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“No. A much older Primal god,” I said, quickly explaining that it was a Primal who’d abdicated his crown and Court upon going into stasis.

Sven knew what the Courts meant. Half the chamber did not. As I explained it, I noticed how Casteel watched his father. Valyn stared straight ahead, his hand closing and loosening around the paperweight. I opened my senses. He had his shields up, probably because of my presence since he didn’t know that Kieran or Cas could also read emotions now, but there were cracks in it. That surprised me. He was as hard as Casteel to pick up emotion from, but he was exhausted, and his mind was likely on many things.

What I picked up from him wasn’t exactly unease. Uncertainty, maybe? There was something under it, though. The nutty flavor of resolve or acceptance.

Valyn’s gaze met mine, and I could tell he realized I knew. I thought back to how Seraphena had suggested Casteel speak to his father about how she had interfered in the War of Two Kings. But did that mean Seraphena knew who Valyn was?Whathe was? How could she not?

“And when is this Primal god coming?” Gayla asked.

“Soon,” I said. “But that was all we were told.” I cleared my throat. “The Queen of the Gods also shared that she, and by extension Iliseeum, would give aid. There will only be so much they can do given the effect the Primal gods tied to Courts have on the mortal realm while in it, but we are not standing against Kolis alone.”

There were several nods from around the table, but I could easily sense the building unease.

“We need to decide what our next course of action should be,” Lizeth said, drawing my attention.

“I spoke with the King earlier regarding a public address,” Hisa stated from where she sat beside the female wolven. “After speaking with Sven and some of our commanders, I believe we can do that tomorrow.”

“I feel it’s important to assure the people that we will do everything we can to keep them safe and that they hear it from us,” I said when several pairs of eyes landed on me. “Especially after the attack on Lowertown. But regarding Kolis?” I glanced at Valyn. “Was there any indication what kind of shape Kolis is in?”

“No.” Valyn sighed.

I let out a frustrated breath. “And how long ago did Varus give you his message?”

The skin at the corners of Valyn’s eyes crinkled. “Close to two days ago.”

My gaze met Casteel’s as I opened thenotamto him and Kieran.We’re not going to learn what kind of condition Kolis is in without going there ourselves.

Agreed, Kieran communicated.We need to decide whether we wait to see what Kolis’s next move is or make one ourselves.

My gaze swept over Lizeth and Hisa, and I thought about what I’d overheard them say to each other before. Be careful, but be brave.

Hopefully, Attes arrives soon,I told them.But I don’t think we should wait long and let Kolis make another move. He attacked us twice already.

Nor do I, Casteel replied, his gaze lifting and sweeping over the generals. “We need to prepare for battle.”

We decided to send scouts to watch the road for any movement. Ships would also be sent north toward the Bay of Bones, which lay between the ports of Pensdurth and Carsodonia.

And both were decided with the knowledge that Kolis and those two hundred and some gods wouldn’t need horses or ships to reach the capital.

Siege plans were discussed before things cycled back to the public address. Murin brought up his concerns regarding possibly inciting panic, and I honestly had no idea how either conversation ended. My thoughts were consumed by the fact that we could hear from Kolis at any moment. I hadn’t even realized people were standing to leave until Casteel touched my arm.

Blinking, I looked over at him. He didn’t say anything, but his gaze was heavy with concern. I quickly scanned the chamber, spying Valyn by the door. Pushing thoughts of Kolis aside for the moment, I glanced around the chamber, no longer seeing Malik.

Damn it.

“We need to speak to your father,” I announced. “Now.”

Casteel’s brows drew together, but he didn’t question me as I shoved back from the table and stood. Reaching out through thenotam, I asked Kieran to follow.

Hurrying from the table, I hated not lingering to speak with Vonetta since it felt like a small eternity since I’d spoken with her, but this couldn’t be delayed.

When I crossed the chamber and stepped out into the hall, Valyn was no longer at the doorway. I saw him standing several doors down with his back to me.

Delano and Naill moved to follow us, but I motioned for them to stay back, even though I knew Kieran trailed behind us. Valyn’s shoulders squared as I approached. “We need to talk,” I said, my voice low.

“I know.” He thrust a hand through his hair. “Somewhere private.”

I glanced around, seeing one of the halls that led toward the Queen’s Garden. My lip curled, but it would work. “Follow me.”