Enfri felt as if time had become like water held in her cupped hands. No matter how desperately she tried to cling to it, the days poured through her fingers. After it became apparent that Krayson had disappeared from camp, she'd had hopes that things might return to a semblance of normality. Enfri only needed to remember that the number of royal assassins in camp had tripled to remind her that 'normal' had been a relative term for her for a long while.

It was the Third of Rose when the army struck camp to return to its march. The Lord Corwyn's small but experienced force joined Enfri's, leaving a minimal garrison behind to secure the holding and supply lines. His alchemist son accompanied the Corwyn while the younger son, the Corwyn's wife, and his daughters accepted Enfri's invitation to reside at her estate until stability returned to the area.

Ban chose to take the army due north, crossing the Vladmir and skirting west of the Nadian Ridge. His other option of traveling further east along the river and into Callusmor posed too great a risk of running afoul of the Melcian Rangers. Enfri declined to turn back towards Altier Nashal. Though rescuing Kimpo was no longer believed possible, Enfri would not abandon the hidden Aleesh enclave. She couldn't allow them to fall prey to Elise or to the genocide that awaited should Cathis or Adeyemi learn of them. Her goal clear, the empress' legion continued north to Melcia.

The mighty kept to human or animal forms during the march, only rarely taking to the skies for patrols; it was better to keep as low a profile as possible while in one of the greater kingdoms. Enfri rode Spider while Jin rode Scorpion, Dashar's horse. The two Gaulatian warhorses appeared to recognize each other as both having been the crown prince's property at one time or another. For whatever reason, Scorpion regarded Spider as his superior. No one, however, was more pleased with their mount than Ban. He refused to say what it had cost him, but he'd convinced the previous owner to sell him Arnln, the white charger. Ban assured Enfri that he would have payed twice as much if he'd needed to.

After the Battle of Mount Vorti, as it was being recorded, the goblins no longer had a reason to stay with the army. Light Hoof was apologetic, sweetheart that he was, but Enfri understood that he couldn't very well drag his warriors to the other side of the Five Kingdoms for her. There was also the seemingly inevitable reality that staying with Enfri would throw the kith into conflict with the white-scented, their creators.

Ban and Rippling Moon were separated once again, and it was with a heavy heart that Enfri watched them say their farewells. Moon hugged Enfri goodbye, then Jin. She said that she would have preferred to remain with them, but her rocker of an elder brother forbade her from leaving the Lost Company Tribe, even for her red.

Far more surprising, though much less depressing, Enfri at last received an explanation for her wandering eye. It came as a profound relief to learn why she was getting hot under the bodice whenever Reyn spoke. A selkie! Who'd have guessed? Of course, Enfri was immediately filled with questions, but her first priority was to apologize for not doing away with all the horrible House Valdar heraldry in her estate sooner. She couldn't imagine what it must have been like to be confronted with bare-chested depictions of herself at every turn. Deebee seemed more surprised by the revelation than anyone, and she was often heard muttering to herself that she should've realized Reyn's nature at the first whiff.

At Reyn's request, what she was wouldn't become common knowledge, though Ban was brought in to hear what she had to say. He suggested that the highest ranking knights, the title-holding few he'd begun to call the Dragon Lords, be informed. Reyn was hesitant to agree, so Enfri asked for everyone's discretion for the time being.

What Jin thought about it all was hard to determine. On the one hand, she had a plausible explanation for Enfri's behavior. On the other, she seemed to have more deeply ingrained prejudices against shifters. Fortunately, Enfri was proven correct when she said Jin Algara wasn't a fool. Jin had no objection to Reyn continuing as Enfri's handmaiden and scribe. However, she was firmly-- one could say vehemently-- opposed to Pacifica's suggestion about how to immunize Enfri from Reyn's emotional influence.

"We can accept that we will both be attracted to others, my heart," Jin said. Her eyes then became fierce. "But it will be a cold day in Hell when I abide you kissing them."

Enfri could respect Jin's stance on the matter, and no amount of torture would ever get her to admit that she was the slightest bit disappointed. Even so, Enfri found it more gratifying than she expected when Jin showed her possessive side. It went without saying that privacy wards cloaked their tent that night.

