“Near ten thousand strong,” Rohn says. “Mostly foot soldiers, but at least a thousand cavalry.”
Far more than I would have expected her to commit to a single strike. She must be desperate to throw so much strength behind this attack.
Aleksander snorts. “Let them come. We’ll drown their troops in rivers of blood.”
Hector leans back in his chair. “I will position my men in a valley west of the city. When Asha makes a move to attack, my forces will sweep in from their rear—boxing her army between your city’s defenses and my own.” He taps a spot on the map splayed across the table. “We will crush them between us.”
I nod in agreement, knowing Hector’s plan is solid.
Asha will not take this city from me. Nor will she take her sister.
I address Rohn. “Get some rest, then return to watching their progress. I want to know the instant they are within striking distance.”
He bows. “At once, My Lord.”
As Rohn departs, I turn my attention back to the map. There is much planning to be done if we are to be ready.
* * *
After hours with my brothers,Hector, and Cenric, I step into my bedchamber, needing a reprieve.
Annora turns from where she stands near the window, her face a canvas of concern. “Is everything all right?”
I shake my head, knowing nothing is as I had promised her it would be. “No. Asha’s army was spotted a day’s ride from here.”
Annora’s hand flies to her mouth, her eyes widening in shock. She takes a staggering step back and leans against the stone wall for support.
“I’m sorry.” My apology isn’t enough, I know that, but I don’t know what else to say to her. Not when I’m preparing to defend Sharhavva from an invasion led by her sister. So many will die in the coming battle. Probably men Annora knows.
“Let me speak to Asha,” Annora says, surprising me with her sudden boldness.
No. Absolutely not.
“I cannot allow that. It’s far too perilous.”
Determination smolders in her eyes as she lifts her chin. “I’m not a helpless child, Jasce. Besides, Asha would never let anyone hurt me.”
Frustrated, I rake a hand through my hair. She doesn’t understand the danger. “Someone just tried to kill you, Annora. I cannot, in good conscience, let you walk into the enemy’s camp. Not when there are rebels hiding among them who would gladly see you dead.”
“Then, I will take one of your brothers with me as protection.”
Every part of me wants to refuse, to lock Annora away so nothing can harm her. As much as the thought tempts me, I know it would only drive her further into defiance.
“Either you can give me your blessing and send your brother with me, or I will go when you’re not looking.” She lifts her chin even higher, resolve burning in her dark blue eyes. “I must go. For us. For our houses. For our people. They cannot endure more suffering. I won’t allow it.”
Her words strike deep, kindling a spark of hope within me. Our people, she said, not my people or your people, but ours.
I clinch my hand into a fist, steeling myself as I give a curt nod. “Take Jude. He’s the only one with an even temper.”
“Oh, Jasce.” Annora hurries across the room and throws her arm around me. “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”
She rises to her tiptoes, framing my face in her hands, then presses her lips to mine. As quickly as it began, she pulls away, leaving me momentarily stunned.
“I won’t disappoint you,” she says as she hurries to the armoire, throws it wide and pulls out a cloak. “I promise you that.”
“You have never disappointed me, Annora.”
She turns at that and stares at me, the determination returning to her eyes. “And I intend to keep it that way. Trust me, Jasce. I can do this. For our future, for peace between our houses—I need to do this.” With purpose in her step, she fastens the cloak and meets my gaze directly. “I’ll be careful. And I’ll be back before you know it.”
