“The attack on the Ruined,” Cas started, before Jovita had settled in her seat. “I understand it didn’t go well. We lost all soldiers except one, correct?”
“That’s correct,” Danna said. She shot an angry look at Jovita.
“It was only our first—” Jovita began.
“Enough,” Cas interrupted. “You’ve had plenty of time to speak. It’s my turn now.”
Jovita turned red, but she snapped her mouth shut.
“I’ve come to a few conclusions. One, sending our soldiers to attack the Ruined without proper preparation was deeply stupid. It was reckless and immature and caused us to lose soldiers when we need them most.” He leveled his gaze at Jovita, but she refused to meet it. “Two, locking me up under the pretense of being insane simply because I disagreed with all of you was treasonous, a crime punishable by death in Lera.”
Silence descended on the room. General Amaro’s throat bobbed as she swallowed hard.
“Three, you were right about the Ruined, and because of that, I will spare your lives.”
Julieta’s eyebrows shot up. “What do you mean, we were right?”
“The Ruined are plotting to attack the fortress again. Emelina and Olivia have formed a diarchy and they’ve taken up residence in Sacred Rock. I’ve been there.”
“You went to Sacred Rock?” Jovita sat up straighter.
“Briefly. I went to speak with Emelina about the possibility of a peace treaty between the Ruined and Lera. She was not amenable to the discussion.”
Jovita snorted. “No kidding.”
“However, it turns out you did accomplish one thing by attacking the Ruined.” Cas turned to Jovita. “Emelina has plans to kill you. You’re her highest priority.”
The smug look on his cousin’s face faded. “I—I guess that was to be expected.”
He reached into his pocket for the letter and slid it across the table to her. “I intercepted a letter from Emelina on my way out of town. I suspect you’re the leader she’s talking about in it. She sent Ruined after us to kill me—she must have thought I was already taken care of.”
Jovita hastily opened the letter, frowning as she read it. “It’s to an Olso leader. They still have an alliance.”
“They will continue to have one. Emelina is considering an offer of marriage from August, the youngest prince of Olso.”
Julieta pressed her palms to her forehead. “We thought the Ruined might reject the warriors once they were back in Ruina.”
“Perhaps they would have. Then you attacked them and made their alliance even stronger.” Cas looked at each adviser in turn. “This nonsense about me being insane ends now. I will admit that I was wrong about the Ruined. And you will admit that the attack on them was a mistake. From now on, we will be cautious and smart. We will form a plan to defeat the Ruined and retake the castle when it makes the most sense.”
“The castle isn’t a priority,” Jovita said. “We still have the south, so—”
Cas slammed his hand against the table, making her jump. “It’s a priority because I say it is. Argue with me again and I’ll reconsider those treason charges.” He stood. “That goes for all of you.” He turned and walked out of the room, Galo and Mateo following him.
Cas looked over his shoulder at Galo as soon as they were out of the room. “Find all the guards who are loyal to me. Quickly. I’m going to need their protection.”
TWENTY-FOUR
EM PULLED THE door to Cas’s house closed behind her. It was no longer Cas’s house, but she would probably always refer to it that way.
“It’s clean,” Em said. “They didn’t leave anything behind.” Mariana and Ivanna waited in the dirt at the bottom of the steps.
Mariana’s eyes brightened. “Can I take it, then?”
“Sure.”
Mariana scurried past Em, throwing open the door and bounding inside.
“Does she really need a whole house to herself?” Ivanna asked, with a hint of amusement.
“Might as well take advantage now. We’ll probably be back in tents and the miner cabins again soon.” She tried not to sigh as she said the words. As much as she hated to admit it, she didn’t want to go back to Ruina. It didn’t feel like home anymore.
She turned back to the center of town, Ivanna falling into step beside her. Ruined mingled outside the shops. This town was the nicest accommodations most of them had seen in more than a year, but Sacred Rock didn’t feel like home either. It felt like wherever Em took the Ruined, she just put them in more danger.
“A few of the Ruined council met last night,” Ivanna said quietly.
“That doesn’t sound good. Who is ‘a few’?”
“Me and Davi and Mariana.”
Em stopped, turning to face Ivanna. “And?”
“We’re concerned about Olivia. I heard the Vallos army attacked us because she provoked them.”
Em didn’t respond. Her silence was probably confirmation enough.
“It hasn’t escaped our attention that you’re the only one making smart decisions,” Ivanna said.
Em looked at her in surprise. After Cas’s visit, she hadn’t thought the words smart decisions would be associated with her for quite a while.
“I won’t lie to you, I didn’t want you to be queen. I voted against you when Damian took over. I thought Olivia was taking pity on you when she announced the diarchy.”
“Don’t sugarcoat it,” Em said dryly.
“I’m saying I was wrong. And I want you to know that you can count on our support. Even if it means going against Olivia. Or removing her from the throne.”
Em shifted uncomfortably. She knew what it was like to be removed from the throne. She didn’t want to do that to her sister.
“I don’t think that’s going to be necessary. She’s still upset about being captured. She just needs some time to adjust.”
Ivanna seemed skeptical. “I hope so.”
