Jayran’s hand itched with the desire to punch his brother in the face. But he took a deep breath, curbing the urge to do just that.
"You have no right to accuse of anything. You weren’t the one who had to stand there and watch him impaled on that lance. You weren’t the one forced to look into his eyes while he bled out everywhere. You weren’t there so you have no right to talk." It took everything Jayran had in him to keep himself in catch. "After they brought him down, I went inside and found the empty pitcher that proved that he had been drinking that night. Whatever you believe you know about Azul’s tolerance, last night was different. People do not always behave as we expect them to." He held Hairan’s stare without blinking. "Blaming others will not help him survive, nor will it help the physicians keep him alive. All we can do is go to him. That is what I an to do."
As he spoke, Jayran deliberately avoided eting Elka’s gaze. He might have agreed to shield her from the consequences of what she had done, but Azul was still his brother. He would not wish him dead.
Hairan studied him for a long mont. The suspicion in his expression did not vanish but at last, he stepped aside.
Jayran moved past him and through the door without looking back.
***
Elka arrived at Lord Theron’s residence in the early hours of the afternoon. Her note had reached him ahead of her, requesting a brief private audience. He agreed at once and now a footman was escorting her into a bright waiting room lined with dark wood panels and heavy blue drapes.
Theron stood as she entered, his expression shifting into a warm, genuine smile.
"Elka," he said. "What a welco surprise."
A maid poured red wine into two silver cups, set them before them, and withdrew silently, closing the door with a soft click.
Elka took the seat opposite him. Theron’s smile lingered as he regarded her.
"It is always a pleasure to see you," he said. "Please know you are welco in my ho anyti."
"Thank you," Elka replied, returning the smile. "That ans a great deal."
Theron was a young, wealthy lord who had once pursued her earnestly, seeking her hand in marriage. But her father, Halric, had refused him outright, already intent on giving her to Prince Hairan. Even so, the lord’s failure to claim her had not soured his feelings. He still held a fondness for her, one that revealed itself in the warmth he showed her whenever their paths crossed.
He was also one of the allies she told Jayran about.
Now, Elka found herself clinging to the hope that he might still favor her enough to hear her out, especially as he was one of the few nobles who had yet to openly align himself to the queen.
She waited until he lifted his cup and took the first sip before touching her own. Theron set his cup down and looked at her with open curiosity.
"What brings you here today?"
Elka held his gaze as she spoke. "I ca to speak with you about the future of the kingdom. With King Zeriel gone, many houses are still undecided. You remain one of the few who has not yet pledged your support to the queen or her son. I believe your voice and resources could make a real difference. I am asking for your support for prince Ragnar. Your influence could aid him in opposing the queen and securing his claim to the throne."
A flicker of surprise crossed his face, followed by intrigue. He leaned back in his chair.
"That is unexpected," he admitted. "Unlike many of the traditionalists at court, I hold no hatred in my heart for prince Ragnar. I don’t care that he is illegitimate or not a pureblood. He has proven his worth. But I must confess, I am confused. Why co to on Ragnar’s behalf when he is your husband’s rival? Would it not make more sense to seek support for Prince Hairan? He is, after all, the expected successor."
"I was raised by parents who despised Ragnar’s very existence. Yet even they could not deny his accomplishnts or the impact he has made on the kingdom. Compared to Hairan, Ragnar is the superior choice. That is reason enough for him to wear the crown." Elka answered evenly. "Our kingdom needs a strong ruler after the king’s death. Ragnar is that man. I want what is best for Lamora, regardless of who my husband happens to be."
Theron lightly swirled the content in his cup. "You speak with conviction. Most wives would work tirelessly to advance their husband’s position. Tell , do you truly believe Ragnar can hold the kingdom together if the queen’s faction resists?"
"I do," Elka said. "He has succeeded in the eastern campaigns and restored vital trade routes that Hairan allowed to weaken. Not to ntion that not too long ago, he fought and won the war in Westeria. The nobles in the south respect him and the sa is the case in the west. From what I have heard, he has powerful noble houses backing his endeavors. With enough support secured now, we can prevent open conflict."
Theron nodded thoughtfully. "And the personal risk to you? If the prince discovers you are moving against him, your place at court could be ruined."
"I have considered that," she replied. "But remaining silent while the weaker man takes power would harm far more people in the end. The kingdom has endured too much poor leadership already. Ragnar offers a genuine alternative."
"The guilds grow restless," Elka told him. "They seek stable trade and lighter taxes. Ragnar will surely not miss this opportunity. He will promise them both. Several border lords have sent private signals of interest."
Theron sent down his cup and leaned forward. "I control important roads in the west. Should I back him, I can secure supply lines. But I will need assurances that my holdings receive protection if matters turn violent."
"You will have them," Elka said. "Ragnar will reward those who stand with him early. He does not forget his allies."
"Then, he has my support," Theron smiled. "But this must stay between us until you are ready to act openly. I have no desire to attract the queen’s notice prematurely."
Elka gave a single nod, relief settling over her. "Thank you, my lord. I will rember this."
He walked her to the door himself. As she stepped outside, he spoke quietly. "Take care, Elka. These are dangerous tis."
She departed through the private side entrance by which she had arrived. The eting had gone better than she expected. Another noble now stood with Ragnar, and the path forward felt clearer.
Reviews
All reviews (0)