Page 214 of A Realm of Shattered Lies

“Evander must learn to fight his own battles, Elynore,” she whispers.

I nod, hardly able to contain the bulge in my throat.

Evander levels a cool, but unruffled look at his cousin, then slowly turns back to the people. “Those of you who wish to fight with me may. I’ll be standing for the freedom of our world, whether you choose to follow me or not. But don’t be mistaken. I won’t be conscripting you into battle. I won’t ask that of those of you who’ve never picked up the sword. What I will deign to ask for is your help.”

The crowd mutters, and Evander’s cousin scoffs. “And what is it you expect the people to do?”

Evander looks out at the crowd, and a soft smile forms on his face. “We’re not a people of war. We never have been. And though I have utmost confidence that our army will battle valiantly, they’ll have a fighting chance if you help them. My lovely wife, your queen, and her father have devised a plan to help defend against the Others. I only ask that you aid in making weapons to deliver to those in Naenden who stand to protect our world.”

Evander’s cousin scoffs, and more loudly than is likely wise, says, “What do you expect them to do? They’re a bunch of preening artisans. The best of them succeeded in crafting ceramics, Evander.”

That’s when Forcier steps to the front of the crowd. “If you’ll accept it, Your Majesty, I’d be more than happy to bake goods to send to replenish the soldiers.”

Evander’s eyes water. “Thank you, Forcier. That would be of the utmost help.”

Forcier beams at Evander, then shoots Casper a look that could curdle milk before stepping back into the crowd.

Next to me, my mother’s smirk mirrors mine as she squeezes my hand.

“Yes, and I’m sure those of us who make ceramics can learn to coat metal with glass,” says the woman who owns the ceramic shop in town. My father must have told her our plan. She crosses her arms and stares at Casper, who’s looking less and less comfortable by the minute.

The married couple who owns the blacksmith shop in town advances. “Our work may have been marveled at for its aesthetics, Your Majesty,” says the husband, his wife finishing his sentence, “but we assure you, our blades are just as capable of slicing through flesh, and looking fashionable as they do it,” she says, snapping her teeth at Evander’s cousin.

Evander’s smile is press-lipped. My husband is trying not to laugh.

I’m not trying that hard.

“Thank you. Your assistance is appreciated. Jethro, Ellie,” Evander says, “if you’ll fill the Hariwens in on the plan…”

By now several of the shop owners are filing up to the front to volunteer, and Casper looks greener by the minute.

“You fools,” he hisses. “He’ll fail you again. Lead you to your deaths, just like he did his brother.”

The crowd goes silent.

But Evander doesn’t look at his cousin. He just turns to the crowd and says, “If it is within my power not to fail you, I give you my word, I won’t.”

A shudder echoes over the crowd, snaking up my spine at the gravity of Evander’s words.

Of the fae vow he just made.

The one that will kill him if he double-crosses it.

Fae kings don’t make promises to their people.

It’s simply not done.

Maybe that’s why, this time, I don’t have to lead the way when the people of Dwellen kneel before their king.

CHAPTER 88

NOX

I thought the bond was pulling me here.

The gentlest of tugs, an incoherent whisper that almost sounded like a goodbye.

But I was wrong.

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