Page 27 of An Archer's Reckoning

“Mothers, who among you has lost a child? Who among you understands the fear and pain at hearing your baby was taken? Or worse—killed?”

I covered my mouth and looked down at the planks of the stage.

“And now I’ve lost two . . .” My voice broke again.

The crowd’s emotions shifted so quickly I grew dizzy.

I felt burly men in uniform ache to reach out, to offer support.

Women cried quietly, some openly.

The last embers of doubt and animosity winked out.

I looked up, another tear following the course set by my ruined makeup.

“Yet even as my Alfred feared for our daughter, he traveled hundreds of miles to be withyou, to comfortyou. He insisted on bringing his wife and son to offeryousupport, to show that your royal family stands shoulder to shoulderwith youin this troubling time. Those of you who knew my Alfred knew a man who loved his family above all else—except, perhaps, his people.”

The crowd stood in rapt attention, every eye now turned my way.

“King Alfred lovedyouabove all else. He long ago swore his life toyourservice—and in the end, he gave that life, freely, foryou. We came here hoping to find our daughter, but Alfred also came to show his loyal citizens and troops how much their King stands with them.”

I waved my hand around the encampment.

“None of what you see here was meant for war. We have held faith with our neighbors for a thousand years and would for another thousand. Alfred believed in keeping his men sharp, well trained, and prepared for anything that might threaten our great nation and people. The war games scheduled in the fields near the mountains were designed for just that purpose. He wouldneverattack our neighbor.”

Soldiers nearest the stage turned toward each other, questioning.

It was time to twist the knife.

I replaced my mask of mourning with a perplexed look, then shifted to one of anger and resolve.

“My baby girl—forgive me—yourPrincess, now Queen, was stolen from us a second time. Even now, she remains captive toMelucianagents racing toward the border.Melucians, on orders of the Triad, took Queen Jessia.Melucians, on orders from the Triad, killed Prince Justin.Melucians, on orders from the Triad, KILLED YOUR KING!” As I yelled the last phrase, many in the crowd picked up the rhythm, murmuring “on orders from the Triad,” to those standing around. Eyes widened at the gall of their so-called peaceful neighbor.

“We live in unprecedented times, without a king, an heir, or a prince. Queen Jessia is missing, and my son Kendall is too young to rule, so I stand before you bearing a burden beyond any mother’s worse nightmare, a burden of grief and pain, but also of duty.”

Soldiers looked up, intrigued by the invocation of one of their sacred principles.

“I was never meant to lead, but the Spirits call us each in their own time. Today, they have called me to become the mother of more than your heir, to become the mother to us all. My counselors were reluctant to place this burden on my shoulders given our family’s grievous wounds, and I was even more reluctant to accept it, but my Alfred—no,ourAlfred—would expect no less. He woulddemandno less than for each of us to rise above our own shared grief in duty to our Kingdom and our people.

“And so, with the heaviest of hearts, I have accepted the role of Regent until either my daughter is saved or my son comes of age. I swear to you today . . .” I paused and wiped a tear. “I swear today to rule as Alfred would have wanted. I swear to bring honor and pride to the Spires. I swear to see our Queen home and justice done to those who stole the lives of our beloved King and Prince!”

The crowd erupted. Some called my name. Others cried out for Queen Jessia or King Alfred, or even Justin.

I let them go on for long moments before raising my palm for quiet.

“My people, the Spirits have granted me power to see justice done. Let us honor Alfred and Justin and witness the birth of a new Kingdom of Spires!”

A ball of fire burst from my palm. I flicked my wrist, and it streaked forward and ignited the pyre, sending massive plumes of heat and flame high into the air. The people gasped and shuffled back. Even Danai, standing safely by the stage, took an instinctive step back.

I stood and watched as Alfred’s body was consumed. A silky, unnerving voice purred in my mind, as Irina’s thoughts intruded on my own.“Well done, Vessel. Now they are mine.”

Chapter 10

Ayden

Islumped back in my chair.

Saltstone burning.

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