On the Fourth of Rose, they woke early and marched until nightfall. They didn't stop for meals and ate on the move. As they rode, Enfri was given a more formal introduction to Lady Starra Nolaas of Japax. After submitting to a fervent interrogation about vampire physiology, Starra cast some light on why Ambrose the Merovech had named Enfri as the heir to his bloodsong.

The idea that she was meant to be some sort of champion against demons unnerved her, to say the least. Enfri thought she had enough on her plate already. There was also the matter of "the Five". Starra couldn't say what exactly the Five were or what they were supposed to do, only that the gods believed that the future of the world revolved around them. Enfri would have dismissed the whole thing out of hand if Ban hadn't said he'd heard many of the same things from the White Lady.

She was one of the Five, and Ban was another. That was all they knew for certain. What possible use there was in knowing it was impossible to say.

Enfri didn't know what to think of the late Merovech's relationship with her father, either. Starra made it sound like they might have been friends and in far closer confidence than even Deebee suspected. The Merovech had known that Yora was Aleesh and a descendent of the elder bloodline. The facts were plain, but Enfri was left wondering if her father had been aware of what his commanding officer knew about him. She supposed that this, like much of the rest of it, was a question she would never receive a clear answer to.

On a more personal level, Enfri was delighted to hear what Starra had to say about her friendship with Jin. Enfri hoped she might one day receive one of these 'pick-up lines' Starra said Jin was terrible at. By the time the army was footsore from the forced march, Enfri was convinced that she rather enjoyed Starra's company. It wasn't until she had Starra's promise that she'd drop by for tea now and again that she allowed her to withdraw.

The Fifth of Rose was easier than the previous day. Ban cautioned against pushing the army too hard or they'd risk losing as much as a third of their force to exhaustion. Enfri spent the entire day with Ban. The subject was uncomfortable for them both, but they discussed the Battle of Mount Vorti in greater detail. Specifically, how to better prepare the knights for any armed conflict in the future.

The first order of business was to settle on something to call the collected knighthoods. Ban had a few possible names lined up; he'd even written up a list. While some had merit, Enfri began to suspect that Ban was having a laugh at her expense with some of his suggestions. They became more ridiculous with each new option. While the Mighty Knights of Banfri would never soar the skies if she had anything to say about it, Enfri was partial to the first choice on Ban's list. The Arcane Knights of Shan Alee.

The Dragon Lords, the grandmasters of each individual knighthood, would advise the First Knight, who like the empress would be able to issue commands to all the knighthoods. Beneath the Dragon Lords, the knighthoods would pursue their responsibilities as laid out in their charters. The Arcane Knights were in their infancy, and it would likely be many years before the plans she and Ban made came to fruition, but Enfri liked to imagine what they might someday become.

The rest of the day was spent on more immediate matters, such as deployment, chain of command, and organization. Ban also touched upon assigning armsmen as dedicated crew to specific dragons and training them for certain roles. Another issue was the required prerequisites both dragons and knights would need to meet before they'd be eligible for a bond. What happened with Paladin Galen and the Executioner served as a hard lesson, and it was now clear that only experienced arcanists should be considered.

Every third day brought another forced march, while the ones in-between had an easier pace. During the easier days, the Arcane Knights drilled at flying in formation, mock battle maneuvers, and air superiority tactics. A lot of what they did in the air was breathtaking to watch from the ground and heart-stopping to actually take part in.

Enfri insisted above Ban's protests that she receive the same training. There were a number of valid reasons to train with the knights, but the truth of the matter was that her brief taste of flying during the Battle of Ecclesia had planted a need within her. Enfri had discovered how wonderfully exhilarating it was to ride on the back of a dragon, and this was something she needed to do. Deebee, unsurprisingly, was delighted.

Often from dawn until dusk, Enfri threw herself into the work. Ban, the knights, and the mighty were just as eager as she was to work together as a unified force. The results were dramatic to say the least, but Enfri was hesitant to extend her training into learning swordplay. She'd mended enough cuts from the things to foster a strong aversion to holding one. However, she did agree to learn the basics of using a spear in case she was forced to defend herself. Whether length of metal or sharp stick, a weapon was a weapon, but if nothing else, it was the weapon her father favored. Learning how to properly hold a spear allowed her to feel a little closer to him.

As the week progressed, Enfri was often busy and couldn't afford taking much time away from her training, responsibilities, and research into the oren. Nonetheless, she made a point to ask Kolbat to come to her tent if there was an opportunity. It took longer than expected, but Enfri's tattoos were at last completed.

