Chapter 4
A deep silence lingered within the war chamber for several moments, then Prince Baku moved closer to her. “An Alliance with my kingdom, Avindar, Princess.”
There was the merest hint of amusement in his tone, and resentment flowered through her even as her heart trembled. “It is well known throughout the seven realms the King of Avindar and the Emperor of Mevia formed an alliance. It is unprecedented for a kingdom to have more than one alliance. Loyalties would forever be divided until a side is chosen.”
“These are unprecedented times,” High Chancellor Bastien said. “And it is not impossible. Caelum—the Kingdom of Water—had two alliances once, before they dissolved those treaties and buried their kingdom underneath the oceans of Amagarie.”
“There is division within Avindar. And my father will support me in my choice of bride,” the prince said sauntering forward a few more paces until the edges of his swirling robe caressed over her feet. “With an alliance with both Avindar and Nuria, my father would unlikely respond to the call of war. His loyalty would be split, and he would be unable to make a move.”
“Your father would remain a neutral party?” she asked, her heart pounding so fast she felt faint.
“He might,” the prince said, his eyes kissing over her skin with unchecked greed. “But whatever aid he renders to Mevia—grains, weapons, warriors, he would have to do the same for his other kingdom of Alliance. We would also have one of the much coveted Phoenyx in our realm. There is a rumor the Emperor tried to capture your brother for the force inside of him. My father would be well pleased Avindar has a body which houses the eternal fire, a Tenzu.”
She glanced away and met the regard of her brother. Ajali’s eyes were grave but utterly resolute. “You are the only princess of Nuria. We must strengthen our kingdom by forming a powerful alliance with Avindar. We need a foothold within Avindar, something to loosen the Empire’s power there or even threaten it.”
“And I’m to be that sacrifice,” she said softly.
Xian could not imagine marrying or giving her body to another but Gavyn. Xian knew he felt a similar regard, simply for the fact he had never married or taken another lover since their first kiss. She pressed trembling fingers to her lips, the memory of his taste and scent crowding her senses.
“You will travel to Avindar tomorrow to meet the king and—”
Shock punched through her. “Tomorrow?”
“Yes.” Ajali rested his hands on her shoulders. "There must be no delays. Before he sounded the trumpet of war, the emperor was several pieces ahead on the board of war. His spies are already infiltrating the other realms. We know they are here in Nuria. Promises and oaths are being brokered, assassins dispatch. We cannot and must not delay in positioning ourselves. The binding ceremony will be completed in Avindar.”
Unable to help herself she glanced beyond her brother’s shoulder toward Gavyn. He stared at them, his expression a mask of chilling indifference. The prince followed her gaze, and he narrowed his eyes in speculation.
She looked away from Gavyn, unable to explain the pain ripping through her heart. Of course, he would not protest his king's order or fight to keep her with him. Never had he made any declarations in the years they had been friends. And with so many lives reliant on another alliance for their kingdom, he would not object.
“I will do my duty to Nuria,” she said, lifting her chin, despising that tear burned behind her eyes “Whatever it takes to save our people.” And she wanted to cry that her heart did not echo with deep resolve.
Approval flared in both her brothers’ eyes and her heart broke even more. They had both been fortunate to choose the person they loved to walk by their side. Yet they would think nothing of denying her the same security. She was a pawn, nothing more, and it was time to move her across the war board. This was not how she had envisioned serving her people, but on the battlefield, defending their homes and lives.
The prince stepped by her side and grasped her hands. His touch felt, unfamiliar, cold, and frightening. Unable to stop the impulse she pulled her hands from his and strolled over to the large stone table. There she poured wine into a chalice conscious of her brother’s loyal friends staring at her. She took several swallows of the potent wine, hoping to mask the pain and doubt clawing inside of her.
“We will leave for Avindar tonight to my palace,” the prince said smoothly coming into her line of vision. “The passageway through the wastelands will soon become impassable as the silent assassins who live in those barren caves will haunt the place, working for the highest bidder.”
And it was impossible to move from Nuria to Avindar without traversing a section of Taryllion, vast and imposing wasteland which separate the borders of the seven kingdoms.
"My sister's Queen's blades will be with her at all times," Ajali commanded. “And Nurian warriors will accompany your convoys to Avindar. In addition to the princess’s personal blades, at least fifty warriors will stay with my sister for her protection.”
“Of course,” the prince said conciliatory. “I will also add a team of my own guards. The princess is precious to all of us.”
“If harm befalls her, I will hold you personally accountable.” Ajali glanced at her, a worried frown chasing his features.
What did he see? That her heart was breaking into several pieces?
Prince Baku slammed a fist across his chest and bowed. “I will protect her with my life.”
“Good. Make ready to depart within the hour—”
“I will leave in the morning.” Her softly spoken words fell into the chamber like a heavy boulder.
Ajali sent her a sharp, probing glance but did not refute her.
"Your Highness," Bastien said stepping forward, a most displeased frown on his face. “It is not wise to delay your journey for even a minute. Spies might have—”
“This morning I woke with dreams in my heart that I had all intention of realizing.” She made h