‘Perhaps. But I am not so foolish as to think that it would be an easy thing for me to take the throne without a revolt. King Mirvar was a great man, and the people would see a Rivengeld sat on that throne. That is why you will continue to occupy that space. You will issue the decrees agreed to by the council. You will sign the edicts we see fit and make the rulings we decide you will make.’

‘A puppet queen?’ Astrid spat the words. At the same time she slowly moved her hand towards the concealed knife she had strapped to the inside of her arm.

‘An unfortunate term. But … yes.’

‘Working for the very same people who conspired to have my brother killed?’

‘Yes.’

‘Are you mad? Why would I agree to such a thing?’ She had her fingers on the hilt of the knife now. It was a well-balanced weapon and she knew it would fly straight and true when she threw it to kill the traitor Glaeverssun.

‘Because your brother is not the only thing you hold dear, is he?’ That smile again. ‘We have your shield sisters in chains now. The one we had to drag out? Maarika, isn’t it? I understand the two of you have been almost inseparable throughout your sixteen years in this world. It would be such a shame if anything happened to her.’ He paused, letting his words sink in. ‘Your brother has been judged and sentenced. You cannot save him. But as queen you hold the lives of Maarika and the other shield maidens in your hands.’ He allowed his eyes to drift from her face to the sleeve of her gown, under which lay the concealed knife. ‘The weight of power is burdensome, is it not?’

Astrid let go of the knife and balled her hands into fists, her fingers curled so tightly that her nails bit into the flesh of her palms. Fighting against the rage that threatened to overcome her, she did her utmost to keep from saying or doing anything that might further endanger her sisters. She would make this man pay for his treachery. She had no idea how, but she vowed to do so if it was the last thing she ever did.

Satisfied, Glaeverssun turned to the armed men nearest him. ‘Please be so kind as to escort our queen to her rooms. And do not let her out of your sight. She is not to leave this place. Is that understood? Try to get some rest, Queen Astrid. Your next official duty will be at the execution of your brother and I need you to be strong enough to face that unpleasant ordeal.’

17