It was the Eleventh of Rose, and the army had marched well into the Moran Valley of Nadia. The land was uneven with rolling hills, and the army travelled along the shallow topography to keep out of sight. The outriders and aerial scouts brought back word of Melcian Rangers entering the valley behind them. Smoke was seen to the north, the campfires of the Crescent Legion. Despite Ban's best efforts to slip through Nadia without Adeyemi finding them, a confrontation was inevitable.

And so, Enfri walked through the camp at midday. Ban had ordered the army to take the remainder of the day to rest once it was clear that moving onward would bring them perilously close to the Melcians. Many armsmen took the rare opportunity to catch up on lost sleep, but a large number of soldiers were possessed of a nervous energy and worked through combat drills.

Jin had gone with Ban and Uwe to scout the land ahead. Pacifica and Adar had left that morning with a crew of House Yora's best armsmen to deliver Enfri's letter of intent to King Fen Algara of Nadia. While Jin sought out a way to pass the Crescent Legion undetected, it was Pacifica's goal to explain Shan Alee's presence to the king of Nadia and negotiate for safe conduct through his kingdom and into Althandor.

Enfri waited for any of them to return, hoping someone could tell her of a way to avoid bloodshed.

"It feels like we haven't had much time for each other," Deebee said. She walked alongside Enfri in her truest form and nodded to the dragons that greeted them as they passed.

"I have the blisters from holding onto your scales to say we've been spending plenty of time together, love."

"We've had our flights, but when did I last change into one of your ink pens and wait for you to find me?"

Enfri laughed. "I see what you mean. For that matter, you don't ride me as often as you used to."

"That's true." She vanished, and her tiny wings flapped against Enfri's head a moment later. Deebee settled into place, but she chose to sit on Enfri's right shoulder rather than the usual left.

"The tattoos don't hurt anymore if that's your worry," Enfri said. "Kolbat was right. A spot of healing didn't push the ink out like I was afraid it would."

"Well if that's the case," Deebee said as she crossed over the back of Enfri's neck. "It feels wrong being on the other side. I felt ready to topple off." She lifted the fabric of Enfri's collar to peer beneath. "Most fetching, I must say. Darva's island hopper does lovely work. I think she captured my graceful charm, don't you think?"

"I asked her to make you the prettiest," Enfri said.

"Cheeky. I am the prettiest." Deebee's tail snaked around Enfri's neck for balance. "On that subject, I should warn you of what Jin's been up to."

"Oh?"

"I might have been eavesdropping a little. She and Reyn were skulking about, and I listened in as Jin dictated a letter."

"You didn't," Enfri scolded. "It's rude to invade people's privacy, you hooligan."

Deebee gave her a smirk.

"Err... So what was it about?"

The blustering lizard was far too pleased with herself. "It was to Goodwife Rovan in Ecclesia, the seamstress Jin's so fond of. The letter was to commission a gown for you."

Enfri wrung her hands. "Winds, it's nothing like what Elise is said to be wearing nowadays, is it? I'm not about to walk around in negligee like some Parnaia concubine."

"No, nothing so bold as that. Jin asked for a backless gown that hangs from one shoulder. The idea is to show off your new body art. Jin rambled on about how asymmetry is coming into style, and she believes you should get on the forefront of modern fashion."

Enfri pursed her lips. "Where in the Five Kingdoms does she think I'm going to wear something like that? It's not like the army's putting on galas."

"True, but that's why Jin's also been visiting the camp armorers."

"Really? I've been wanting a practical outfit for spear practice, not to mention when we're in the air. My skirt always gets in the way, and I've been too worried about the crew getting a glimpse of my smallclothes to focus."

Deebee sniggered. "I'm sure. The armsmen aren't holding competitions to be on our crew just because you're the empress, love."

"Bite your tongue," Enfri gasped, scandalized.

"She is Enfri the Yora, Lady of Opals, Dragon Empress of Shan Alee, and she has a backside that..."

Enfri covered the dragon's foul mouth with her hands, muffling Deebee's indignant squawks.

She used her claws to pry Enfri's fingers away. "Of all the things to do, smothering your own dragon. The nerve. Honestly, I don't see why you mortals get so uppity about such things. The way I see it, those leggings Jin wears leave even less to the imagination than a peek up the skirt."

