Tenger leaned forward. “I told Imri Stout about Joth Tarquin and what we suspect of his abilities.”
She nodded. “I have already instructed my science officers to develop strategies to counteract his magic. I hope to have some answers by morning; then we will solve this Antoran problem once and for all.”
I folded my arms and stared at her, unable to contain myself any longer. “But that’s the point—these are Antoran problems. It is not for the Brill to solve them, nor to determine our future.”
“When our palace exploded, that gave us every right to have a say in Antora’s future.”
“You will never rule in Antora,” I said. “You will never occupy Antora. If you choose to remain here, then you must agree to do so under my command.”
“Or mine,” Tenger said. “I am a captain—”
“And I am a king.” I glared sharply at him until he glanced away. “When Endrick is defeated, the Scarlet Throne will belong to the Halderians, not to the Coracks, not to the Brill—” I glanced over at Basil. “Nor to Reddengrad.”
“We don’t want it,” Basil said. “My people will fight this battle only out of gratitude for my life.”
“Kestra will think the Scarlet Throne is hers,” Tenger said. “And, confidentially, between the four of us, by rights of inheritance, it is. So we will settle this now, Simon. Answer as you should, and I will allow you the Scarlet Throne without contest. What are your intentions regarding Kestra?”
I kept my gaze steady. “Kestra cannot be allowed to take the throne.”
Imri shook her head. “Yes, but what are your intentions?” When my eyes darted away, she pounded a fist on the table, drawing my attention back to her. “Let me be more specific. If Kestra succeeds in killing Lord Endrick and tries to claim the throne for herself, what will you do?”
I hesitated, unwilling to answer. Something more pressing was intruding on my thoughts.
“Simon?” Tenger asked.
I stood and pushed back my chair. “Excuse me.”
I ran into the yard in time to see Rawk landing with Harlyn on his back. Seeing me, she leapt off and rushed forward, throwing her arms around my neck. “I did it—they’re coming! Our cavalry is only a couple of days away.”
I rubbed my hand down Rawk’s neck in gratitude for having safely returned Harlyn. He nestled into me a moment before I understood that he was tired and hungry after such a long flight. I let him go, and he flew off to hunt.
When he’d gone, I turned to Harlyn. “Did you have any trouble with the cavalry?”
“A little, but I settled it.” Harlyn lowered her eyes. “We should talk about that.”
“We will, but first I must settle something of my own. Come with me.”
I walked with Harlyn back into the library, where Tenger was standing in conversation with Imri Stout, and where Basil remained in his seat. They all looked up as I entered.
“The Halderian cavalry will be here within two days,” I said. “When they arrive, we will attack.” Then I addressed Imri. “Either Kestra will succeed in killing Lord Endrick, or in her place we will find another Infidante to do the job. When it is completed, Kestra cannot be allowed to take the throne.”
“If she tries—”
“If she tries, we will stop her … at any price,” I said. “But it will be under my command alone. Agree to that now, or my first order to the Halderians will be the expulsion of the Brill, the Coracks, and, if necessary, even the prince of Reddengrad.”
“I will command my people,” Basil said. “But I will take my direction from you.”
“As long as you do as you have promised here, the Coracks will follow you,” Tenger said.
Imri templed her fingers and looked directly at me. “You cannot say the words, can you, Simon? You tell us that Lord Endrick must be killed, but when it comes to Kestra Dallisor, all you can say is that she must be stopped. So here are our terms. We will follow you to the death of Lord Endrick. But when it comes to Kestra, if you will not stop her to our satisfaction … to her death … then we will.”
My heart thudded against my chest, but there was no going back now. All I could say was, “Agreed. We will call ourselves the Alliance, and you will retain command of all those who came with you. But only while you are following my command.”
Heads dipped in agreement, and I nodded in return. With Harlyn at my side, we left the library. I had just united the opposition against Lord Endrick under my leadership, and we were finally prepared to move forward.
“You did well in there.” Harlyn squeezed my arm. “We must celebrate this new Alliance.”
“Why would we celebrate that?” I asked, harsher than I ought to have done. Correcting myself, I added, “Forgive me, Harlyn. I’m glad you arrived safely.”