“You didn’t kill Meredith. Aveline did, and with your help, she will pay. My price is blood and pain,” he said, his satisfaction almost tangible. He raised his chin. “In return for your aid, I will win the Terran All War in Aveline’s name, since she’s the one who sent me here, and I’m registered as her representative. But, as soon as we defeat her, you’ll acquire all of her territories. You’ll rule this planet and multiple others.”

And forever battle other royals? Three cheers and three boos. The real kicker? He’d casually suggested cold-blooded murder again.

Nola might not be a queen—yet—but he already considered her morally bankrupt. Well, no matter. In time, she would prove her mettle.

Note to self: get mettle. “To win the All War, you’ll have to kill Vale. I will never endanger my sister.”

He searched her gaze. “Your loyalty is unexpected and impressive, but misplaced. Vale died the moment she joined the war. No matter the scenario, there’s no way to save her. Best you come to terms with her loss.”

Though Nola gave a violent shake of her head, he continued, saying, “To win, Vale must kill me. But, without me, you cannot defeat Aveline and her beasts. If another warrior wins the All War, Vale dies. If anyone other than an Adwaewethian wins, Aveline will send beasts to murder you and your loved ones.”

No. No! “There has to be a way to keep her away from my planet while saving Vale. And you. And Zion. And Knox.” He’d protected Vale at her most vulnerable, so, Nola would protect him, too. “In fact, I order you to win the war, and live, without killing Vale, Zion or Knox.” There! Problem, meet solution.

He blinked rapidly, as if baffled, then shook his head. “You aren’t formidable enough to enforce such an impossible command.”

Trembling now, she glided a fingertip around his one remaining gash. “Is that why you didn’t heal completely?”

“Yes,” he said, his jaw clenched.

“There’s got to be a way to get everything we both want, and I will find it.”

Again, he looked surprised. “Aren’t you the one who told me people don’t always get what they want?”

“I’m not most people.”

“Are you saying you refuse to fight to liberate our people from Aveline’s oppressive reign?”

Our people. “I don’t... I can’t...” Gah!

“You claim you have no desire to kill someone, yet your order to save Vale is a death sentence for me. You realize this, yes? You simply don’t care?”