"That's different, Deebee. Because, well, it just is. You may have no qualms about showing your bits to everyone inside a league, but modesty is a virtue."

"I wear dresses quite regularly now," Deebee protested.

"Dresses that cling to every inch of you. It's like you're not covered at all."

"Which is what I'm saying about leggings. Be consistent, girl."

Their argument was beginning to rise in volume when Enfri caught sight of someone ahead. A writhing fear she'd never quite been able to banish settled into her stomach. She hadn't been paying attention to where she was going, and she came to the one part of camp she'd done her best to avoid.

Josy sat in a cleared area. She was alone, most everyone giving her and Maya's large tent a wide berth. A little flame danced between her palms, jumping to and fro as if it were a living thing. Josy looked up and saw Enfri in the same moment Enfri saw her. The slit pupils of her eyes widened, but there was no other change in her expression.

"Winds," Enfri murmured.

"Perhaps we should go find Elloo," Deebee said. "You've been meaning to talk to him and Rav about the Onyx Knights' charter, haven't you?"

Ahead, Josy rose to her feet, an air of expectation surrounding her.

"I can't keep putting this off, can I?" Enfri whispered.

"I should say you can," Deebee said firmly. "At least wait until Jin's here."

Enfri shook her head. "Jin's my light, not my bodyguard."

"Yes, but she's very good at being your bodyguard." Deebee dropped her voice to a whisper. "I don't trust them, no matter what Saveen or Lady Starra say. For all we know, they've only been biding their time until they can catch you in whatever villainy they're planning."

Enfri shared those worries. That was most of the reason why she hadn't yet spoken with Josy or Maya. She let Jin and Starra act as go-between.

I'm afraid of them, Enfri admitted to herself. I wish I wasn't. I wish I could be glad for Jin that she has this chance to speak with her family, but I'm not.

The seconds stretched on. Josy seemed to read Enfri's hesitance. She lowered her eyes and turned away. There was something forlorn about how Josy returned to practicing her sorcery. That, more than anything else, made up Enfri's mind for her.

Deebee tensed as Enfri started walking forward again. "Are you certain, love?"

"No?"

"Ah. Fair enough. I'll keep quiet and just... glower, I suppose. Like a vulture with a headache. That should make it clear I'll allow no nonsense."

Enfri patted Deebee's wings, as thanks and to give herself comfort. She came up behind Josy, wondering what in the king's name she expected to say to begin a conversation. Without any better options coming to mind, she settled on a simple "Hello."

Josy flinched and lost control of her flame. It flickered and died out.

"Winds, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you." Enfri bent to crouch beside her, but Josy rose sharply to her feet.

"Sorry," Josy murmured, contrite for her abrupt movement. "I didn't meant to..." Her voice trailed off.

"Startle me?" Enfri asked, raising an eyebrow.

Josy blushed. "Err... maybe?"

Well, things are off to a rousing start, aren't they? At least I didn't knock my head against hers. Enfri couldn't settle on what to do with her hands. Should she keep them folded in front of her? Behind her? What did she usually do with her hands? She put off the question by using them to smooth her skirt.

"It's been a while." Josy said. "You look well."

"You also. I hope you're settling in."

"We are."

What in the name of Inwe is this? Shoen demanded, breaking into Enfri's thoughts like a thunderstorm. If you ask me, the pair of you sound like former lovers meeting by chance in the market?

Enfri ignored him but had to admit he wasn't exactly wrong. She couldn't remember the last time she felt so awkward. She pressed her lips together and braced herself. "This is ridiculous," she said. "Are you here to kill me?"

Josy was taken aback by Enfri's bluntness. "Um... no."

"That's what someone here to kill me would say," Enfri said.

"It's also what someone not here to kill you would say," Josy argued. "Winds, have you gone off your nut since I saw you last?"

"I most certainly have not," Enfri said testily. "Which is why I'm a little on edge now that you're here."

"That's probably the smartest thing I've ever heard you say," Josy sneered. She saw Enfri's reddening cheeks and calmed herself. She held up her hands. "Look, Sky Woman, we're not here for a fight."

"So I keep hearing. Lady Starra has spoken for you, as has Saveen."

"Then why are you avoiding us?"

