Clearing his throat, he braced himself for what he was sure would be a less than stellar reception.

Don’t get used to the title of emperor, boy. After this speech, they just might unanimously decide to yank it.

Even so, Darling stood strong before them. “Just a few minutes ago, we learned the location of where our people are being held. It’s taken longer than we’d hoped to find them, but nevertheless, we can now move forward with our plans.”

They started chattering around him. Some in support. Some…

Not so much.

Darling held his hand up to silence them. “I know most of you in this room truly believe I’m insane. The good new is, I am. But not for the reasons you think. A sane man would gladly sacrifice his people to the League and bargain with them so that he could stay in power no matter what. A sane man wouldn’t even begin to contemplate what I’m about to undertake.”

“What are you going to do?” someone shouted.

Darling glanced in the direction of that unknown voice. “Bring our people home.”

They laughed.

He ignored their ridicule. He was used to it, after all.

Once again, he silenced their protests. “I’m not asking any of you to risk anything.” He turned his attention to the royal guard. With Ryn and the Tavali backing the Sentella, he no longer needed them. “And that includes my soldiers. They’re free to stay home and protect our citizens from the invaders.”

To his shock, the majority of his guard protested the idea.

“Our job is to defend you, Emperor!”

“The emperor is the heart and soul of the Caronese people! He’s not a martyr to be sacrificed!”

Warmed by those shocking statements, Darling continued. “In the event I fail, I have a video that will be given to the League, telling them that I acted without knowledge or approval of the CDS. It renounces my titles, and names my brother Drake as my successor, with Ryn continuing on as Grand Counsel until Drake’s majority. I wanted all of you here so that I could personally assure you that the well-being of this empire is my greatest concern, and I would never do anything to jeopardize my people. The Caronese are my life. And by the gods, I will not tolerate anyone coming into my territory and kidnapping my people out of our government buildings for any reason, and then to hold them hostage…”

He would mention the Resistance, too, but he knew no one in this room cared that they’d been taken. Most were probably happy about it. And mentioning their capture might even alienate some of the CDS.

Darling saw the pain in Giran’s eyes as the gerent watched him. He was terrified for his son and well he should be. “The League has issued a command that I surrender governorship to them. If I do so, they will step in and replace me.”

A cheer of approval went up.