“No,” Scarlet insisted quietly. “I don’t want a sword, or a battle, or a crown. All I’ve ever wanted was a chance at a life I could call my own, and I know I’d never have it as queen.”

“Are you sure?” Mother asked carefully.

“I am. I’ve had plenty of time to think about this. I don’t want the power or the obligation. And I will never challenge you for your crown, Etan. You will have my absolute allegiance, I swear.”

Etan’s eyes flashed over to me again, then back to his father. “I don’t . . . I can’t . . .”

“Etan, we’ve come all this way,” his father reminded him.

“Why not you?” he questioned.

Uncle Reid’s face was perfectly calm. “If I were younger, maybe. But I cannot lead. Not like you could.”

“You are so brave, son,” Aunt Jovana said.

“And intelligent,” Scarlet added.

“You have impressive military experience, and . . . a presence not many people could pull off,” Mother agreed.

“You’re a natural leader, Etan,” I said, fearing I may say too much. Still, I kept on, knowing that now, more than ever, he needed to hear it. “You’re passionate, strong, and kinder than you’d let anyone know.” His eyes moved to his family and back to me. “Whatever you may think, part of my heart is Isolten, and I, for one, would rejoice to have you as my king.” He stared deep into my eyes for a very long time. I watched as fear and hope and desperation flashed across his face. And then, as if the act was almost physically painful, he reached out and took his father’s sword.

“What do I do?” he asked.

“Go back to our lands,” Uncle Reid commanded. “Call up the army. Take some of these letters with you, and our people will rally behind the truth. We will quietly get word to some of the less-than-happy nobles and explain what’s happening, offer them secure places in your government for their support. By the time you get back, everything will be in place. And while I’m confident we have numbers on our side, you must be careful. If you speak to the wrong person . . .”

Etan nodded. “I know.”

“You should go now,” Uncle Reid insisted. “We will be watching for your return.”

“Wait,” Etan said, raising a hand. “We need to get Valentina here first.” He looked at me. “If she’s going to have a chance at escape, I have to take her with me now. I can do that, but I need your help.”

I didn’t hesitate. “Anything.”

Twenty-Six

IT TOOK A WHILE TO find a maid willing to go to the queen’s rooms and deliver a message. Poor Valentina. Even the staff feared being near her. Finally, we were able to send word to her that the girl from Coroa had found something of hers and would like to return it to her.