Page 63 of Born of Blood and Ash

“You see him being more cautious, possibly more reserved inhis actions. And perhaps even reasonable since he seemed to understand that hecouldn’t win a war without rising as the Primal of Life and Death.” His fingersreturned to their soft tapping, drawing a sleepy Jadis’s attention. “But I seea far more unpredictable Kolis. One who is on the verge of losing what power hehas and won’t be as careful about when and where he strikes.”

CHAPTERELEVEN

My gaze shifted to the doors behind thetwins. What Ash saw was a far scarier outcome and could be the likelier one.I’d known Kolis for a far shorter time than everyone else in the chamber. And Idid understand that my experience was heavily prejudiced by who he thought Iwas and how he behaved because of that. Even before Ione confirmed it, he wasdesperate to believe I was Sotoria. Now, he had torealize he’d been lied to. That I wasn’t Sotoria. Andhe would likely revert to the Kolis who would only accept fealty or death.

“Whether Kolis is more cautious or not, we’re still in thesame position,” Theon stated.

“And we cannot sit by and do nothing while we wait to seehow Kolis will respond,” his twin finished.

“I agree with that.” My gaze met Ash’s. I took a deep breathand then looked at those sitting at the table with us. “I wasn’t ready forthis—being Queen, let alone planning a war. I’m not a strategist, and I’m farbetter suited to fighting than this.” Anxiety rose, but I focused on what Ashhad said yesterday. I wasn’t alone in this.“So, I’m going to be honesthere. I don’t know the correct answer, nor will I pretend I do. I’m sure that’snot very reassuring, but it’s the truth.”

“That is reassuring,” Theon said, relaxing into his chair.

“Really?”

Lailah nodded. “Yes. I’d rather have someone acknowledge alack of experience than pretend, thus needlessly risking lives in the process.”

“Knowing when to rely on others is a strength,” Rhain added.“One that inspires confidence instead of worry.”

“There’s just one thing I have to say.” Bele started to tossher dagger once more but stopped as she finally noticed how close Jadis was.“I’m somewhat disturbed that you, of all people, are being logical.” Belesheathed the dagger, sending Jadis a playful scowl as the youngling reached forthe blade. “I expected better from you.”

“Sorry to fail you,” I replied dryly, glancing at Ash. Henodded for me to continue. “Nyktos and I have spokenabout the importance of showing the others that we will be significantly betterrulers than Kolis.”

“I would be a significantly better ruler than Kolis,” Belechimed in. “And that isn’t saying much.”

“A dakkai would probably bebetter,” Saion suggested, his elbow resting on the arm of his chair.

Lailah sighed and ran a hand across her brow. My lip curled.A picture of the beasts the size of horses with featureless faces except forgaping mouths full of jagged teeth filled my mind. I still couldn’t believe onehad sat on the dais at Kolis’s feet, snacking on what I really believed wassomeone’s leg bone.

I shook the image from my mind. “We want to summon the Primals, excluding Veses and Kyn.They can fuck right off.”

That brought a savage smile to Bele’s face.

“To the Shadowlands?” Saion clarified, and I nodded. “That’sa huge risk.”

“We know.” My heart kicked against my ribs as I noted theunease on several of their faces. “Those who answer the summons will likelysupport our claim to the throne of Iliseeum.”

“But those who may not support us could send spies in theirplace—gods of their Court,” Theon warned.

Ash shook his head. “We won’t allow any god to show in theirPrimal’s place.”

Theon nodded, his expression turning thoughtful. “I doubtKolis loyalists would risk angering him by responding, even if to spy.”

“That is not all,” I said, glancing toward Ash. His smilewas small but filled with so much warmth and pride. A little more of thepressure lifted from my shoulders. “Speaking to them won’t prove anything.”

“Correct,” Bele murmured.

“That’s why we discussed changing how things have beendone,” I continued. “Instead of one or two making all the decisions, eachPrimal will have a vote in what is decided. So, basically, we would form acouncil.”

All of them stared at me.

I swallowed and forced myself not to start second-guessingmy decisions. “The draken would also have a vote. Notonly would that create checks and balances of sorts, but we would all have moreof a vested interest in whatever is decided, and it stops any of us from havingtoo much authority.” I paused and took a long, slow breath. “Of course, we wantyour support first.”

There were several exchanged glances. Lailah was the firstto break the silence. “I think summoning the Primalsis smart. We need to know who is on our side before we decide anything.”

Rhain nodded. “And this council you speak of? Nothing likeit has been tried in Iliseeum. That is something new.And it should be very appealing.”

“And if the Primal of a Court is on board with real change,it will make getting their Court under control far easier,” Lailah noted.

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