Page 71 of What Fury Brings
“She nearly killed you!”
“My aunt never would have allowed that.”
Ydra stepped forward until she could sit on the edge of the bed. She took a deep breath to calm her anger. “Perhaps we could start by strengthening what we already have. Glen has the nobles, but you have the army and the people. When you’re healed, you could take Andrastus on a ride through the city. Show him off. Show your strength. Let the people cheer. Later, you can bring him to meet the troops.”
“That’s a great idea, but what of the nobles? They will not be so easily swayed after I risked myself for him.”
“I’mangry that you risked yourself for him.”
“As if you wouldn’t for any one of your boys.”
“They’re innocents! That prince is anything but. He doesn’t deserve your kindness.”
Olerra adjusted the blankets around her. “You hate him for being born a Brute, but it is because of his noble blood that I need him.”
“You could have chosen literally any other kingdom.”
“I needed to send a message to Atalius.”
“He doesn’t even know you took his son!”
“But he will. And that will make it all worth it.”
Ydra took her hand. “You cannot afford to be gentle with him any longer. Not in public. You must show your dominance now more than ever. You must get him to submit. He feels indebted to you now. Use that to make him behave.”
“I will do what I can. He’s so unpredictable.”
“You could start beating him.”
Olerra laughed. “You don’t mean that. You must get over what happened.”
“Fine, but it will take time. Sister, Ihatedseeing you like that. I would have taken your place if I could.”
Olerra knew it. Once substitution had been granted, however, no one else could claim it.
“We will come back from this,” Olerra said.
“We will,” Ydra agreed. “We will get you that throne no matter what.”
It was another couple of weeks before Olerra felt fully healed. She took walks around Ydra’s manor and estate but never left the grounds. Glen’s spies and assassins could take any opportunity to try something. They were likely watching the manor.
She used the time to get her strength back. She ran and put herself through her exercises, slowly at first, until her body was well on its way back to full speed.
Only then did she allow herself to be alone with Andrastus.
“We have a lot of work ahead of us,” Olerra said to him on the ride back to the palace. “I cannot afford to seem weak after… what happened. The nobles must see me having a firmer hand with you. They must think me in love to have risked so much for you. We must sell it.”
“Well, which is it?” he asked with irritation. “Are you going to be more cruel to me or act in love with me?”
“Not cruel. Firmer. It means when you misstep, I will need a firmer hand in reprimanding you. If you help me sell the ruse, if you do not misstep, there will be no need for any of it. If we can sell a true romance, give the nobles something to root for, then neither of us should have to deal with any unpleasantness.”
“That makes absolutely no sense.”
“To you. To an Amarran, it makes perfect sense. Can I count on you?”
He looked away from her. Something outside the window suddenly held his complete attention.
She continued with “Just remember, Prince, this arrangement can have an end date. I promise that if you cooperate, I will give you back your life when this is all said and done.”
