Wait,theWatchers of the Dawn? The mercenary force renowned for their lethal reputation?
They don’t just fight. They destroy their enemies before their enemies even understand the danger.
One of the men steps forward and bows—first to Asha, then to me. He’s taller than the others, with broad shoulders and thick biceps. A shock of gray hair peeks out from beneath his helm.
“This is Brathen. He is the general of the Watchers,” Asha says as she looks at me. “And this is my younger sister, Lady Annora.”
“It is an honor to meet you, Lady Annora,” he says in a deep, raspy voice.
I force a smile and nod. “General.”
He studies me for a beat before stepping back into line with the others.
Asha leans forward and rest her elbows on the arms of the throne. “The Watchers have pledged to protect House of Silver and our interests.”
Ourinterests? Orherinterests?
My mind races back to what Jasce said last night—how he is fortifying his cities in preparation for more war.
My chest tightens as I imagine the devastation that more war will bring. The fields will run red with blood. Houses will burn. Children will starve. Families will be torn apart.
How many more people will die before this ends? And for what? Power? Pride? Vengeance?
There has to be another way.
But what way?
What can I do against the ancient grudges and festering hatred that have driven our houses apart for generations?
It takes everything in me to not grab Asha by her shoulders and beg her to stop this vendetta against House of Crimson.
“With the Watchers at our side, House of Silver will finally reclaim its rightful place,” Asha says, her voice ringing through the throne room.
“And where exactly is our rightful place?” I ask.
Her sharp eyes lock on me. “At the forefront. No longer in the shadows cast by House of Crimson.”
“By waging war? By spilling more blood?” My voice trembles as I press on. “Haven’t we lost enough?”
Aleksander laughs, the sound grating against my nerves. “Ever the gentle soul, Annora. Some things require a firmer hand.”
I ignore him and focus on Asha. “This path leads only to more pain for all of us.”
A muscle twitches in her jaw. “You don’t understand the sacrifices that must be made.”
“Then, help me understand,” I plead. “Help me see why more lives must be destroyed.”
“It’s for the greater good.”
“Whose greater good? Yours? Aleksander’s?”
Aleksander shifts his false gold from hand to hand as he speaks. “Careful, Annora. Your words tread on dangerous ground.”
I scowl at him. “Truth often does.”
Asha raises her hand. “Enough. This isn’t the time for bickering.”
The leader of the Watchers clears his throat, drawing our attention back to him. “Lady Asha, we await your command.”
