Page 15

T he cold seeped into my dreams, waking me with a gasp. My hand reached across the empty furs, finding only the memory of Elindir's warmth. It’d been nine days since he’d set sail for Homeshore, and I felt every one of them in my bones.

Our chambers were bitter cold despite the roaring fire. The pain in my ribs throbbed sharper in the cold.

Rising was a battle, responsibility settling on my shoulders before my feet touched the floor. At the window, my breath clouded the frosted glass. Beyond it, Calibarra lay buried beneath relentless snow. No ordinary winter, this. In thirty-two years, I'd never seen such fury descend so suddenly.

The servants had left water for washing, though it was no longer warm. I broke through the thin skin of ice with my knuckles, welcoming the sharp cold that cleared my mind.

I dressed in layers, choosing warmth over appearance though I knew a king who looked defeated would soon find his followers losing heart. The thought of Leif and Torsten waiting downstairs pulled me forward. Our morning meals had become a ritual in Elindir's absence. My presence reassured them, though perhaps I needed their company more than they needed mine. Those boys were the only link I had to him now.

The corridors were colder than yesterday. Servants hurried past with blankets and firewood, their breath visible as they bowed. I did my best to nod to each and every one of them. I wished I knew them all by name, but there were too many of them now. Once the war was over, perhaps there would be time to learn them.

In the small dining chamber, both boys huddled near the fire. Leif sat with a book while Torsten traced patterns in the frost-covered window.

"Torsten, come away from there," I said. "The stone will steal all your warmth."

He turned from his work. "I'm making a map. Look, this is Calibarra, and these are the mountains—"

"Show me by the fire," I interrupted. "Your fingers are blue."

He abandoned his frost map reluctantly, warming his hands at the flames. "Did you know ice makes different patterns depending on the temperature? Master Gracin says you can tell how cold it is by the crystals."

"Is that so?" I asked, taking my seat where breakfast waited. "What does today's ice tell you?"

"That it's really, really cold," he said, dropping into his chair. "Colder than yesterday, but maybe not as cold as tomorrow."

Leif closed his book. "The water pitcher froze solid overnight."

I nodded, uncovering porridge that barely steamed. "The storm grows stronger. We need to be careful about staying warm."

"Is that why people were sleeping in the great hall?" Leif asked. His perception always surprised me. "Because it's warmer together?"

"Yes. We're bringing everyone into the inner fortress where fires burn more efficiently."

Torsten reached for bread, taking a large portion. "Master Gracin says the forges are warmest. He let me help with the bellows when my feet got cold."

I watched him spread honey thickly. "The forges are warm but dangerous. Only go there with Master Gracin watching."

"I know," he said, offended. "I'm sorting metals. He says I have a good eye."

Leif pushed food around his plate. "When is Elindir coming back?"

"The storm makes sailing difficult," I said, choosing honesty without voicing my fears. "Captain Yisra is the best navigator in the land. She'll find a way when it's safe."

Leif watched my face. "You're worried."

I couldn't lie to him. "Yes. I worry about many things. It's what kings do."

"About Elindir most of all," Torsten added. "Because you love him."

The simple truth caught me off guard. Children cut through what adults dance around for years. "Yes. I worry for him most. But he's strong and clever. If anyone can return through this storm, it's Elindir."

Leif set down his spoon. "He promised he'd come back. Elindir doesn't break promises."

His faith made my throat tight. I couldn't match his certainty, not with my fears running so deep, but I nodded, accepting his comfort.

A sharp knock interrupted us. The boys tensed at the sudden noise. Katyr entered, snow dusting his golden curls, his expression grim.

"My king," he said, glancing briefly at the boys. "Our rider has returned from Valdrenn, half-frozen and in poor condition."

My hand tightened on my spoon before I forced myself to set down the utensil carefully. "Has the healer seen to him?" I asked, already rising from my seat.

"Yes. They had to amputate two fingers lost to frostbite," Katyr replied grimly. "Despite his condition, he insisted on delivering his message personally."

I nodded, understanding we needed privacy. "Leif, take Torsten to Master Gracin after breakfast. Tell him I've approved more forge time today."

Torsten brightened, but Leif's eyes shifted between Katyr and me, missing nothing. For a moment I thought he might argue, but he simply nodded and stood. "Come on, Torsten. Let's finish quickly."

When they'd gone, I faced Katyr directly. "What terms does she offer?"

"She doesn't offer peace," he replied, voice tight with anger. "She graciously invites you to Valdrenn to discuss the terms of your surrender."

I laughed bitterly. "Did she at least agree to meet?"

"Yes. Full diplomatic protocols. Three days of hospitality while 'terms are negotiated.' She permits a reasonable honor guard."

"Generous," I said, rising from the table. "Has the council been informed?"

"They were gathering when I left. Hawk and Victorin are already fighting about whether to accept."

I moved toward the door. "Is the rider able to describe Valdrenn's defenses? Her forces?"

Katyr nodded. "He's weak but clear-minded. He saw heavy troop movements in the fort. The battle mages looked exhausted."

"The storms tax their strength," I noted. "Good. Her arrogance makes our task easier. She expects a defeated king begging for mercy. Instead, she'll face destruction."

We reached the council chamber. Raised voices carried through the doors. News of Vinolia's response had spread quickly.

"Are you ready?" I asked before entering.

"As ready as I’ll ever be."

I straightened my shoulders. "Then let's inform the council."

