Page 61 of Royal Rebel

“You’re welcome,” Desfan said. “Fates . . . I can’t believe Prince Grandeur has overstepped so far in Mortise. Our alliance is still new—what made him think he could operate the Hunt within Mortise?”

“I don’t know. I do ask that you don’t strike out at Devendra—at least not yet. I’ll be writing to my father to determine if he knew what Grandeur was doing. If he didn’t know, I will make it clear that the Hunt must be stopped and that my brother must be punished. If my father knew . . . Well, I’ll make it clear that Mortise will have every right to retaliate.”

Desfan grunted. “I’ll have to inform the council about this, but I can wait to do so until we receive word from your father.”

“I would appreciate that delay.” There was no need to publicize what had been done, until fault could be determined. The peace between their kingdoms was far too tentative for that.

Serene took a breath. “I want to go to Zennor.”

Desfan’s shock was obvious. “Why?”

“I want to learn the fates of my people who ventured into Zennor for aid and vanished. I also want to consult with my uncle on several matters that concern all of us—Devendra, Mortise, and Zennor. I think it’s vital that all of us are united to face the threat Ryden poses.”

“I agree,” Desfan said. “But, Serene, you can’t leave. We’ve signed the betrothal agreement, but my people need to get to know you before the wedding. The peace isn’t secure yet.”

“I’ve considered that,” Serene said. “Luckily for me, I have the ability to be in two places at once.”

He leaned back in his chair, his brown eyes thoughtful. “Your decoy, Clare Ellington.”

She nodded. “I’m a trained diplomat, but Clare has a natural affinity for connecting with people. She will do a better job than I ever could here. She has already agreed to act in my stead to help build unity with the people of Mortise.”

“Meanwhile, you’ll be free to go to Zennor.”

“Yes. I’ll travel anonymously, so as not to ruin the illusion Clare will be weaving here. I know Mortise and Zennor have healthy trade relations, but you have no military obligations to each other, which could make the coming war with Ryden complicated. I would like to speak to my uncle and attempt to broker a stronger alliance between your two kingdoms.”

“I would love to have Buhari’s men on our side,” Desfan said. “But you aren’t officially a Mortisian yet—not until we marry. You can’t negotiate for us.”

“I can at least begin talks.”

He shook his head. “You have no official capacity to do even that.”

“Then appoint me as your delegate.”

Lines appeared on his forehead. “That’s not exactly following tradition.”

“Perhaps not, but itisan option.” When he said nothing, she leaned forward. “It’s thebestoption, Desfan. My uncle adores me, and he’ll listen to me. I can persuade him. And if all three kingdoms are united . . .”

“You think we might intimidate King Henri enough that he won’t dare attack?”

She lifted one shoulder. “I don’t know. But it’s worth a try. Even if it doesn’t work as an intimidation tactic, it will give us an edge in the war with Ryden.”

Desfan sighed. “I can’t argue that.”

Serene hesitated briefly. This was the part she wasn’t sure how to address, but she went with her gut. “There’s something else I would like to discuss with my uncle—Imara’s betrothal.”

Desfan stilled. “Why?”

“Several reasons. For one, I don’t like the sound of Eilan Skyer. For another, I don’t like how Imara talks about him—which isn’t often, but it leaves an impression. I think she’s scared of him.”

Desfan’s gaze darkened. “Why would her father arrange a marriage with a man she’s afraid of?”

“According to Imara, it’s because relations with the clans are exceptionally bad right now. I want to believe there’s another way to secure peace between the monarchy and the clans—even if it’s just by the fact that war with Ryden is coming and they can’t afford infighting.”

“Do you think you could help negotiate a peace that doesn’t require Imara’s marriage to Skyer?” Desfan asked.

“I don’t know,” she said honestly. “I won’t tell Imara of my intentions, because I don’t want to raise any false hopes. But I’ll do my best to ensure she doesn’t have to marry Skyer.”

Desfan tipped his chin. “I support you in this.”

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