“There was talk of moving it up to distract the masses, but that was before war became imminent. I hardly think this is the proper time for a wedding. I want to give the people something to celebrate once all the madness is over.”
“And if you die in said madness?”
Vixie gasped. Aerity did not take her eyes from King Dagur as she held her index finger up to Vixie to silence her. She knew what was going on here: Ascomanni believed Lochlanach would fall, and they wanted it for themselves in the aftermath.
“If anything happens to me, my sister will reign, and my brother after her.”
“But they are so young. Is it wise?” His show of worry made Aerity ill.
“My aunts and uncles are safely hidden away, and they willreturn to advise our ruler, however young she or he may be.”
“Do you truly believe anyone in your family is safe right now? Do you think they will not be targeted out on that island? Kalor wants Lochlanach for its own. I am offering to prevent that.” His voice had risen, and a war broke out inside her. Of course he knew about the royal island. Was there anything he didn’t know?
If her parents were here, they would absolutely have her marry Lief that very moment to secure the country. They would fold to King Dagur’s demands.
“If you are to marry my nephew in a matter of months, what does it matter?” he asked. “Be reasonable. This is not the time to dally, Your Highness.”
Seas, his words were so much like what her own father would tell her, but his voice held an arrogance that set her on edge, as if he couldn’t believe he had to deal with her. Aerity gritted her teeth. In her heart of hearts, she believed her army and navy could defend the lands against Kalor once they set all their plans into motion. Would it be pretty? No. But it would be their hard-earned victory. And after all was said and done, she would have to face all Eurona, possibly as queen. These first impressions of her reign were important.
Aerity hated making decisions. Up until now she’d had everything decided for her, like it or not. In that moment the pressure piled upon her, and she knew that what she decided now would determine how she would be treated throughout her entire reign.
She had watched her father’s will bend to others too manytimes to count in the past six months. She had thought his decisions were made for the benefit of the kingdom, and she’d admired his humility in the face of it all, but now she couldn’t help but think her father had been driven by fear, just as King Dagur was being driven by greed.
Aerity could not afford to begin her rule by allowing the coldlands to bribe her. She had to set a higher precedent.
“King Dagur,” she said steadily, “if you fight alongside me, I will marry your nephew the moment Kalor is defeated.”
His eyes narrowed and his jaw locked. This was not a man who was accustomed to hearing no. He pressed his index finger against the table. “Marry him.Today.”
“I will not.”
Queen Agnetha clucked her tongue, and Lady Hanna sucked in shocked breath. King Dagur pushed his chair back from the table and stood.
“Do not be a fool, girl! This is a sensible arrangement. We both know your father would agree.”
“I am not my father, as you can clearly see.” Aerity pushed back her own chair and stood tall. “Lochlanach is an ally of Ascomanni and will adhere to all promises. But I willnotallow my hand to be forced in a time of despair.” And shame on him for trying.
The coldlander king placed both of his fists on the table and scowled at her. “You will regret this.”
“I am not your enemy,” Aerity told him. “Please do not leave here angry.”
King Dagur gave a growl, turning with a flourish. “Ourbusiness here is done,” he said to Lief’s parents.
Queen Agnetha gave Aerity a disbelieving stare before following her husband. Aerity stood her ground, careful not to return any of their furious looks.
Next was Lady Hanna, who raised her chin. “You dishonor my son.”
“I will honor him, my lady, in due time,” Aerity promised. But Lief’s mother humphed, leaving the room. Lord Daan Alvi took his time standing, his entire being like a keg of gunpowder, prepared to blow at any moment. His glare was deadly, making Aerity’s heart hammer, but he never said a word. Just moved like he owned the place, shrugging his heavy furs over his expanded shoulders.
“See them out and leave us,” Aerity said to her guards.
After the four Ascomannian royals left the dining room, followed by the clomp of guard boots, Aerity stared down at the table, feeling as if icy water had been poured over her head. She began to shake.
What had she done? Her actions had probably made an enemy of a viable ally.What have I done?She planted her palms against the tabletop and breathed. She felt Vixie rubbing her back but could hear nothing over the rush of thoughts pummeling her mind.
Fool.
Your pride just lost you this war.