“You said you met with Davi and Mariana. What about Jacobo?” she asked, even though she already suspected the answer. She’d seen him following Olivia around, jumping at every order.
“I wouldn’t count on his support. And I don’t know about Aren, either.”
“Aren’s always on my side.”
Ivanna didn’t appear convinced, but Em was certain about Aren. He was always on her side.
“We also spoke about August,” Ivanna said. “Has Aren mentioned it to you yet?”
“No. What about him?”
“I’ll admit that I was excited about a marriage alliance with Olso at first, but me and the rest of the council are reconsidering.”
Hope surged up her spine. “Why is that?”
“Olso owes us after abandoning us back when Lera declared war on the Ruined. I don’t think a marriage should be required to secure their assistance.”
“I’m not sure they’ll see it that way.”
Ivanna shrugged. “Then it’s not a long-term alliance. They’ll leave after Jovita is dead. But I don’t want you to feel like you have to marry him just to make us happy. You’ve done enough for us.”
A lump rose in Em’s throat, and she blinked quickly before tears could form. “You don’t think it’s important to have Olso’s support long-term?”
“I don’t think we can count on anything long-term at this point. I’m sorry to be blunt, Emelina, but there is a possibility that August will have you killed after you have a few children.”
The same thought had occurred to her. She would spend their entire marriage looking over her shoulder, sleeping with a dagger within reach.
“I’ll think about it,” Em said, the relief coming through in her voice.
Ivanna reached out to squeeze her arm. “Remember that you can come to me if you need anything. Even if it’s just to talk things out.”
“Thank you,” Em said. Ivanna smiled and walked away.
Em continued slowly down the dirt path. She’d never gotten the impression the council was on Olivia’s side, bu
t she certainly never thought most of them would be firmly on hers.
She spotted Aren near the warrior camp, sitting in front of a large bucket with Iria. They were washing clothes.
Aren caught her watching, said something to Iria, and jogged over to Em. “I’m glad I caught you,” he said. “I wanted to ask you about something.”
“What’s that?”
“Do you think I could volunteer to go north with the warriors?”
“What?”
“Have you already assigned Ruined to go?”
“Uh, no,” she said. Aren was going to voluntarily spend time with warriors for a week or two?
“Then send me. Pick two weaker Ruined to go with me. I can protect the warriors.”
“Why?”
He didn’t meet her eyes. “I want to get away for a while.”
“Get away from what?” She followed his gaze when he didn’t reply. He was watching Olivia, sitting on the porch of their house.
“You know she’s planning to marry me?” he asked quietly.
“I heard. How do you feel about that?”
His face was more openly haunted than she’d ever seen. He looked almost close to tears. “I can’t, Em. I can’t. I know I was always meant for one of you, and it’s a smart political choice, but …” He shook his head. “Please, Em. Please don’t make me.”
“What? Aren, I would never make you do anything.” She reached out and gently squeezed his arm. “Did you think you didn’t have a choice?”
“I think Olivia assumed …” His voice trailed off. “And I know some of the Ruined assume it’s my responsibility to lead since I’m so powerful.”
“I promise it’s your choice. If anyone tries to pressure you, send them my way.”
He laughed and let out a shaky breath. “Thanks.”
“And I think you’re wrong about the Ruined wanting you to marry her. I just had a conversation with Ivanna. She’s not that supportive of me marrying August. I don’t think she’s ready to push anyone into a marriage.”
“Really? I talked to her about that a while back and she thought it was a good idea.”
“She’s changed her mind.”
“That’s a relief. I don’t want that guy around forever.”
“Nothing’s decided yet,” she said. “But there was something else.”
“What?”
“Most of the council isn’t happy with Olivia.”
“I suspected. They don’t talk to me about it because they think I’m close to Olivia.”
“I thought they were mad at me about Cas, but it seems like they’re more concerned with Olivia right now.”
“I can’t blame them.”
“They might not be thrilled if they knew I was staying in contact with Cas.”
His eyebrows shot up. “What?”
She quickly relayed Cas’s plan to kill Jovita, and his request to meet in four days.
“Seriously?” Aren asked. “He’s going to kill her for us?”
“And give us information about Lera’s plans. Make her look stupid.”
“Wow.”
“So it’s actually good that you want to go with the warriors, because I need you to protect him if you run into him. You’ll get pretty close to the fortress, and Cas will be traveling south soon.”
“I can try. Are you going to meet him in four days?”
“Yes.”
“What does he want in return?”
“Nothing. Or nothing I hadn’t already offered. A promise not to send Ruined into Lera to attack.”
“He’s going to try to retake the throne, right? I don’t think August would approve of us helping Cas.”
“I’m sure he wouldn’t. I haven’t told anyone about this except you,” she said. “Our secret?”
Aren nodded. “Our secret.”
TWENTY-FIVE
THE KITCHEN STAFF thought Cas was insane.
He’d considered many options to avoid getting poisoned again, and he’d finally settled on the one that made the most sense—he’d simply make his own food.
Galo had looked at him like he’d grown a second head and offered again to taste his food first. Cas declined that ridiculous offer. Galo pointed out that Cas didn’t actually know how to cook.
