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There was nothing ominous about her words, but Ber refused to relax his guard. Not until he could be certain about her reasons for calling them here. He remained firmly at Tes’s side as she advanced toward the group. When she paused just outside the ring and gave a sharp nod, he halted with her.

“Rise and be at ease,” Tes said.

Though they straightened, no one sat as they had been doing before. Only the cook went back to his previous task—making soup, based on the smell. But while the other soldiers stood gawking, Selesta circled the fire until she faced Tes. Ber scowledat the warriors for their temerity, causing all but a couple of the bravest to find new things to look at.

The duchess curtsied again. “Let me begin with this. I swear my loyalty to the true ruler of Centoi, Queen Etessa, and to the queen’s consort, King Consort Ber. The House of Aony will follow where you lead.”

Energy surged around them, and the amulet around Selesta’s neck flashed white for a single heartbeat. It was a familiar resonance, though Ber hadn’t been able to cast the magic himself before gaining power from Toren. An oathing spell. She was serious—and if he had to guess, that amulet was connected to House Aony.

“We accept your oath,” Tes said after a brief pause, correctly assuming Ber would have protested if he’d wished. “The loyalty of Aony will be remembered.”

By history, whether things went their way or not. But only if he made it known. “I will notify my brother of your promise,” Ber said. “He will appreciate verification of the message you sent when summoning us. Have all your people been notified to stand down to the Llyalian armies?”

Selesta nodded. “It isn’t likely to be a problem with our lands so far north, but yes.”

That notice was undoubtedly a good thing, but it increased the risk, too. There would inevitably be those who disagreed with the duchess, so word could reach the king of her betrayal at any time, if it hadn’t already. It wouldn’t be a stretch for her invasion plan to be discovered in much the same way. They dared not tarry long here.

As Selesta led them to the largest log arranged around the fire, Ber sent a quick message to Toren.“We’ve reached Wenalk Forest with only a minor incident.”

“How minor?”Toren asked sharply.

“A guard attempted to question us and nearly died for his methods,”Ber replied.“A Captain Eledae stepped in. The captain recognized us, but he claimed allegiance to Tes due to Ryenil’s negligence. If things go poorly enough for your armies to reach this area, Eledae is a possible ally.”

“And the duchess?”

Ber’s gaze slid to Selesta where she sat speaking earnestly to Tes.“She swore her allegiance under spell oath. That’s as close to trustworthy as we’ll get.”

“So it is.”Toren sent a quick thread of energy.“Able to receive?”

He hid a smile.“Yes. The distance is still acceptable.”

“Stay safe,”his brother sent before ending their mental link.

The cook ladled food into a bowl and held it toward him. “Would you like some soup, Your Majesty?”

Ber blinked, his full focus returning to the clearing. “Yes, thank you.”

Though subtle about it, he and Tes both cast a quick detection spell before digging into the offered food. It was only a passable stew, but after hours of walking with only bread to share between them, they ate with an intensity that earned more than one bemused stare. He didn’t care. He’d been on enough field missions to know that when warm food was available, you ate it.

“So,” Lady Selesta said as the bowls were being collected. “You said that you’re in agreement with my plan. Are you prepared to storm the castle as soon as possible?”

“I would say we must.” Tes sighed. “My father has surely heard about your army gathering at the base of the valley. It will take them, what, a day to reach the palace? Even if you haven’t had any information leaks, he must know.”

The lady’s grin held a satisfied edge. “He does know. I sent a missive that I was returning with an honor guard anda contingent to search the countryside for my brother while I discuss marriage. Ryenil will believe that I was overwhelmed by his proposal but have decided to accept it, because his pride will not allow him to believe otherwise.”

“You must be bringing enough troops to do far more than those two tasks,” Ber said.

“Of course.” Selesta shrugged. “I mentioned my fear over my brother’s unexpected absence. Then, I played the fool. How could I, a simple maiden, understand how many soldiers to include? Your father will make his assumptions, and then he’ll receive what he deserves.”

His wife laughed, a deep sound that filled the clearing with her surprising burst of humor. “I like you, Lady Selesta.”

“I suspected you might appreciate that sentiment.” A small smile curved the duchess’s lips, but only for a moment. “Though I do hope you’re ready to take advantage of it.”

Tes nodded. “We can leave for the palace in the morning.”

“I’ve ensured that we’ll have two extra horses. With the two of you leading the charge, my army will be energized. I believe we’ll succeed,” Selesta said.

Ber’s fingers clenched against the rough bark beneath him, and Tes grew still beside him.We have to tell her.It wouldn’t be fair to withhold the information, no matter how much they wanted to. They needed to bring the various plans into alignment, and that took honesty.