Page 47 of Pawns of Salistya

I turned my attention to Qynthia, my mind ticking over. ‘The south-western lands of Nyarelle are a similar climate and terrain to Arlom, yes?’

Qynthia nodded. ‘Yes, the land in the south-west and all along the Pass are very similar. Even into the south of Marlyst, but there are a handful of blacksmith villages there.’

‘Which means, in theory, that the Arlomans could teach and assist the Nyarelleans to start their own farms,’ I began. ‘If Nyarelle was self-sufficient and providing food to their own Dom, there wouldn’t be as much pressure on Arlom. It could free up some of the graduates to help on the frontline.’ I was speaking out loud as I thought through how this would work. For some – mainly Salistya – this wouldn’t be a popular option. But we only needed majority rules to make it happen.

‘Salistya does not require extra aid,’ Slaviya insisted.

‘Is that your ego talking? Or the Queen whose duty and focus should be to protect her Dom, and have what is best for the Fyriane continent at the forefront of her decision making?’ Xylan challenged, sending a disapproving look towards Slaviya.

‘It is my Queendom’s duty to ensure the tidal beasts are kept at bay. And we can fulfill this.’

‘And it’s our duty as your fellow rulers to remind you that at times we need to pivot,’ Xylan replied. His attention broadened to land on the rest of us royals in the room. ‘Having separate duties throughout the Doms has, debatably, worked for a long time. I often question the logic of this structure, an answer that evidently has been lost to time. Nonetheless, the way we operate as a continent could be better, and clearly times are changing and have been changing. We needto evolve. We need to learn from each other, use our strengths to assist and, above all, protect the lives of our people. If this means we need to break down the barriers separating what the Doms do, then we do it,’ he paused, letting his words sink in. ‘Honestly, if you don’t agree with me, I suggest you take a good hard look at how you’re ruling. Are you ruling for your people? Or for your own personal gain?’ The last comment was very clearly aimed at my sister. Judging from her reddened face, she knew it too.

With that, Xylan stood up and left the room before Eliasson could stop him. Guess that means it’s break time.

The others got up to leave the room, drawing the same conclusion as me. I stood up to follow, but Slaviya said, ‘Valare. A word.’ This wasn’t a request.

Eliasson looked back with worry before leaving the room when I mouthed,I’ll be okay.

Chapter 20

As soon as the door closed, she pounced. ‘What the fuck was that?’

‘There is a lot to unpack from that discussion, Sister. You’re going to have to be more specific.’

She was livid. ‘I explicitly told you not to talk about the tidal beasts.’

I blinked. Doesn’t she realise that she brought it up? ‘That was all you, Slaviya.’

‘You forced my hand,’ she seethed.

‘I asked questions about graduate numbers. Because, quite frankly, you’re acting fucking shady, and I don’t trust your intentions.I didn’t talk about the tidal beasts, you did. That’s a fact.’ I threw Xylan’s rationale back in her face.

She clenched and unclenched her jaw as she tried to get a handle on her emotions. ‘You made the Queendom look weak.’

‘No, Slaviya. I didn’t make the Queendom look weak. Nor did you. But do you know what does look weak?’ I asked against her stare. Oh, if looks could kill. If silence could kill.

‘No? Not going to bite?’ I taunted. ‘Alright, Sister, I’ll play.Youexposed yourself withyourego andyourneed for control. You exposed that you would rather feed your own pride than ensure your people see another day by accepting help and considering a new approach to things. And by doing that, Slaviya? You made yourself look weak.’

I made my way to the door and felt a vine from the plant by the door suddenly slither up my leg, holding me in place. A quick flick of my wrist snapped it in half, and it fell to the floor. I spun around, blasting a wave of air that forced Slaviya back into her seat, at the same time calling thicker branches from other plants in the room to wrap around her arms and tie her to the chair.

A cruel smirk formed on my face as I sauntered back towards her. ‘I thought you would know better than to threaten a mage more powerful than you. I’ll attribute it to a lack of control, and lapse in judgement.’

‘But make no mistake, Sister,’ I sneered, continuing while leaning down so our noses almost touched. ‘If you ever come at me with magic again outside of a training room, you will feel the full wrath of my power. And it won’t end well for you. I make every effort to be the opposite of our father, but rest assured there is a little piece of Dominiq running through me as well. I am just more selective on when I let that show.’

I stepped away from her and walked to the door, leaving her to figure out how to get herself out of the bindings before the others rejoined.

‘You need to help me get out of this fucking mess you’ve created. Starting with untying me,’ Slaviya demanded with uncontrolled rage.

I snorted and opened the door as I said over my shoulder, ‘That sounds like ayouissue, sister.’

I stepped out of the room to see Xylan and Ramone sitting nearby. The former had a mug in his hand, sipping on coffee, while the latter looked sympathetic. I caught Xylan’s look of approval as I strode past.

They had heard it all.

And for once, I didn’t fucking care.

‘Are you okay?’ Ramone’s voice interrupted my thoughts as he took a seat on the bench next to me.

---