Details.
“It’s slimy,” he said, holding up the meat from the pig Mateo had killed. He stood at the counter of the small kitchen, not far from the open window. It was one of the only rooms in the fortress with a window, and it was quickly becoming his favorite room in the building.
Blanca tried to grab it out of his hand. “Your Majesty, let me—”
He held it out of her grasp. “I’m learning how to cook pig. It’s an essential skill, wouldn’t you say?”
She huffed, placing her hands on her hips. Behind her, Leticia giggled.
“Season it, Your Majesty,” Blanca said with a defeated sigh. She thrust a bottle into his hand.
“How much?” he asked, shaking it over the meat.
“That’s good. Now turn it over and do the other side.”
He did as she instructed, then heated a skillet and plopped the meat inside. “Tomorrow will you show me how to debone fish? Galo was going to take me to the river to catch some.”
“You’re going to catch it yourself too?” Leticia asked skeptically.
“Can’t eat fish unless I catch it.” He pointed to the meat. “How long is it supposed to stay in there?”
“A few more minutes,” Blanca said. “And yes, I’ll teach you to debone fish. Next you’ll be asking Leticia how to wash your own clothes.”
His brow crinkled in confusion. “Do you do more than just stick them in water with soap?”
Leticia giggled again.
“I should probably ask about that,” he said. Blanca threw up her hands, grumbling something he couldn’t understand.
“Were you really poisoned, Your Majesty?” Leticia asked, lowering her voice. Blanca waved a towel at her and put a finger to her lips.
“No, I don’t mind,” Cas said. “I was. Luckily Galo realized it in time.”
“You know we would never poison you,” Blanca said. “I would deliver my food to you personally, from now on.”
“I know,” he said gently. “But I need to learn this anyway. No need for you to go out of your way.”
She gave him another baffled look, but her eyes sparkled with amusement. “Turn your meat, Your Majesty.”
He did as she said. He finished cooking the meat, then cut it and placed it on plates. He’d already cut up some vegetables and distributed them. He put a small chunk of meat on a plate and pushed it toward Blanca.
“That’s for you.”
“I couldn’t take that, Your Majesty.”
“You have to tell me if it’s good!”
She paused, then grabbed a knife and sliced off a piece. She lifted it to her lips and nodded as she chewed.
“Not bad.”
“Thank you.”
“Leticia, take those plates to the dining room for him,” the cook ordered.
Leticia jumped to action, grabbing two plates. He took the other two before she could protest.
“Lead the way,” he said. He watched her carefully as they walked through the kitchen doors.
Violet, Mateo, and Galo sat at the small square table off the kitchen. It was used as the staff dining room, but Cas had asked if he and his friends could dine there tonight.
“Is it edible?” Violet asked. Her cheeks were a bit pink, probably from the glass of wine each had in front of them.
“I hope so.” He put a plate down in front of her. Leticia served Galo and Mateo, then scurried out of the room before Cas could even thank her.
“Where did you find wine?” he asked as he sat down next to Violet.
“General Amaro gave it to me. Everyone is suddenly so interested in being my friend.” She held up the bottle, offering some to him.
“No, thank you.” He needed his head clear, always.
/> “Hey, this is pretty good!” Galo said, pointing to his plate.
“I’ll pretend that tone isn’t so surprised,” Cas said. Galo grinned at him.
Cas took a bite of the meat, watching as Mateo bumped his shoulder against Galo’s. They exchanged a smile. If Cas had stayed with Em, maybe he would be sitting next to her, saying things to her without words. Maybe he’d be cooking for her.
He pushed the thought out of his head. His brief fantasy of staying with Em was over, and the memory of it only caused him shame. He’d been so eager to give up on his people. On everyone in this fortress who was counting on him. On the Ruined he’d promised to protect. So many people needed him to be a strong king. He wasn’t going to let them down again.
After dinner he retreated to his room and found Jovita standing in front of his door.
“Can we talk, Cas?”
“Depends. Are you going to poison me again?” He reached around her and opened the door. She followed him inside.
“I didn’t poison you. If I was going to kill someone, I’d stab them in the gut. Poison is for cowards.”
“Agreed,” he said, holding her gaze as he sat down on the edge of the bed.
“You don’t believe me?”
“Forgive me if I’m not very trusting after you tried to convince everyone I was insane.”
“Forgive me if I’m still not convinced of your sanity.”
“Shall I do something to prove it?”
“I was thinking—do sane people have to prove it?”
He let out a short laugh. “I suppose they don’t.”
She seemed annoyed he hadn’t taken offense. “What are you doing, Cas? You can’t really expect me to believe your opinion about the Ruined has changed so quickly.”
“No. I still think what my father did was wrong. I think he and my mother would still be alive if he hadn’t declared war on the Ruined. But we can’t change the past. We’re in this war, and we have to finish it.”
“Before, you were talking like you wanted to surrender to the Ruined. Or partner with them. Be honest. You let Emelina go after she attacked the fortress.”
“I let Emelina go,” he said. Jovita’s eyebrows shot up at the admission. “I had feelings for her.”