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'We have nothing to hide,' said Cal. He dropped into one of the comfortable seats by the fire. 'Come … sit.'

Fyia sat, and the puppies appeared through the door at the back of the hall. She scooped one up into her lap, where it promptly curled up and went to sleep. Cal watched her, something lurching in her chest when she met his predatory gaze.

'What do you want to know?' he said, his voice hard like iron.

'Why is your relationship with the Queen Mother so strained?' she asked, not breaking eye contact.

'Because she did not support my bid for the throne when my father died.'

'Why?'

Cal raised an eyebrow. 'There was another she considered more suited for the role.'

'Who?'

'Seriously?' said Zhura. She gave Fyia an incredulous look, then turned her ire on Cal. 'You're going to let her pepper you with questions, and expect nothing in return?'

Fyia smiled. If she were to unite their kingdoms, open dialogue was essential. This was good. 'I will happily reciprocate,' she said. 'Ask me whatever you wish.'

'Why did you overthrow your brother?' said Zhura, sitting on the arm of Cal's chair.

Cal frowned, although Fyia wasn't sure why.

Fyia went still; rumors about her brother were the ones she hated most. She stroked the puppy's fluffy fur, the motion calming. 'I didn't. My brother had a … difficult relationship with his magic. He had no desire to lead our kingdom … had no desire to evenbein our kingdom. He wanted to abdicate. He asked me if I would mind taking on the role.'

Zhura raised her eyebrows. Apparently she found the truth farfetched. 'Why did he go to the Fae'ch?' she asked, leaning forward. 'Why did they accept him?'

'He wanted to be among the magical,' said Fyia. 'As to why they accepted him, you'll have to ask him, for although I could guess, I do not know.'

'How did you do it?' said Cal, scooping up a puppy of his own. 'Take all five kingdoms?'

Fyia shook her head and donned a censoring expression. 'Your turn first.' Cal shrugged, so she continued. 'What would it take to unite our nations?'

'Other than marriage?' Zhura said lightly.

Fyia ignored Zhura, her eyes fixed on Cal, who was watching her once more. Fyia assessed him with fresh eyes, and as far as marriage prospects went, he was certainly the best she'd had. Handsome, in his prime, magical, a king clearly respected by his people. And the Black Hoods were reclusive, but they were a wealthy nation, feared and esteemed by all the lands. Not to mention, they could help form a union with the Fae'ch … no small benefit.

'Many things,' Cal said at last, 'but mostly, I would need proof you care less about conquering nations than doing what is right for your people.'

'Everything I've done is for my people,' said Fyia.

'Then why are you here with us, trying to expand the reach of your empire, when your homelands are in turmoil?' said Zhura.

'Because I wish to bring back the dragons,' said Fyia, 'for their good—even if they can't see that yet—for the good of all. That has been my aim from the beginning … my calling. I have no desire to sit on a throne and live out my days in boredom, playing politics. There are others far more skilled at that than I.'

'Like your aunt?' said Zhura.

'To name but one,' said Fyia, unsure exactly what Zhura was implying. 'That's it? To form an alliance with the Black Hoods, I must prove I care about my people?'

Cal held her gaze for a moment, absently stroking the puppy in his lap. 'How did you do it?'

Fyia glanced at Edu, who still sat on the uncomfortable wooden chair, Aaron leaning against the wall not far behind him.

'I could never have done it alone,' she said. 'Overthrowing my parents was easy—they were not good to their people—but after that, things became more complex. I won't bore you with a detailed account, but I relied heavily on my general—Sensis—and on my Cruaxee, but that has come with a cost.

'My people are wary of magic. As you know, until recently, it was outlawed in our lands. There are also those who do not appreciate being ruled by a woman.'

Zhura's expression softened a little.