The Fells will invade the kingdom of Arden from the north, committing at least three thousand of its troops to this campaign. The Fellsian Army will drive south as far as Temple Church and hold its position there. This will divert the Ardenine Army away from the western border and allow us to advance from that direction to take the capital.

“It would also make any future alliance with Geoff unlikely, if not impossible,” Averill said.

Raisa nodded, lips tight together. “Go on,” she directed Bayar.

He continued reading.

Once Arden is securely under my control, I will withdraw most of my army from Tamron, leaving the Tomlins to rule as my regents there, assuming that they can be made to understand certain realities.

Finally, I propose an immediate marriage contract between us, with the marriage to be solemnized as soon as our military objectives are accomplished. It would be best, of course, for our betrothal to remain secret for now.

Following our marriage, we will jointly rule the larger kingdom of Arden, Tamron, and the Fells. You would, of course, retain your title of Queen of the Fells, a title that our daughters would inherit.

We needn’t stop there. Given your line’s history, we would have a natural claim to the rest of the Seven Realms. With our combined resources, we can add these jewels to our crown. You will be the beautiful and glittering symbol of a new age of peace and prosperity.

Do give this proposal careful consideration. I think you agree that this arrangement presents significant advantages to us both, if we act quickly.

I also hope you are able to set aside the unfortunate incidents along the border between Tamron and Arden and know that it was my desire to cement a match with you that drove my behavior. These times call for bold and aggressive action.

Best, Gerard Montaigne, King of Arden and Tamron

Bayar tossed the pages onto the table with a snort. “The new king of Tamron takes you for a fool, Your Highness.”

Raisa laced her fingers, resting her hands on the table. “Do you think so, Lord Bayar?”

“During that unfortunate incident, as he calls it, Montaigne murdered young Wil Mathis in cold blood,” Bayar said.

Raisa nodded. “I was there.”

“Not only that,” Bayar continued, “some speculate that his agents may be responsible for the murders we’ve seen recently, right here in the city.”

“Murders?” Raisa looked from face to face, fastening on Captain Byrne’s. “What murders?”

“Five of the gifted have been murdered in the past fortnight, and the bodies left in Ragmarket,” Byrne said. “The murders seem indiscriminate, connected only by the fact that all of the victims were wizards. One was a member of the assembly, but the last two were students slumming in Ragmarket. They were found in a back alley with their throats cut and their amulets missing, painted over in blood.”