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A few weeks ago, Wren would have done anything for the rebellion’s approval. For Vienne’s trust. Now it all felt hollow.

She moved to the fireplace and took a seat in one of the simple wooden chairs. Bram sat opposite her, scowling, though there was something about the way he glanced at her that suggested he no longer despised her.

Her lips thinned as she pinpointed what it was.

Pity.

Wren clenched her teeth and looked at the low burning fire. She didn’t want his pity. She didn’t want anything from them.

“She can’t be here,” Rowen commented, his voice a balm and a nightmare, murmurs of agreement following by the others Wren didn’t know. “The princess is too emotional right now. It would be better if—”

“Don’t you dare speak like I’m not here in this room.” Her tone was dark, broken, and threaded with steel. “I’ll be privy to all that you plan or I won’t help you.” She finally looked at her long-lost love and glared at him. She refused to be cowed by anyone. Not anymore. “I know you need me—more than I need you. So speak or I walk.”

Out of the corner of her eye she saw a glimmer of approval light Bram’s expression.

What was his problem? He hated how outspoken she was. Plus, he’d been treating her like a pariah since Wren had revealed her chance meeting with the prince. What had changed? It was odd.

Part of her brain guessed it might be due to the fact she and Leif freed Lord Idril’s slaves. Leif had told Wren that Bram hadn’t wanted to work with him.

Perhaps he knew there was no way Leif could free the slaves on his own. And if the original goal of the rebellion—releasing people from their Verlantian bondage—is more important to Bram than following Vienne, then maybe…

Maybe Wren could convince him to side with her.

Arrik had spoken truly when he said Wren needed friends. Now she had Leif, Josenu, Trove, Gunn, and Arrik himself. With such an accomplished spy as Bram working with her, they could rattle the kingdom of Verlanti.

Don’t get ahead of yourself. Focus on the here and now. The attack on the port.

“I’m happy with her staying,” Ever piped up from the small bed. She smiled and glanced around the room. “She has proven herself over and over again. I trust the princess. She deserves to be here as much as any of us.”

Wren shared a look of gratitude with the older woman. Perhaps she’d made a friend of Ever too.

“She stays or I leave with her.” Ever’s voice was resolute and it shook Wren to the core. Shehadmade a friend.

“All in favor?” Vienne said.

A series of ayes were spoken around the room, including Bram.What the devil?

“Nay,” Rowen interjected.

Wren flinched but stared up at her aunt, determined not to let him bother her.

Vienne clasped her hands behind her back. “The majority rules. The princess stays.” She gave Wren a severe look. “Are you with us?”

“I am. I want peace for everyone.” A lie with a truth.

Her aunt nodded and then looked to Ever. “Share the plan.”

The rebellion’s plan was simple but clever.

The attack on the capital port was to happen on the day of Cathal’s public funeral which would be held in two weeks. She had to admit that a funeral would be the perfect distraction that would allow the attack to happen.

And that will in turn be the distraction the prince needs to deal with the king.

The plan was to return to Lord Idril’s castle for a week and then head to the capital in four groups on different days. With Vadon’s alliance, they had an escape route on a nearby vessel. It made Wren sick to think about the southern kingdom’s involvement.

It hurt even more to know Rowen was part of it all.

The meeting wrapped up quickly as it was not safe for any one person to have all the details. Wren made note of the people she hadn’t met before, and stowed their faces and names in the back of her mind.