Page 15

CHAPTER 15

TRISTAN

When we get to the basement of the castle, I can finally take a deep breath and partially relax. Here, I feel safe. Can’t say it’s as if nothing can touch me here, but underground and with the stone walls around us, I’m able to get my mind right and try to form a plan for what’s going to get us out of this mess.

There’s a seat at the head of a long conference table. It’s mine, and I’m expected to take it. But first, I have to make sure Amelia is okay. I hold up a hand, gesturing for them to give me a minute.

My eyes meet Amelia’s from across the room, and I head over to her, holding my arms out. She collapses into them, holding on to me tightly. “I love you,” I whisper. “We’re going to figure this out.”

“I love you too.” She runs her fingers through my hair.

Pressing our foreheads together, I inhale her scent and allow it to calm me down. “Wait for me.”

“Always.”

This is the first time I’ve sat in front of the members of my cabinet like this. We haven’t had a chance to get together and speak about situations at length. It’s what I would have chosen to do if given the option. Instead, we don’t have an option, and we’ve been forced to answer. Walking to the front of the table, I bend down, pressing my hands against the polished surface. I take a moment to look every member in the eye and give them a firm nod. When I speak, I make sure my voice doesn’t shake. “As you all know, we were attacked a few minutes ago. We’re still gathering information, and I will address the nation as soon as possible. Is everyone safe down here? Have any of you been injured?”

There are murmurs that go up along the room. Everyone seems to be checking in with each other.

When I’m satisfied that everyone around us is okay, I continue. “We won’t sit back and not answer this. We may be a small nation, but we are strong. I plan to fight right alongside our forces.” Raised voices go up around us. “If I’m going to ask the people of this country to fight for our future, then I’m going to do it as well. I’ll be meeting with General Robinson after I leave here. By the end of the night, I will address Haldonia. But first, we need to take a vote. Are we all in agreement that Haldonia will answer this declaration of war, in kind?”

The vote goes through, and it’s verified we’ll answer the declaration of war. When we finish with the vote, I meet with some advisers as I craft what I’m about to say to the people of Haldonia. Over in the corner, Amelia and Shannon are standing there, trying to stay out of the way, but paying attention to what’s happening.

When I can finally get away for a few moments, I walk over to my wife and take her in my arms. “I’m sorry I’ve had to leave you.”

“It’s okay.” She leans her head against my chest. “You’re about to tell me you’re going to go, aren’t you?”

“I am. This is my country, my duty, and I’m not going to sit by and let Crona fuck us over. We did absolutely nothing to them. This was an act of war. There’s no other way to define it. They want our natural resources, and I’m not giving them up.”

She hooks her arms around my waist. “I don’t want you to, but I do want you to be careful. They’ll come gunning for you because you’re the king. I’m worried they won’t be able to keep you safe.”

I’m worried about that too, but I can’t say it to Amelia. If I do, she’ll worry, and it’s important she stays strong for both of us. I’ll need her strength to draw on once I’m in the field. “I’ll have the best security out there. The entire army will be behind me, Lia.”

“I know. Just promise me.”

Dropping a kiss to her forehead, I whisper. “I promise.”

My hands are shaking, and my palms are sweaty as I sit at the end of the table, waiting to speak to the people of Haldonia. I’ve never had such an important address to make. Waiting for them to tell me that I’m live on the air is like waiting for another bomb to drop. There’s a loud ticking in my ears, and I’m afraid I’m going to pass out. Just as I’m about to ask them how much longer I need to wait, Shannon is motioning for me to go. I clear my throat and look dead ahead at the camera.

“People of Haldonia, I’m coming to you from a safe and undisclosed location. I’m here to assure you that we will answer Crona in kind. War has been declared, and we will be fighting it with the best forces in this part of the world. They will not defeat us. It will take sacrifice for all of us, including my family. Many of you will be saying goodbye to members of your family as they go to fight this battle.”

My gaze moves to where Amelia is standing over to the side, regal as the queen she is. I’m fighting not just for this country, but for her and our future. She offers me a small smile.

“We will count on those of you who stay on the home front for support and encouragement. It will be a focal point of our campaign. Our first and foremost objective will be securing safety for our country. Once we close our border, allied forces will answer the attack that was perpetrated on Haldonia. We request your support and prayers as we protect this country.”

There are so many emotions flowing through my body as I try to keep my voice steady. I manage to hold it together until Shannon motions that the broadcast is done. Once I know it’s over, I turn away from everyone and let some of those emotions go.

“Tristan, you did amazing. I’ll be here,” Amelia says, grabbing my hands in hers. “Whenever you can come back to me, I’ll be here.”

“I love you, Lia. I’m not sure when I’ll be able to contact you, but I’ll make sure that you know I’m okay. Hopefully, there will be times when I can get away and visit.”

“Be safe.” She wraps her arms around me, hugging tightly.

“Come with me.” I grab her arm and pull her with me, along a corridor. I send a glance over at Parker, letting him know that I don’t want to be bothered. I take her into the room and slam the door before flipping the lock.

This is the last time I’m going to be with her in the foreseeable future, and I’m about to take it.