I stopped talking, suddenly wondering if I wasn’t doing more harm than good. While Rurik was unquestionably the leader of my forces, Davin was another soldier and kind of Rurik’s rival. I’d inherited Davin with the Rowan Land, and he’d proved remarkably loyal and competent—and made it abundantly clear that he thought he’d do a better job than Rurik. It didn’t help matters that they were polar opposites. Rurik was a soldier to the heart, rough and efficient. Davin served well but also had a great appreciation for the finer things that Rurik scoffed at. Studying Rurik, who had had no reaction since I began talking, I reconsidered my doubts. Rurik was just contrary enough that maybe a little tough love was the real tactic here.

“Of course,” I continued, “maybe that’d be easier for you in the long run. I know how much you hate it when your job makes you dress up and go to diplomatic functions. Davin doesn’t mind that stuff, though. Have you ever seen his wardrobe? It’s pretty amazing. I think he spends more time on his hair than I do. Even if you do get out of this enchantment, I might just have him start doing that high-level stuff anyway. It’d be a favor to you, really, since you’re not that good at it. Plus, I know how much you hate going to some of those balls and parties with Shaya. I’m sure Davin wouldn’t mind escorting her. He’d probably even coordinate his clothes to match hers. That way, you could just stay home or go hunting or whatever.”

Still no reaction. Volusian had given me the impression that even if the guys heard me, they might not show it. Furthermore, it still might not be enough without the mistletoe to counteract some of the magic. I decided to give Rurik a rest and move on to the others. I’d keep making the rounds, and maybe, bit by bit, I’d chink away at the dryads’ enthrallment.

Danil was next. I didn’t attempt the cruel reverse psychology I had on Rurik, but I did put the same emphasis on his loved ones. Danil had been with me since I took over the Thorn Land, so I knew something about his life, like that he’d been married for a year and just had a baby. I talked to him about his family, pointing out how happy they’d be to see him. I even briefly mentioned Isaac and Ivy, saying that it’d be great if our children could play together someday.