Page 10 of The Calm Before the Storm (The Bridge Kingdom 3.50)

Lara’s grip tightened on his hand. “That isn’t what she said.”

His sister’s eyes moved to his wife, jaw tight as they stared each other down, then Ahnna said, “I’ve heard Lara’s explanation, as well as yours, Your Grace. I understand that Lara was manipulated and lied to all her life, and that Silas was the villain. I understand that she did not intend for her father’s plans to come to fruition. I saw firsthand what she did to undo the damage her actions caused. But…” Ahnna looked away, shaking her head. “Knowingdoes not change what happened. It does not rebuild homes, or bring back the dead, or make those who were injured whole again. There are many who, in hearing the truth, will forgive her. Yet there are many for whom the truth is not enough to earn their forgiveness, and I am one of them.”

How could it not be enough?Aren opened his mouth to say as much, but in a flurry of motion, Ahnna slammed her palms down on the table, sending liquid sloshing over the rim of her cup. “You weren’t here, Aren. You don’t know.”

“You act as though I was captured the day of the invasion,” he retorted. “For weeks, I fought day in and day out. Saw men and women I’ve known my whole life fall beneath Maridrinian blades. Lost my whole goddamned household on Midwatch to one fucking woman.”

At the reference to her sister, Lara twitched, her grip tightening on his hand, but she said nothing.

“You saw battles, Aren. Quick deaths. Soldiers’ deaths.” The knuckles on Ahnna’s scarred hands turned white from pressure as she leaned toward him. “The rest of us sawwar.They hunted our people. Men, women, children, it didn’t matter, and when they caught them, it was no swift death. Since I was sixteen, I’ve fought in vicious, bloody battles, but it all pales in comparison to what I witnessed the Maridrinians do to our people. Every time I close my eyes, I see their faces, which means I cannot forget. And unless I find a way to forget, I will never forgive.” She straightened. “As soon as I am able, I will leave for Harendell to fulfill my commitments. I will do what duties are necessary until you select my replacement in the command of Southwatch, but I willnotvote. Which means I shall excuse myself for this conversation.”

Not giving him a chance to argue, his twin sister strode from the room, the door shutting heavily behind her.

Silence stretched, and Aren found himself at a loss for words.

Not only was losing his sister’s support a personal blow, with the way some of the commanders were shifting restlessly, it would cost him politically. Mara must have seen the same, for she said, “Ahnna blames herself for much of what has occurred over this past year and subjected herself to the worst of it in a way few other Ithicanians can claim, which has warped her perspective. It is well that she has chosen to remove herself from command in favor of someone with less…personal bias. Especially given that her concerns will soon be for Harendellian matters.”

The unease on the faces of the other commanders eased, several of them nodding in agreement.

“Even without Southwatch’s vote, we have a majority,” Mara continued. “Which means that the council stands behind both of you as rulers of Ithicana. That said, you may wish to reconsider granting your mercy to the individuals who attempted to take your life, Your Grace. What goodwill you gain from granting the perpetrators mercy will not protect you half as well as fear of the consequences of attempting to harm you, and I think more attempts will occur.”

As much as Aren favored mercy, he agreed with Mara. Being faced with Ithicana’s worst form of execution would go a long way in dissuading anyone who might dare harm his queen, though to be honest, he’d do worse than any shark if it happened on his watch.

“Those who have lost everything fear nothing,” Lara answered. “But if they are to fear anything, let it be my blade. Now that my strength is returning, those who seek my life going forward will find no mercy.”

“More Ithicanian blood on your hands is perhapsnotthe best solution,” Mara said, and Aren found himself snapping, “Then what is the solution, Commander? Because asking Lara to stand passive while men and women try to cut her throat is only going to mean that their blood is onmyhands, and I will not kill them slowly.”

“An heir.”

Aren straightened in surprise, and he heard Lara suck in a breath. “Pardon?”

Settling in her seat and waiting for the other commanders to take theirs, Mara leaned backward. “A solution to the problem would be for the queen to produce an heir. Many who might lift arms against her will stay their hands if she is carrying the future king or queen.”

“You want me to use a baby as a shield to protect myself?” Lara’s voice was hoarse, and as Aren glanced down at her, it was to find her whole body rigid.

Mara eyed her, but rather than answering the question, said, “An heir creates a sense of goodwill and stability within any kingdom. It would also demonstrate your commitment to a life in Ithicana.”

A shudder ran through Lara with such violence he thought she might collapse, and Aren shifted to grab her arms only for her to abruptly sit in her chair. “No. No, that is not an option. There will be no baby.”

Aren lowered himself into his own seat, uncertain how he felt about her answer as emotions swirled in his core. That Lara wouldn’t wish to use a child to protect her own life was her nature, and in truth, he felt the same way. Except he found himself wondering if her vehemence was against current circumstances or children in general. He realized that it wasn’t a subject that they’d ever really discussed, and that perhaps he’d made assumptions he should not have.

“You’re the queen, Your Grace,” Mara said. “If you don’t have a child, the Kertell line ends with no certainty of who will hold the crown after your time comes to an end.”

“Why can’t it be as it is in Valcotta?” Lara demanded. “The Empress chose Zarrah over her own son.”

Aren’s stomach twisted, for that felt like an answer to his unasked question.Don’t leap to conclusions,he told himself.Talk to her first.

“The Empress must choose a blood relation as her successor,” Mara answered, seemingly unmoved, though several of the other commanders were frowning. “Ahnna is to be queen of Harendell, so she cannot be named heir, and His Grace’s only other living relation is Taryn.”

Lara tensed at his cousin’s name, and for that, he couldn’t blame her. Taryn had taken Lara’s culpability in the invasion as a personal betrayal of friendship, her feelings made worse by the fact she’d been held prisoner by the Maridrinians for close to a year. He had not learned the particulars of how she’d been treated, but he didn’t need to know the details to understand it had left a dark mark on his cousin’s soul.

Tension within the room was rising, and in truth, he’d had enough. “Your suggestion is heard, Commander,” he said. “But as it stands, the queen is still recovering from her injuries and that must be her focus. I will ensure Aster has the resources he requires to protect her at all times, which will keep those ruled by their emotions from taking regrettable actions.” He paused, then added, “This meeting is adjourned.”

Mara inclined her head, then led the commanders from the room.

Rising to his feet, Aren circled the table to the door, setting the latch into place. “Just in case my grandmother realizes you’re up and comes hunting,” he said to Lara. “Though I’m not certain even a locked door will keep her out.”

Lara gave him a weak smile. “I’m here at her blessing, though I’m sure she’ll find another reason to meddle.”

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