Maris indicated the tallest of them. “Allow me to introduce to you the prime commander of the Phrixian armada, Vadim Zahi.” Unlike his brothers, he had light brown hair and silvery blue eyes. “Next to him is the prime commander of the Phrixian army, Valari Sadoq.” With the exception of the cleft in his chin and the muscular build that would rival Hauk’s, he was almost identical in looks to Maris. Same black hair and eyes, and that intense stare that said he could see straight through any bullshit. “And Madai Zhao, who is Val’s second-in-command of the Phrixian ground forces.” Now Madai could easily pass as Maris’s twin. The only difference between them, again, was the larger build, and Madai’s skin was closer to the color of Hauk’s than Maris’s paler complexion.

Maris stepped back to indicate Hauk. “Phrixian High Command, I present you to Dancer of the Warring Blood Clan of Hauk, one of the high commanders and founders of The Sentella. It’s Hauk’s daughter who’s being held by Kyr.”

The unified fury in the Phrixians’ gazes was a thing of beauty and raw terror. They were out for blood, too.

Val clenched his teeth before he spoke. “We apologize for the cowardly actions that have been taken against your family, War Hauk. We assure you that no member of the Phrixian royal house will rest until this is rectified and your daughter is home safe.”

Vadim nodded. “Our brother – the prince-heir – and father, the emperor, also wish for us to extend their regrets that they were unable to be here to speak with you themselves. They’re en route to Andaria to meet with Queen Cairistiona. I’m sure as soon as they land, they will be in touch. But our father wanted us to contact you immediately to let you know that we do not condone such behavior, and that the Phrixian army and armada are at your full disposal.”

Hauk scowled at everyone in the room. “I feel like I’ve stumbled into the middle of a conversation.”

Safir let out an evil laugh. “When Kyr decided to use me as Maris’s scapegoat, he forgot two things. One, we are Phrixian. You have a problem with someone, you fight it out. You don’t tie them up and torture them. Two…” He grinned viciously. “I’m the baby. The rest of the family might hate Mari, but they adore me. I’m the favored son.”

Madai shoved him. “You’re an asshole.”

“You’re just jealous Mom and Dad love me more.”

Hauk scowled at Safir’s declaration. “I didn’t think the Phrixians had a word for love.”

Saf chuckled. “We don’t. But if we did, they would love me best.”