My eyes narrow in suspicion. Mazus can’t believe I’d be foolish enough to allow his son to come to Thayaria as a spy for him. But I only say, “And why would you send the Crown Prince of Velmara to a country where you cannot reach him once he steps foot on my soil, where he will have no allies or friends to call on should he find trouble?”

His eyes drop in mock resignation. “I confess I have a secondary motive for sending my son. Thorne, as he’s called by those who love him, needs to take more interest in the ruling of his country. For too long I’ve allowed him to shirk his responsibilities, wasting away his life in brothels and taverns. I will not live forever, and I wish to leave my kingdom in capable hands when that fateful day comes. I feel he needs a new environment to be able to flourish.”

I don’t believe a single word out of his mouth. I doubt anyone in this room does. Instead of voicing this, I simply ask, coldly, “Why now?”

“It’s weighed heavily on me for many years, Your Majesty. I fear I have no answer for you other than I’ve finally determined to take action. The weight of my past is too much to bear any longer.” Clem looks like he’s eating this up, his eyes glimmering with hope and his mouth ticked up in a soft smile. He believes the Golden King to be a shining beacon of light. All of the people of Reshnar do, their alliance with Velmara as solid as ever.

Before I can respond, Nemesia surprises me by saying, “What else are you prepared to give us should we agree?”

My eyes cut to hers, exasperated that she’s entertaining this nonsense. But I don’t undermine her, not here. I’ve learned that lesson the hard way too many times. I return my gaze to Mazus.

“What is it that you require to bribe you into diplomatic relations?” he sneers.

The audacity. A wind whips around the room, my power seeping out in my fury. Queen Lobelia is feral with delight, and Clem looks like he wants to crawl under the table, his features pulled into a grimace. Nemesia puts her hand gently on my arm, lowering me back to my seat. I hadn’t even realized I’d stood.

“To even consider this, we would need more favorable thayar prices and access to Velmara’s archives for the emissary we send. We will adjourn to another room to discuss while you think over what you’re prepared to offer,” Nemesia says, her voice strong and clear.

“Your bribe, as you say, better be worth my time,” I hiss, turning on my heel and slamming a wind into Mazus’s advisors that knocks them over.

Nemesia