Page 73 of Queen of Legends and Lies
Sterling’s silent for a long moment, his gaze distant. When he speaks again, his voice is low and intense. “You know I’ll follow you anywhere, Lark. To the ends of the earth and beyond. But this? This feels dangerous. We need to be careful.”
I nod, reaching out to take his hand in mine. His calloused skin is a reminder of the battles he’s fought, all his sacrifices. “I know. That’s why I’m about to call a council meeting. We need to plan, to strategize. We can’t afford to make any mistakes.”
“Agreed.” He squeezes my hand, his eyes searching mine. “And may the gods have mercy on anyone who stands in your way.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
I sit in the Council Tower, soaking up heat from the two crackling fires. The late-summer warmth disappeared when the sun set, leaving a chill in the air. Moonlight streams through the tall windows, tossing dancing shadows across the circular table and reflecting off the stone walls. The two chandeliers overhead are barely needed to keep the room bright.
The massive oak doors creak open. Council members shuffle in, stifling yawns and rubbing their puffy eyes. Some regard me with curiosity, others with annoyance at being summoned at this early hour.
Sterling opted to brief Agnar and Captain Fitz on my chat with the Mountain God, so I’ll be running this meeting alone. I glance around, deciding to proceed even in the absence of Alannah and Celeste.
I’m tired of waiting.
Rising to my feet, I clear my throat, wishing Sterling were here beside me. “Thank you all for coming. I apologize for the last-minute summons, but I have urgent news that can’t wait.”
“Your Highness, what could be so pressing as to disrupt our sleep?” Fenton’s clasped hands rest on the table.
I straighten my shoulders. “I was visited by the God of Stone and Mountains.”
Murmurs ripple through the room.
“Well?” Dalya lifts an eyebrow, the only hint there’s any emotion hidden under her impassive face. “What did Hallr say?”
I recount the events of earlier, my voice steady as I relay the god’s cryptic message. The council listens with rapt attention, their earlier drowsiness forgotten. Even Rafe has the decency to appear impressed.
Duke Bron, his brow furrowed, is the first to recover from my shocking tale. “These caves Hallr spoke of, do we know where they’re located?”
I shake my head, hoping one of the council has some insight. “Not yet. But I intend to find out.”
Vicar Moise’s green eyes narrow, glimmering with a hint of jealousy. “Your Highness, with all due respect, embarking on a quest based on the arcane words of a god seems unwise. Tirene needs its queen, now more than ever.”
I bite back a retort, reminding myself to maintain my composure.
Of all people, the vicar is cautioning me against heeding Hallr’s message? Is he really that arrogant?
Voices rise and fall, each council member offering their opinion.
Fenton leans forward. “We cannot afford to send our queen on a wild goose chase. The risks far outweigh any potential gains.”
Serle nods in agreement. “And what of the time Her Highness spends training with Prince Knox? Honing their combined magical abilities is crucial for our kingdom’s defense.”
I clench my fists beneath the table, frustration mounting with each passing second.Nowtraining with Sterling is acceptable? They’re so focused on the immediate, onmaintaining the status quo in Tirene, that they continue to ignore the bigger picture. I wonder if they’d be willing to listen if a mountain fell on their heads. I’ve heard plenty of stories about Hallr doing exactly that.
Smoothing an imaginary wrinkle in her rich purple gown, Nira clears her throat. “Maybe we could reach a compromise? A scouting party could investigate these caves while Her Highness remains in Tirene.”
At least someone’s not shooting down my plan.
The suggestion hangs in the air, a glimmer of hope amid the dissent.
Fenton extinguishes that hope by shaking his head, sending his gray curls bouncing. “We cannot spare the resources. We need every able-bodied soldier here, to defend against the growing threats at our borders. And how would we know if they were corrupted or not when they come back?”
“He’s right. The gods are tricky, and as much as I hate to say it, we shouldn’t base everything on Hallr’s word alone.” Serle exchanges glances with everyone else at the table.
Except me.
“And you’re not just our queen, but our only dragoncaller.” Duchess Breann has the manners to at least appear conflicted. “Imagine the guilt we’d all be under if we sent you on this mission and something tragic happened?”