"Because, frankly, I don't know them. Starra tells me things that sound like a madman's ravings, and Saveen may be too young to know better. But, I do know you. I've lost track of how many times you've threatened to 'smash my face' or 'crush my skull' or any number of other lovely things."

"Listen to me." Josy reached out as if to grab Enfri's arm. She was rebuffed by Deebee's sudden snarl, accompanied by a curl of white smoke. Josy recoiled as if she hadn't noticed Deebee was there until just then. She eyed the tiny dragon and stepped back, likely counting herself lucky she still had all her fingers. "Sorry. I wasn't thinking."

"A common problem, I'm sure," Deebee harrumphed.

This was going nowhere. They could hiss and spit at each other until the doom came, but it wouldn't get Enfri an inch closer to what she wanted. If there was to be any hope for a future with Jin, Enfri needed to be the first to bend. She sighed as she picked Deebee up off her shoulder and set her on the ground. "Why don't you stand watch out here, love?"

"Out here?" Deebee sputtered. "As to say, you're going into their tent with her? Alone?"

Enfri looked at Josy. "Yes. She won't hurt me. Will you?"

"Of course not," Josy said. "Nor will Maya. You have my word."

"There, you see, love? I'm perfectly safe with two royal assassins looking after me."

"Girl, really!"

"They're Jin's family." Enfri stood straight and looked Josy in the eye. "That means they're to be my family, too."

Josy blinked. "Wait, what?"

"There's a reason I need to speak with Maya in particular," Enfri said as calmly as she could. The butterflies in her stomach felt like they were about to come barreling out of her mouth at any moment. "Is she here? I need her blessing for this, don't I?"

Deebee became her human form. She held onto Enfri shoulder and whispered in her ear. "I think we're past the point of observing Althandi custom. If you want to marry Jin, then do so, but if you're asking me to leave you alone with Maya Algara..."

"That's exactly what I'm asking you to do," Enfri said. "Please, Deebee, don't forget that I'm not just Aleesh. I'm every bit as much Althandi, too. A fair bit more, even. These are my customs."

"Hold on," Josy interjected. "Are you talking about what I think you are?"

"Only if you think I mean to ask Maya's blessing for a betrothal to Jin," Enfri said. "I hope you're not against it."

"Not as such," Josy said. She scratched at her neck nervously. "But it doesn't really matter what I think."

Deebee was unhappy with the situation, but she let go of Enfri's shoulder and took a step back. "I'll be just outside if you need me," she said. She then skewered Josy with a firm stare. "As for you, I'm holding you personally responsible for Enfri's safety. That's her tent you're sleeping in and her supplies you've eaten. Guest-rights are another Althandi custom, I believe, and I expect you to adhere to them."

Josy nodded. "I'd stand between her and Cathis himself, so don't question my honor again." She turned and walked towards the tent where Maya waited.

Deebee appeared to accept that and didn't argue further. Before Enfri followed Josy, Deebee offered one last thing in parting. "Just so we're clear, love..." She pulled Enfri into a tight hug. "I'm happy for you. I know it hasn't always seemed so, but I can't tell you how glad I am that you and Jin found each other. She will be as much my daughter as you are."

Enfri held on just as tightly, feeling suddenly misty-eyed. Her voice had fled, and she could only nod as she let go and went after Josy. Her anxiety increased with every step, and it only grew stronger when she ducked through the tent flap Josy held open for her.

This tent was more richly appointed than the supply tent they'd been stashed in to start with. They'd been provided with cots rather than bedrolls, each draped with thick fur blankets. There were two silver and steel braziers filled with glowing coals, a porcelain washbasin, and silk partitions with floral embroidery. There were even a pair of small tapestries depicting the original Karst bending the knee to Algara. Enfri needed a moment to wonder where this finery had come from. She suspected Pacifica had brought these things along, probably in case Enfri received high-ranking visitors. Judging by those particular tapestries, Pacifica must have anticipated a visit from the Highest Court as a possibility.

Maya reclined on her cot, reading through a pocket book of Rookish poetry. As Enfri entered, her eyes turned hard. She slowly set the book away and turned to lean on her side. The curve of her full lips pulled into a slight frown. She regarded Enfri as one might look at a dog that had strolled indoors after rolling in a midden heap. Disapproving and only a hair shy of hostile.

Shoen gave an appreciative hum. Flames, but this creature is exquisite. You chose the wrong savage to be your bride, girl.

