Page 61 of Children of Virtue and Vengeance

Mother doesn’t say more until we reach the war room doors.

“Remember, your duty is to the throne. Protect it above all else.”

“YOUR MAJESTY.”

Every advisor stands when Mother and I enter the war room. Their abruptness catches me off guard. They don’t sit until I give the command.

I smile to myself, taking my place at the head of the oak table. Ojore rises at my signal, moving toward the vast map of Orïsha that covers the far wall.

“I’m pleased to report that after the valiant efforts of our king, we’ve managed to turn the tides in this war,” he addresses the room. “Since liberating Lagos from theIyika, we’ve reestablished communication with our bases in the north. Assassination attempts are down, and not one fortress has been breached.”

“Let’s not rush to celebrate yet,” General Jokôye jumps in, braid swinging as she rises from her seat. “While these gains are impressive, theIyikastill pose a significant threat. We still estimate anywhere between two hundred and five hundred soldiers in their forces.”

“Where are we on locating their base?” I ask.

“Closer, but not close enough.” Jokôye gestures to the mountains north of Lagos. “According to the fortresses in Gusau and Gombe, all their movements appear to originate from the Olasimbo Range. We’ve sent scouts, but none have returned. However, there are signs that theIyikaare on the move again.”

Ojore walks back to the table, grabbing two pieces of parchment. “I’m sure you’re all familiar with the former princess.”

Ojore hangs an old wanted poster with a sketch of my sister’s face. It’s strange to see Amari that way. The soft lines don’t capture how she’s changed.

“Her primary accomplice is a maji named Zélie Adebola,” Ojore continues. “Native of Ibadan, and then Ilorin. She was fundamental in bringing magic back. Maji across the kingdom regard her as the Soldier of Death.”

I try to avert my gaze, but I can’t look away from the illustration. It’s like Zélie stares at me from afar, ferocity piercing through her silver gaze. Look too long, and I feel her vines around my neck. Her lips against my ear.

If I can’t even be in a room with her illustration, I don’t know what I’ll do when we’re face-to-face.

“Do we know where they’re headed?” I ask.

“Our best guess is Lagos,” Jokôye answers. “They eluded our forces after an insurgent rally in Zaria, but today they were spotted moving south.”

“They’re coming here?” The color drains from Mother’s face. “We’re still a half-moon from completing the new wall.”

“What about the moat?” Captain Kunle dabs the sweat at his temple. “It’ll take weeks before the Tiders can fill it!”

I put my fingers to my ears as panic fills the room. Something doesn’t add up.

“Admiral, they’re already south of Lagos. What would they gain by doubling back?”

“We believe this route gives them direct access to the palace.” Ojore illustrates the winding path. “I’ve taken the liberty of moving more troops to Lagos’s borders, but we’re going to need significant resources to stop them.”

I scrunch my nose, extending their path in my head. The line takes me straight into the Funmilayo Jungle.

Right through an ancient temple.

I slap my hands against the oak table, rising to my feet.

“I know where they’re going!” I run to the map, tapping the old canvas. “There’s an ancient temple for the maji located here. It has the capability to amplify their powers.”

Mother’s face falls. “If they retrieve what they’re searching for, they could become too powerful to defeat.”

“Not if we intercept them,” I say. “If they’re coming from the mountains, we’re closer to the temple. Leave tonight, and we may be able to catch them!”

“Can you really face your sister?” Ojore voices the question no one else will. Gazes flick between me and Mother before finding any excuse to look away.

I walk over to the wanted posters, gazing at Amari’s face. I think of how she challenged Father for me. If she hadn’t intervened, I probably would have died.

“It would be a lie to say I could hurt my sister.” I face the room. “But I can take her in. Especially when she and theIyikapose a threat to the kingdom.”

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