“You can’t be serious!” Zacaros sounded almost frantic. “If they’ve got a blade to your throat, then I’ll have no choice but to assume command.”

“The queen and I have reached an . . . accord. We will negotiate with General Vhalnich. It’s over.”

“The queen?” Raesinia could hear muttering among the troops outside, and she raised her voice.

“I’m here. And President Maurisk is right. The time for fighting is done.”

That seemed to tip the balance. The majority of the Patriot Guard, Raesinia guessed, didn’t know about Maurisk’s attempts on her life, any more than they knew about the alliance with the Penitent Damned. As far as they were concerned, they were still fighting in defense of the queen and legitimate authority against a rebellious general.

She could almost hear the wheels turning in Zacaros’ head, even from the other side of the door. If he chose to ignore Maurisk’s orders and killed everyone present, he could take power for himself, but there was no way to be sure his soldiers wouldn’t balk at orders to silence their own monarch. And if the queen was determined to stop the fighting—

There was no way out, no solution except obedience that led anywhere good. Still, Raesinia held her breath for a moment.

“Understood,” Zacaros said. “Lay down your weapons, men. I’ll pass the command to the others.” He hesitated. “There’s still some fighting between our men and the rebels. May I have permission to raise a flag of truce?”

“Go ahead. Tell them thank you, and that they can go home.”

Raesinia doubted he would go that far, but it didn’t matter. Morning would bring Janus’ troops into the city in numbers too great to be resisted. It’s good enough. She turned to Winter.

“I’d be grateful, Colonel, if your soldiers might unblock the door. And, Sothe, it might be best if you took the president somewhere quiet until things calm down.”

“Gladly,” Sothe growled, and took a grip on Maurisk’s arm, pulling him toward Raesinia’s old cell.

Two of the rankers went to work moving the chairs they’d shoved in front of the door. Raesinia noticed for the first time that Andy was among the soldiers who’d come to her rescue when the girl paused in front of her on the way to help them.

“Marcus told me you’d be all right,” Andy said. “I don’t know if I really believed him. I saw—I thought I saw—”

“It’s a long story,” Raesinia said, patting her on the shoulder. “But I’m fine. I’m glad you’re here.”

“I . . .” Andy bowed her head. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”