“I didn’t either until I…” His features tensed. He didn’t need to finish for me to understand. He meant until he gained Isbeth’s trust. Played the game. “But I got the impression he’d been around her for quite some time by then.”
Then he really could’ve been pulling the strings. “What else do you know about Ashwood?” I asked, shifting my focus back to Pensdurth.
Malik was silent for a moment. “There’s a lot you don’t know about the Ascended—about all of them,” he told me. “But Ashwood is one of the crueler vamprys. Life will not be easy for those living under his rule.”
While I was curious to learn what he thought I didn’t know about the Ascended, that wasn’t entirely relevant at the moment. Because what I did know meant that every mortal within Pensdurth’s Rise was in danger. “His rule of the city will be short-lived since he’s in open rebellion.”
Malik’s head cocked. “What are you going to do?”
As far as I knew, there wasn’t a sizable enclave of those who knew the truth about the Blood Crown and supported Atlantia in Pensdurth—nothing like the one in Masadonia. I couldn’t enlist their aid like I had when we wreaked havoc on the Teermans—the Duke and Duchess who’d once overseen Masadonia and the Ascended there. They’d helped me achieve my goal then, but it had cost innocent lives. Like Vikter’s. And that was on me.
Folding the letter, I thought about Reaver’s taunts regarding my duty to the realm. He hadn’t been entirely off the mark, but he also wasn’t completely correct.
“Have Kieran send a regiment to Pensdurth to give Ashwood and those there a chance to surrender peacefully.”
An eyebrow rose. “They won’t.” A faint smile appeared as he studied me. “As I’m sure you’re aware.”
“I am,” I acknowledged. “If those in Pensdurth refuse, then they are to secure the city and the safety of those within by any means necessary.”
“Sending a large enough regiment through the Blood Forest to carry out that order will be no easy feat,” he pointed out.
“No, it won’t.” A large group would draw the Craven like flies to honey. “That’s why our father will lead forces to ensure the contingent headed for Pensdurth can do so without loss. They can return once they’re through to the road to Pensdurth. After all, our father is…how did you put it? Restless.”
Malik stared at me for a moment and then let out a short laugh. “I’m sure you have no other reason for sending him.”
I kept my expression blank. “Of course not.”
“Uh-huh.”
I ignored that as something occurred to me. “Have we heard from the forces we sent to Masadonia?”
“We have not.”
Shit. That wasn’t good. “Have Kieran send some scouts. We need to know what is happening there,” I said. “I need to get back to Poppy.”
Malik remained. “Is there a reason you are asking me to give Kieran these orders instead of having me send him to you?”
I kept my expression blank. “No.”
“You sure about that?”
“Why would I waste time having you retrieve Kieran, only for me to tell him what I just told you?”
He arched a brow. “That response is far too logical.”
My gaze flicked up and then returned to him, the smallest sigh escaping me.
“Fine. I’ll find Kieran and let him know,” he said, backing up.
“Just one more thing.” I stopped him. “Did you talk to our father about our recent visitor?”
“I assume you’re talking about Attes.”
I nodded, figuring Kieran had given him the Primal’s name.
“I did.” He squinted as he brushed his hair back from his face. “It was kind of a strange conversation.”
My head tilted. “What do you mean?”
