Page 160 of Glow of the Everflame

“There are many servants who can attest that we remained at our estate until late in the evening, with no visitors coming or going.”

“How convenient,” I said flatly.

Perhaps sensing my crumbling self-control, Remis quickly changed the subject and launched into a monologue about my “plans” for Lumnos, most of which I’d never heard before, and my desire to maintain Ulther’s status quo.

For nearly an hour, Remis and Marthe discussed various trade agreements, appointments, and other meaningless boons of wealth and power. Occasionally, members of my council or Marthe’s would speak up, including more than a few snippy comments from Iléana while she brazenly devoured Luther with a possessive gaze.

I listened closely, memorizing every morsel of information revealed. I took turns staring down each Hanoverre until they shifted uncomfortably in their seats. All the while, I kept my silence, offering nothing in return.

On the surface, the meeting was going quite well. Their requests were mostly reasonable, and they pleasantly considered our arguments on the points where Remis held firm.

But I was not so naive—not anymore.

I was a snake, coiled and ready to strike, and I recognized another one when I saw her.

“We will appoint a Hanoverre to the councils you requested, provided you’re willing to accept our terms on the silk shipments,” Remis offered.

Marthe considered, then gave a curt nod. “That is acceptable to House Hanoverre.”

“Splendid,” he purred, rising to his feet. “What a productive meeting this has been. Shall I pour some wine so we can toast to an amicable future for our two Houses?”

“A lovely idea,” she agreed. “But there’s one final point we wish to discuss.”

Marthe’s eyes cut to me. I could almost hear her tail rattling.

“I spoke with Evrim Benette. He informed me of the deal that was discussed with respect to the mortals. I’m afraid those terms are simply not sufficient.”

“I’m sure we can come to some agreement,” Remis said hesitantly. “What is your request?”

“It’s quite simple, really. We want all mortals exiled by the end of the year. It’s time we cleansed them from our realm once and for all.” She tapped her knobby, wrinkled fingers along the armrest. “And it is not a request. It is a demand. We will require a bonded bargain to ensure the Crown’s commitment.”

“That is a substantial demand, Marthe.” Remis shot me a wary glance. “Her Majesty takes matters related to the mortals very seriously, given her upbringing.”

“As does House Hanoverre,” Marthe said frostily. “Given her upbringing.”

All eyes in the room turned to me, waiting to see if I would take her bait and fight back.

Instead, I held my silent vigil.

“By the time Her Majesty is coronated, year end will only be one month away,” Remis said. “Perhaps we could simply close our borders to new arrivals, and outlaw any further procreation. Let them die out naturally.

“We’ve already had one attack on our soil, Remis. We must eliminate the threat before things get worse.”

A biting nausea grew at the casual indifference with which they debated the genocide and exile of living, breathing people—mypeople, in my heart if not wholly in my blood.

Marthe gestured to me. “If Her Majesty truly cares for the mortals, she can announce her decision now and give them more time to prepare.”

Remis huffed. “Surely there is some alternative—”

“There is none. House Hanoverre will accept nothing less.”

Again, a host of curious eyes turned my way.

Again, I held my silence.

Remis cleared his throat. “Her Majesty will discuss your offer with her advisors and provide an answer before the Challenging.”

“I’m afraid that’s unacceptable. We require an answertoday.”

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