“And if they refuse?” His tone implies that Laurel doesn’t know what she’s doing, and my blood boils. How dare he question her like this in front of others? How dare he imply she’s anything less than the seasoned leader she is? My fury on her behalf is misplaced, however, because the Queen of Thayaria responds, and she takes care of his questioning with only five words.

“I show them no mercy.” The ruthlessness she embodies makes my blood heat for a different reason.

We spend the rest of the meeting discussing the plans to storm the Oakton manor. I offer little to the discussion, content to let Silene and Fionn shine. They’re both in their element. Silene offers strategies while Fionn provides the tactical advice to execute on those strategies. When we’ve confirmed final plans, the Council adjourns, but I hang back, desperate for any extra moment with Laurel. To my disappointment, both Carex and Admon remain as well. I nod to Silene and Fionn, giving them the signal to leave and use the gathering of the advisors in the hallway to probe for information under the guise of gossip.

“Prince Hawthorne,” Carex says as he approaches me, and I narrow my eyes at him. “I wanted to—um—apologize for my treatment of you these past months. I’m sure you can understand how my mistrust of Velmarans may have led me to make assumptions about your character that were unfair. Laurel has assured me of her trust in you.” I want to rip out his tongue for using Laurel’s name and not her title, but I quell my rage. This is a peace offering, and I will play nice, for Laurel’s sake. When he sticks out his hand to shake mine, I merely stare at it. Some things are a step too far.

“Apology accepted, Captain,” is all I say before walking away, leaving him alone with his hand held out. My eyes catch Laurel’s, and I swear I see the corners of her mouth tick up, but she keeps her expression neutral as she speaks with Admon. After a few beats, Carex bows to Laurel, then leaves.

“Your Majesty, Your Highness,” Admon says with a respectful nod. “I’ve found something that might interest you. Would you like to speak here?”

Laurel’s features instantly sharpen. “No. My rooms,” she says, then strides from the room. The Queen is so different from the female I know as Laurel, and sometimes it throws me off, though not in a bad way—I like the surprise. This is one of those moments. I look at Admon and shrug with a grin, then follow behind her.