Page 70 of The Traitor Queen (The Bridge Kingdom 2)

Jor gave a heavy sigh. “She’s not been seen, I’m afraid. But neither could we confirm her death.”

Aren could only hope that Keris had intervened on his aunt’s behalf, because if Coralyn was alive, she might well be wishing she were dead. “You said Ahnna is back in Eranahl?”

“Aye. Apparently had to swim in under the cover of darkness when she came back from Harendell because she couldn’t get a boat past the Amaridians.”

Aren blanched. During the calm, the waters outside of the island fortress were teeming with sharks. “She shouldn’t—”

“She had to,” Jor interrupted. “Morale is bad. Lots of talk about abandoning the city. Abandoning Ithicana. She’s holding everything together to buy you time, but . . .” He hesitated. “As soon as storm season drives off the fleet, there will be an exodus north to Harendell, which has offered safe haven.”

And Ithicana would be no more. “Maybe that’s for the best.”

“If they thought it was for the best, they’d have all left last storm season,” Lara snapped, then tossed her own bag next to his. “They plan to leave because there’s no other choice, not because it’s what they want. We need to give them another option. Jor, what did the Harendellian king say to Ahnna’s proposal?”

Before he could answer, there was a knock at the door, and Jor went to it, taking a tray of steaming food and thanking the girl who’d delivered it. Pouring water from a pitcher, he handed Aren a glass. “The Harendellians are rightly sour about Maridrina holding the bridge, especially given the favoritism being shown to Amarid at Northwatch. Our friend King Edward was quick enough to agree. With conditions, of course.”

“Which were?”

“Trade terms, mostly.” Jor’s mouth tightened. “And Ahnna’s word that she’d return to Harendell once all is said and done. Apparently, it’s about time Crown Prince William was wed.”

Aren opened his mouth to argue that he wouldn’t agree to that, but Jor cut him off. “She gave her word already, so save your breath. But all of it is predicated on you securing Valcotta’s support; there is little point in King Edward coming to our party unless the Empress does, too.”

“So it’s all on me.” Aren drained the water, wishing it were something stronger.

“On you, and you’ve only got a few days to do it. It takes time to organize a party with so many guests, and it has to be done before the storms hit. We’re almost out of time.”

“Then I suppose,” Aren said, “that it’s time the Empress and I had a conversation.”

Jor snorted. “I’m not sure it’s going to be much of a conversation. More like you groveling on your knees for forgiveness.”

Going to retrieve his bag, Aren dug out his razor, rubbing sadly at the beard he’d been using as part of his disguise. “If I am to beg, then I’d better look my best.”

39

Lara

“Doyou have a way to prove your identity?” Lara asked Aren, stepping over a puddle on the street, the colored glass beads on her sandals glinting in the sun. Jor had supplied them with appropriate Valcottan clothes. Lara had never seen Aren wear such bright colors, and she might have been amused by his discomfort if not for the gravity of their situation.

“There are details that only Ahnna or I would know,” he answered, leading her out of the way of a donkey pulling a cart, the driver lifting a hand to them in thanks. “That’s not the part that concerns me.” He gave a sharp shake of his head. “Maridrina possessing the bridge is undesirable for Valcotta, and yet the Empress has done little about it other than stymie trade. Why?”

“Perhaps she’s biding her time? She knows you’re free—maybe she’s waiting for an offer of alliance?”

Aren grunted softly. “An alliance with Ithicana was always a possibility, even with me imprisoned. There are others who could’ve brokered a deal, and she knew that, but chose not to.”

“Do you believe she’s still angry about Ithicana siding with Maridrina and breaking the Southwatch blockade?”

Actions that were taken based onheradvice. And it was advice Lara didn’t regret giving. The months of Ithicana filling Maridrinian bellies had not only saved lives, it had also won Maridrinian hearts.

“I suppose we’ll find out soon enough.”

They approached the gates to the walled palace, and Aren muttered, “Let me do the talking for once. They won’t be apt to listen to a Maridrinian, especially one with eyes like yours.”

Heavily armed guards watched as they approached, one holding up a hand until they stopped a few paces from him. “Your identities and your purpose, if you please.”

“King Aren of Ithicana,” Aren said. “I’m here to see the Empress.”

The soldier’s jaw dropped in surprise that mirrored Lara’s.Thishadn’t been part of the plan. By midday, the whole damn city was going to know they were here, and then her father’s assassins would be after them. What the hell was Aren thinking?

“Your Grace.” The soldier pressed his hand to his heart, the Valcottan way of showing respect. “We were not aware that you were in the city. Please forgive my rudeness.”

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