Page 81 of The Light Falls
“Why would we not? If we declare war, we gain a huge strategic advantage. Not only do we have the element of surprise, which should never be underestimated, but we also pick the time and place of the first battle. They become the defenders,” I explain slowly, as if surprised by their question. “Waiting for any reason only gives them more time to prepare and arm their troops. If they declare war, they’ll ask for the land and all the rights they’ve been denied their entire lives.”
The entire assembly starts shouting again.
Ignoring them, I dart a glance at Solandis, who’s staring at me with the biggest smile on her face.
Camon raises a hand for quiet. “We need time to consider both options, Your Majesty. I’d like to suggest we reconvene this time tomorrow.”
A day is better than I expected, but I can’t let them off the hook that easily. I heave a disappointed sigh. “Fine. If everyone is in favor, we’ll meet on this topic tomorrow.” Everyone nods their head. “One day, but Camon, you’ll carry the message to the Fire Fae. Land or war.”
Camon blanches. “I don’t think that’s a good idea, Queen Merindah.”
Lady Estrella stands up. “Why don’t we send Rivan? They aren’t likely to kill him.”
Camon looks relieved. “That’s a fantastic idea, Estrella. Your Majesty?” He looks at me with hope in his eyes.
Too bad I have to crush his rotten little spy heart. “Unfortunately, Rivan is no longer here. When Nyssa wrote the treaty, she tied him to her and her court. She’s no longer with us, and you’re not her court. You’re mine. I could no longer keep him here.” I lift a shoulder. “Such a shame she didn’t have enough foresight to write the treaty beyond her death. But I took advantage of her lapse. Freeing Rivan right away allowed us to show some good faith to the Fire Fae. After all, we’re not monsters.”
When they start shouting, I hold up a hand. “A copy of the treaty is in your hands. Read it. I’ve already amended it.”
They start shuffling papers to get to the treaty. Voices loud, they read the terms and the amendment I made releasing Rivan from his gilded prison.
“Since we’re not prepared to declare war on the Fire Fae, I need to address the army that has been amassing in another part of this kingdom!” I shout to be heard over their loud protests.
Camon looks ill.
Everyone stops talking and turns their attention to me.
I smile. “Thank you. I abhor shouting. It really shows bad manners,” I state with an air I picked up from Solandis. “The Water Fae has amassed an army in Seva with the clear intent to stage a coup.” I swallow and pray to every god and goddess listening that this works. “I declare war on the Water Fae and Fisk, the cirein-croin, who is leading the army.”
The shouting starts again, but this time, I stick my fingers in my mouth and whistle. Very unqueenly like, but effective. “Enough. The difference between the Fire Fae and Water Fae? I do not have confirmation that the Fire Fae has amassed an army. On the other hand, the Water Fae presents an immediate threat. As queen, it is my right to protect this kingdom. However, I hear your concerns. I will do my best to negotiate with them first. Lord Camon, since Fisk is Brina’s grandfather, would you mind acting as intermediary and setting up the meeting between us?”
He stiffly nods.
All eyes turn to Camon, speculation gleaming in their depths.
“Thank you,” I say airily. “This meeting is adjourned until tomorrow.”
Stopping to pick up Solandis on my way out, I grip her arm tightly, then we stride out as if the world is at our feet. We don’t speak a word until we’re in my room.
“Bravo. Well played,” she says, clapping her hands. She gives me a hug. “Meri, I’ve watched you worry and struggle to find yourself here, but you have strengths no other Fae can match. You’re a better queen because you didn’t grow up in this kingdom. You don’t have the prejudices and entitlement of the court. Embrace your background and use your unique experience to find your way like you did today.”
I grin. “In the Underworld, you face death on a regular basis. It gives you a completely different perspective on things. I thought the council needed to be reminded of the realities of war. Death isn’t something we often face as immortals.”
CHAPTERTHIRTY-THREE
MERI
Adrenaline high after the council meeting, I prop my heeled shoes on the balcony and sip some of Cormal’s expensive bourbon. Normally, I’d advocate for peace, but that’s not the reality we’re facing. Two very powerful races are bearing down on us. We cannot afford to be caught in the middle. Fisk didn’t let the Water Fae join the Fire Fae Rebellion last time. I have to believe there’s a much a better chance of achieving peace if I divide and conquer.
“That’s a hell of a sight,” Cormal rasps from the doorway where he’s leaning on the frame. Bright blue eyes are lit with a possessive fire. “A queen celebrating her victory. I take it the council meeting went well?”
“Mmm… for the most part,” I reply, holding up the glass for him to take a drink.
Instead of taking the drink, he picks me up and sits down with me in his lap. Guiding the glass in my hand to his lips, he takes a drink.
“Eris picked one hell of an outfit for today.” Strong, dark hands slide down the turquoise silk blouse.
Firm lips skim down the side of my neck. “Tell me about the meeting.”
