Page 161 of Glow of the Everflame

“Marthe, there are still many House Receptions to come. Her Majesty must consider all requests before—”

“That is precisely why I demand an answer today. House Hanoverre is a powerful family with a long history and impeccable breeding. We will not be made to wait on lesser Houses.”

Remis let out a weary sigh, firmly backed into a corner. He could not agree to a bonded bargain on my behalf. If House Hanoverre would not yield, he had no choice but to await—and accept—my response.

He turned to me. “Your Majesty?”

I said nothing. Did nothing.

After a long beat, Marthe went on. “In the unfortunate event that Her Majesty declines our terms, Jean is prepared to represent House Hanoverre at the Challenging.” She swiveled in her seat and placed a bony hand on her grandson’s knee. “Such horrible business, these fights to the death, but my darling boy will do what he must for our House.”

Jean flashed an adoring look at Marthe that turned venomous as it shifted to me.

“Well?” Marthe asked me. “Do you have an answer?”

I cocked my head lazily to one side and gave Jean a bored once-over. I allowed the corner of my lip to quirk up for a brief moment before settling back into my stony stare.

Still I held my silence.

Iléana huffed loudly. “A well-placed source tells me you can’t even control your magic. We all saw your failed attempt at the funeral.”

“And again at the Ascension Ball,” Jean added.

“I have seen the extent of her power myself,” Alixe spoke up from behind me. “And there is no equal. Certainly not in Lumnos, and I suspect not in all of Emarion.” She paused. “You have known me for a long time, Iléana. You know I would not lie about such things.”

Iléana scowled, though the beginnings of doubt crept onto her features.

Marthe waved her hand with an airy shrug. “It is not the extent of one’s power that determines a victor, but one’s ability to control it. Jean’s training in combat is second to none. He will easily eviscerate a novice, even a strong one.” She leaned forward in her chair. “Are you truly so eager to rush to your death, girl? Don’t you value your own life?”

A cold, joyless smile eased onto my lips. I rose to my feet and sauntered to a nearby table where a spread of refreshments had been laid out. I poured myself a goblet of wine, then made a show of staring into the deep red liquid before indulging in a leisurely sip.

I began to move in a broad circle around the room, my pace deliberately slow.

“My father was a Commander in the army,” I finally began. “The highest ranking mortal in its history, in fact. And he taught me everything he knew: How to fight. How to strategize. How to defeat an opponent—” I paused, gesturing with my goblet toward Jean. “—even if their training is second to none.”

I spun on my heel and strolled the opposite direction, keeping my tone light and my expression indifferent.

“But the most important lesson my father taught me was courage. He stepped out into battle again and again, even knowing each one might mean his death, because he believed in what he was fighting for. His convictions, his principles of right and wrong, were worth more to him than his own life.”

I halted my pacing in front of Marthe’s chair and stared down at her with a frosty glare.

“He and I didn’t see eye to eye on everything. But on this topic, I assure you, I am very much my father’s daughter.”

I stepped backward and sat on the edge of my throne, holding Marthe’s gaze as I took another measured sip of wine.

“Whoever killed my father thought they could threaten me, or perhaps intimidate me, but you see, they made a grave miscalculation. Because now, when my life ends—whether at the Challenging, or by the act of some cowardly assassin, or even, gods willing, at the end of a long and happy life—I know my beloved father will be waiting for me on the other side.” My eyes narrowed. “So no, Marthe. I do not fear death. I do not fear a Challenge. And I definitely do not fear the petty threats of House Hanoverre.”

The Hanoverres fidgeted in their seats, some looking furious, others looking unnerved. I drained the rest of my wine, then held the goblet out to my side and let it fall to the floor. Marthe flinched at the loud, startling clang of metal against stone.

“Here is my counter-offer to you,” I said, my tone defiant. “If you want a bonded bargain, I’ll give you one. I will swear to rule fairly and compassionately forallmy subjects. I will promise to never sell my justice to the highest bidder. I will ensure that not a soul in my realm goes without a roof over their heads, a meal on their table, or the medicine to cure their ills.

“I will protect the vulnerable and strike down the evil. I will do whatever it takes to protect this realm from its enemies abroad—” My eyes swept across the Hanoverre contingent. “—andfrom its enemies within. And I will vow on my magic and on everything I hold dear that I will never,evervalue my own life above the lives of my people. Mortal or Descended.”

I relaxed back into my chair, leaning casually against a single armrest and resting my chin atop my fist.

“Those are my terms, Marthe. That is the only kind of Queen I will ever be. And if that answer isn’t good enough for House Hanoverre...” My gaze flicked to Jean. “Then I’ll seeyouin the arena.”

The room sat in stunned silence.

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