"A bsolutely not!" Hawk's fist crashed on the table, his face red with anger. "It's an obvious trap. She's practically announcing her intention to capture you."

"Yet it's exactly the opportunity we need," I replied evenly. The council had erupted when I announced my intention to accept Vinolia's demands.

"She's overplayed her hand," Taelyn said. "This demand reveals desperation. The magical storms drain her resources faster than expected."

Lord Northfire scoffed. "Or she believes we're beaten and sees no need for pretense."

"Either way, our strategy remains," I said firmly. "I'll go to Valdrenn under truce. While in negotiations, Katyr and Daraith will find the phylactery."

"And once we find it?" Victorin asked, his expression grave.

"We find the phylactery first," Katyr answered, his voice resolute. "Then we destroy it. She’ll die quickly. If loyalists make a move to detail us, we’ll need to fight our way out. However, I suspect many will defect to our cause. I’ve been named her heir for years. There is no other who would challenge me."

Murmurs rippled through the council chamber.

"If this goes poorly," Hawk said bluntly, "none of you will leave Valdrenn alive."

"True," Katyr acknowledged, a cold determination in his eyes. "But if this works, we get Clan Runecleaver as an ally instead of an enemy."

"That still leaves the Wolfheart loyalists to deal with," I added. "We must be prepared to fight our way out. We can use the chaos to our advantage."

"It's still madness," Victorin insisted. "You’ll be outnumbered. It isn’t worth the risk!"

"It's the only way forward that I see," I cut in. "If you have another idea, feel free to lay it out, but I have yet to hear a viable alternative. In less than two months, we will run out of food if we don’t freeze first. Without the Yeutlanders, we lack the forces to launch an attack. This is our only option."

"What of our people here?" Hawk asked, his voice softening. "If something goes wrong, if you're captured or killed..."

"Then Taelyn leads the council as we've established," I said firmly. "And the council will need to formalize our succession plans beyond that."

"You still intend to change how power passes?" Lord Northfire asked, his brow furrowing.

"Yes. Once this war ends, the old ways must change too. The assembly should elect their leader to serve a limited term," I replied, looking around the table. "But until those reforms can be implemented, Taelyn holds authority in my absence."

Taelyn nodded. "The council will stand united, regardless of what comes."

"What if the Lord Consort returns while you're at Valdrenn?" Lord Craiggybottom asked. "He would surely try to reach you."

"Elindir is not to attempt rescue under any circumstances," I said, allowing no argument. "Taelyn, you'll make sure he understands. One of us must remain for the boys."

She nodded, understanding what went unsaid. If the worst happened, if neither Elindir nor I survived, she would care for Leif and Torsten. We had discussed this when he sailed for Homeshore.

"We should draft a properly submissive response," Daraith suggested. "Something to feed Vinolia's ego without raising suspicion."

"I'll manage the wording," Taelyn offered.

The council debated details—escort size, routes, mission timeline. I let them talk, my mind already focused on Valdrenn. On Vinolia. On the confrontation that now seemed inevitable.

My hand found the spot beneath my ribs, rubbing at the phantom pain. I'd already died once for love. What was one more risk against that?

"What about our supplies while you're gone?" Lord Northfire asked. "The eastern granary roof collapsed this morning. Our reserves are critically low."

"The Empress of Bones offered warriors from the Spine tribes," Taelyn reminded us. "We could send for them now. They bring their own provisions."

"Do it," I agreed. "And double the hunting parties to the western forests. We need to gather what food we can before the storms worsen."

As the council dispersed to begin preparations, Katyr stayed behind, his expression troubled. "There's another matter we haven't addressed," he said quietly. "The boys."

I sighed heavily. "What do I tell them? How do I explain that I might not return?"

"The truth," Katyr suggested. "As much as is appropriate. They've already suffered so much loss. Being honest now, preparing them..." He didn't finish, but I understood.

"I'll speak with them tonight," I promised. "But first, you and Daraith must finalize your preparations. Every detail must be perfect."

When Katyr had gone, I stood alone in the council chamber. Outside, the magical storm battered the ancient walls, Vinolia's power made physical. Soon I would face the lich herself across a table, maintaining diplomatic courtesy while planning her destruction.

The thought should have terrified me. Instead, cold purpose filled my chest. Vinolia's storms had not only besieged our fortress but endangered Elindir's mission. Every day of magical winter increased the chance I might never see him again.

For that alone, she deserved whatever awaited her.

Yet Vinolia was merely the instrument of a greater foe. My father. Tarathiel. The thought of him lurked beneath every war council, every strategy, every plan. This surrender to Vinolia was, in truth, to him. Would he be content to let his lackey handle such a victory? Or would he appear at Valdrenn, unable to resist witnessing my humiliation personally?

The possibility complicated everything. My father knew me better than anyone alive. He would sense deception where others might not. If he appeared unexpectedly... I pushed the thought away. We could only prepare for what we knew, not what we feared.

I thought of Leif and Torsten at breakfast. Of Elindir's promise to return to them. Of my unspoken vow to keep them safe until he did.

Some promises had to be be kept, regardless of cost.

In the courtyard below, preparations had begun. Formal banners unfurled, honor guards assembled, provisions gathered for the journey. I watched briefly, these brave souls willing to follow their king into the enemy's stronghold.

Then I turned from the window and headed toward the inner fortress. I needed to find the boys. There were things I had to say before departing. Just in case.