Page 29 of Pawns of Salistya

‘My powers alone are more than capable of keeping the beasts at bay here. If I require your help, I’ll let you know. But for now, your aid is not required,’ I said, finality evident in my voice.

‘Valare –’

‘They have always existed. The tidal beasts aren’t news to anyone, Slaviya. If they are becoming more common and moving in new directions, maybe there’s a reason behind this. You need to focus less on infiltrating Arlom and maybe place more emphasis figuring outwhythey’re moving further south,’ I cut her off, diverting the conversation before we ended up arguing in circles. I may not be a born Arloman, but I will be damned if I see untrained childrensacrifice their lives, especially for something that was so unknown. I refused to rule like my father.

Slaviya was unable to conceal her worry at my question. She cleared her throat and shifted on the chair before stubbornly replying, ‘No.’

I released a frustrated breath. ‘You need to bring this up at the Royal Forum, Slaviya. Nyarelle can find more information in the archives. Where they come from, what they’re capable of. We need to start asking these questions if they are becoming more of question.’

‘I can’t. The Queendom must not look weak,’ Slaviya refused, shaking her head.

‘This is a Fyriane-wide issue, particularly if they are coming down more. It doesn’t just affect Salistya or Arlom. Maybe this can form a stronger unity between the Doms, Slaviya,’ I insisted.

‘No, we keep this to ourselves. The only reason I’ve told you is for you to understand what we’re facing.’

‘If you don’t bring it up, I will.’

Her face took on her usual scowl, any trace of the worry removed from her face. ‘Valare, don’t use this information as an invitation to discuss confidential matters of my Queendom with the other –’

‘Valare, are you here?’ Eliasson shouted as he entered the room, suddenly interrupting us. I had been so involved in our conversation I hadn’t felt him approaching.

His eyes landed on mine, before his body tensed up when he noticed Slaviya sitting across from me. ‘Oh.’

I stood up and walked towards him, making every effort to ensure I came across as calm and collected.

‘Darling, Slaviya decided to visit us a few days early, isn’t that sweet? She must be getting soft in her old age. Apparently, she wanted to spend some quality family time before everything begins,’ I smiled, placing a hand on his chest and giving him a kiss.

Eliasson stared at me, disbelief clouding his face. He knew this was unlikely to be the reason Slaviya had come, having known her for many years. But it turned out he was a much better actor than me as he slid his arm around my waist and faced Slaviya once again without flinching. ‘That’s so lovely, Slaviya. Thank you for coming early. It’s a pleasure to have you here, as always.’

He was lying through his teeth – I don’t think there was anyone on the continent that disliked my sister more than him. Except Fyrel. Her stubborn refusal to learn the Arloman culture was a sore spot for someone as patriotic as Fyrel.

‘Please, Eliasson, we’re family now. No need for the formalities,’ she said coldly.

Staring at the affectionate display with curiosity, she sniffed the air and zoned in on me, a cruel smile forming. ‘The scent of Arlom sure has changed since I last came here,’ she purred.

I stiffened at the way her eyes lit up with a knowing glint. It seems she had been distracted by our conversation too and only just realised the scent of another man on me. I shot her a scathing look, warning her to keep her mouth shut. She responded with a predatory grin, knowing she had something over me. The bitch.

‘Has it? How interesting…’ Eliasson said innocently, probably thinking Slaviya was as strange as ever. I needed to get out of here.

‘Slaviya, it was great talking to you. Perhaps you should retire to your room after your journey. I’m sure you’re tired.’ I stated, leaving no room for argument. She needed to leave before this turned into even more of a mess.

Slaviya sent me a withering look, aggravated by my dismissal but not pushing it further. ‘I expect dinner will be at the usual time in the Royal Dining Room?’ she said, as she stood and gracefully walked straight past us and out the door, not giving us a chance to respond.

The minute the door closed, I blew out a breath and walked away from Eliasson to slump back into the chair.

‘What was that about?’ Eliasson asked, concern in his voice.

‘Oh, you know, just the big sister trying to control me. Same old, really,’ I shrugged nonchalantly, deciding to keep the newfound information about the tidal beasts to myself for the moment. It was a problem that I intended to address when the time was right, and after the conversation with Slaviya I didn’t want that to be now.

Eliasson’s eyes flashed in irritation as he growled, ‘Your loyalty is not to her or Salistya anymore. You’re the Queen of Arlom. If she has a problem with that, she can go through me.’

I felt my heart soften at his protectiveness. ‘It’s okay, Eliasson. She knows that. But she wouldn’t be her if she didn’t try.’

His shoulders visibly loosened with my reassurance, and I relaxed slightly too. It’s always good to know I’m not the only one that’s on edge around Slaviya.

‘Have I ever told you how thankful I am to be married to you?’ he asked.

I couldn’t help but burst out laughing. ‘No, you haven’t, but I’m trying not to take offense at the timing of it. If you mean to compare my sister and I, there really wasn’t any competition to start with.’

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