good.” Valyn hadn’t taken his eyes off me. “But what are your plans?”

There had been some uncertainty about sharing what I planned, especially since we couldn’t be sure we didn’t have a traitor in our midst. But according to both Kieran and Hisa, for them to accept Vonetta as Crown Regent, I needed to officially announce the appointment. A proclamation that would inevitably lead to questions.

The information had to be shared. “Once Oak Ambler is secured, I will leave for Carsodonia with a small group. But I’m not going there for the Blood Queen or to take the capital. I’m going for our King. I’m bringing him back with me.”

Aylard stiffened. “I didn’t know this.”

“No one is remotely surprised to hear that,” Murin snapped.

“I cannot agree to this,” Valyn said. “You are the Queen, but—”

“You will not be without leadership. Vonetta will be assuming the role of Crown Regent, acting on my behalf,” I announced, much to the surprise and even displeasure of a few of the generals. “Her word will be obeyed as mine would.”

“I don’t give a damn about leadership right now. It’s you that I’m concerned about,” Valyn said, and my head jerked toward him. “You are the Queen, but you are also my daughter-in-law.”

Surprise rose, momentarily leaving me speechless. “And it is your son who’s being held captive in Carsodonia.”

“Haven’t forgotten that.” Valyn moved closer. “Think about that every waking moment because both of my sons are there.”

My heart twisted. “Then you, more than anyone, shouldn’t want to stop me. The longer she has him, and the more cities we take, the more he’s in danger.” More than I already endangered him. “I cannot risk that.”

“I, more than anyone, understand why you feel the need to do this. The gods know I want my sons here. I want them both safe and healthy. But not a single member of my family has ever entered Carsodonia and returned as they were when they left—if they returned at all.” Valyn’s stare met mine. “I will not have that happen to you.”

My family.

Valyn considered me part of his family. My throat constricted as a wealth of emotion threatened to rise unchecked. I tamped it down. I had to.

“She will not be alone,” Kieran spoke quietly. “I, nor any of us, will allow anything to happen to her. Neither will she.”

Valyn’s amber eyes flared as he looked at Kieran. “You not only support this but plan to go with her? As the advisor? I would’ve expected different from you.”

“My support of this has little to do with being Advisor to the Crown,” Kieran stated. “Unlike last time Cas was taken, I will not stand by. And I will not try to stop her and fail, only to have her go off by herself. No way either of those things are happening. And maybe that makes me a poor choice as advisor. I don’t know. And I don’t care.”

I blinked away the burn in my eyes and cleared my throat. “I know what kind of risk this is, but I’m willing to take it. I can’t wait until we cross Solis.” I pressed a hand to my chest, feeling the ring under my tunic. “He cannot wait for that.”