The Bloodforged Read Free Page B

forces in the field. His kingdom had been torn in half then, its lands overrun by enemy forces, but at least Erik had not felt as though he were burrowed down, snug and safe, like a hedgehog waiting out the winter. At least then, he could face his enemy head on. If his kingdom was destined to be conquered, Erik would rather die on the point of a sword than be captured in the palace, forced to his knees in front of the Warlord. Thrown in the Red Tower, or worse, given his freedom in exchange for surrender.
    Stop it. We are not conquered. Not yet.
    â€œYour Majesty.”
    Her voice was a welcome interruption. Erik turned.
    â€œThe oratorium is clear. There’s a crack in one of the windows, but the servants assure me it’s just ordinary wear and tear. It’ll be repaired by tomorrow.”
    â€œThank you, Alix. And what of the banner lords? Have they begun arriving?”
    She smiled. Erik knew what that meant, and he smiled too. “So he did come, then?” He had been told not to expect Riggard Black.
    Closing the door to make sure they were alone, Alix strolled into the room and threw herself casually into a chair. “Apparently, he got a letter from Highmount.”
    â€œAh.” Erik pulled out his own chair. “I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. My first counsel is convinced this is the most critical decision we’ve had to make since the siege.”
    Alix toyed with the pearl-handled seal knife on his desk. “Is it?” she asked quietly.
    â€œI think perhaps it is,” he said, just as quietly. “But the truth is, I’m not sure it’s really a choice at all. If our allies don’t enter the war, and soon, it’s over for us. We must do whatever it takes to see that they do.”
    â€œAnd you and Highmount have an idea how to do that?” The barest hint of frost touched her voice. Few would have noticed it; Alix had grown better at concealing her thoughts these past months. Time at court did that to a person. But Erik spent at least twelve hours a day with this woman, and he could read her as easily as a favourite book. She was annoyed, and he thought he knew why.
    â€œWe’ve discussed it in detail, yes. And no, you were not present. That was deliberate, Alix.” Hardly likely to appease her, but he wanted her to understand. “I needed to discuss the options freely, without worrying about those whom it might affect.”
    She gave him a wary look. “Meaning?”
    â€œI see only one possible solution, and you’re not going to like it.”
    â€œThat sounds ominous.”
    â€œOminous.” He sighed again, rubbed his temples. “That is how we live our lives, is it not? Ominously?”
    Her expression softened; she reached across the desk and took his hand. Instinctively, Erik’s fingers tightened around hers.
    â€œIt won’t last forever, Erik. It can’t.”
    For half a heartbeat, he let himself take comfort in her voice, in the warmth of her hand. Then he released her and sat back. “No, it can’t. It must end. My duty is to make sure it ends well, no matter what. I hope I can count on your support tomorrow, even if you don’t like what I have to say.”
    The wary look returned. “In that case, maybe you’d better tell me now.”
    â€œWe will discuss it at length tomorrow, I promise. And I’m not asking you to agree with me blindly—just hear me out, without jumping to conclusions. If you still have concerns, you are free to air them, as always. I daresay you won’t be alone.”
    She shifted uncomfortably. “This proposal of yours—it’s really that bad?”
    â€œBad? I sincerely hope not. Call it desperate, rather.”
    She swallowed. “Are things really that . . . Are we desperate?”
    His gaze moved back to the window, to the glitter of snow and the marching ranks of tombstones. “Yes, Alix, we are.”

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