“And what if it’s not?” Barrett snapped. He winced, casting her an apologetic glance. “Sorry.” She waved off the apology, and Barrett went on, “What if this is all for nothing, though?”
“What if it is?” I asked. Dax sliced me a warning glare. “What if these people present an opponent to your throne? You’re the last of your line, so it would be difficult, but imagine for a moment they found someone willing and able to challenge you? What would that mean?”
Barrett scoffed. “I’m not narcissistic enough to think I’m the best person to be king. Simply the best option right now. If there was someone out there who I genuinely thought wanted to lead the Engrossians from a place a goodness, with the training and mind for it, I’d gladly abdicate.” He shook his head. “But there’s not. Not that we know of, at least.”
“Even if that person came about,” I said, “even if you lost your damn throne through an uprising, you changed the tide of the war when you joined us. Some of your people may not like that choice, but every other clan will remember it for history.” I passed the letter back to his capable hands. “I believe you’re going to reclaim that throne rightfully, but even if you didn’t, what you’ve done wouldn’t be for nothing.”
With one hand resting on his stomach, Dax placed the other on Barrett’s shoulder. “Malakai’s right.”
Frustration rippled off the prince’s frame. He leaned forward bracing his elbows on his knees. “There’s something going on, though. I can feel it.”
“What do you mean? Did Elvek’s recent letters say more?” I asked.
Dax swiveled to face me, again wincing, and watched intently as his prince said, “Nothing of notable concern.” Barrett dragged a ringed hand through his dark hair. “I was certain that, with me gone, Celissia’s father would make strides toward his own agenda.”
My brow furrowed. “Then why leave him in reach of the crown?”
“Because I wanted to see what those efforts would be.” I was silent, not quite following that strategy, so Barrett continued, “I thought that while Nassik did not support my initial plans for reclaiming my position and moving our clan forward, he would fold once his daughter and I were promised. And he has, on the surface. But I expected he would still be working to fortify the territory against ourenemiesas he fears you all might be. That he would be rebuilding the armies and ensuring our defenses, nurturing that innate refusal of me being king. And I wanted to catch him in the act.”
“But he hasn’t done any of that?” I asked as a warm breeze coasted between the branches.
“Not a thing to push back against any of the initiatives Elvek and Pelvira have instituted.”
“Which are?”
“They’ve opened the doors,” Dax said.
Barrett elaborated, “The palace is flooded with staff again. There’s life being breathed back into our home.” He clasped his hands between his knees and—dammit, pride glinted in his green eyes.
“It’s truly marvelous to see,” Celissia said, practically radiating. “Or so a friend wrote to me. She said there hasn’t been this much warmth and levity in Banix in years. It sounded hopeful. Restorative.”
“The people are happy, then,” I commented. “Aside from those Rebel uncovered.”
Barrett glowed at the words. “Those employed by the palace are elated, and the nearby districts in Banix are already benefitting from the available work.”
“What risk could Nassik possibly see with this plan, then? The majority of the people are happy, his daughter will be queen as far as he knows, and even though the palace staff is back,you’re not there, so there can’t be a threat to the crown. Maybe Nassik realized that, and that’s why he’s been silent?”
The prince flopped back in the sand, reaching up to pick at a loose piece of bark on the nearest cypher.
“Nassik was on my mother’s council for decades before I was even born.” Barrett sighed. “Sometimes, I think he’s the one who kept her in line.”
“What do you mean?”
“He has a certain”—Barrett’s head tilted, contemplating his next words—“audacity to him. He’s not afraid to speak his mind.”
“Regardless of the opponent,” Dax added gruffly. Celissia’s agreeing laughter bounced across the dunes.
“So I’ve seen,” I said. “You think that makes him irredeemable, then?”
“It makes him a confusing adversary, because I can’t figure out his motives. He was against my mother at times, but now he’s against me, too?” Barrett shook his head. “It doesn’t make sense. I fear he’s planning something…bigger. And biding his time, allowing us to get comfortable.”
Celissia dragged her hands through the sand. “He has a lot of secrets.”
“So don’t get comfortable,” I said simply. “You orchestrated this tour, remember?Youstill have control here, Barrett. You and Celissia have met with leaders of multiple cities since leaving Valyn—won them over. They’ll back your claim for the throne if it means the Engrossians won’t be a threat.”
It was clear from Barrett’s silent fidgeting that he agreed, though reluctantly. He didn’twantthis tour—this facade. Barrett wanted the man he loved to wear the crown beside him in full truth. To take the Engrossian vows with Dax, his general and king consort.
And every day he spent indulging this bluff was driving him closer to snapping. Celissia gave me a grim nod that said she understood and only wanted her friend to be happy. Barrett had been raised with the games of royals, and while his heart was staked on his clan, his spirit was not in the manipulation.