You only think so because you've never met her, Enfri thought back. And Jin's much prettier.

In a muscle-bound sort of way, I suppose, if you prefer that sort of thing. But can you not feel it, child? Her power is as immense as her beauty.

Should I leave you two alone? It sounds like you're the one in love.

For a woman such as this, I'd have made her my bound concubine in a heartbeat. Her children would have been my heirs.

Good luck with that. Maya despises Aleesh.

Shoen scoffed. Most of my daan concubines did. It made little difference.

Enfri felt ready to vomit, and not only because of her ancestor's horrid way of looking at women of other races like playthings. Maya hadn't yet said a word. Her frown deepened with each moment of silence that passed.

Josy looked between the two of them. "Take the cowl off, Cousin," she said.

Cowl? What cowl? Enfri wondered.

Maya curled her lip at Josy, then rose to stand. "It's about time," she said. "Head of a new house for no more than a month and you already believe you can keep me waiting at your leisure."

Enfri tightened her grip on the hem of her sleeve. "Forgive me, Your Highness. As you can imagine, I have a lot of demands on my time."

"So my little sister tells me." Maya came forward, a sway in her step. "I wonder, has a lesson or two in spear stances led you to believe yourself a match for Althandor?"

"I've no wish to fight Althandor," Enfri said. "I only want to be allowed to live in peace."

"Peace?" Maya laughed mockingly. "Pacifists don't raise legions and found knighthoods. Pretend all you wish, but you can't deny the reality. You're ready to fight a war."

"If I have to," Enfri said quietly. "Just don't forget who's forcing my hand. If the assassins never came for me, I'd be handing out sunwillow to goodfolk with the biting coughs."

"In that case, you should be thanking us. You'd be better off dead."

Enfri began to lose her temper. She took a step closer. "Thank you? I suppose you think it was ungrateful of me not to just lie down and die. My apologies, Highness, but what would you have done?"

Maya's manner appeared to be no different than it'd been four and a half years ago at their first meeting. Arrogant and callous, on the edge of violence. Maya was a storm that hadn't yet reached its full fury.

She stared down at Enfri through lidded eyes. "Honestly, I've been putting some thought to that."

Enfri blinked.

"Don't look so surprised, Sky Woman. If I was in your place, I'd do exactly what you've done. With a good measure more competence, certainly, but nonetheless the same. The only difference is that I wouldn't be wasting my time wandering through Nadia. Were I you, I'd already be setting the Palace of Towers aflame if not choosing a new throne for the dais."

"That's the difference between us," Enfri said. "I know how to be content with what I have."

"I would have hoped your Althandi mother could have taught you something more about our people," Maya lamented. "Without ambition, power is wasted. I can admit you've become greater than I ever expected you to. Why not use that power and rise as high as you're able? By my count, there are more than a score of dragons ready and willing to fight for you. There isn't a power on the Continent that's prepared to oppose something like that. You are poised to conquer and force my father to submit to your will. You'd never have to fear what you've already dominated."

Listen to her, Shoen whispered.

Enfri shook her head. "It sounds like you want me to attack the Spired City. Jin's told me what you want from me and what you've offered."

"And?" Maya asked. "If you won't send your army to my aid, what of Lord Bannlyth's proposition?"

"Making you a Beryl Knight?"

"Let's be clear," Maya said. "I've no interest in signing on with your knighthoods. I can settle for a bond. Bannlyth was correct that a more measured approach has better chance of success. However, I will not be under his or your command. Our arrangement will have more in common with Altieri okazaniye than me becoming an Arcane Knight."

Enfri closed her eyes and let out a long breath through her nose. "If Zanda the Executioner agrees to this, then I will forge the bond. I can't promise anything more than that."

Maya nodded. "Then we're in agreement. The chance to petition the Executioner for her services in exchange for my silence when I'm inevitably asked what I know about you. You will have it, whether I end up with a bond or not. You'll find that I honor my promises, Sky Woman."

"But Jin said..."

"One dragon can't oppose a dynasty that's reigned for six hundred years," Maya snapped. "This bond will purchase my noninterference, not my allegiance. If you want more from me, I'll need more from you."

Enfri clenched her jaw. "Namely, my army's help in deposing Cathis. I won't do it. I'll never be a conqueror."

Maya smiled, a cold expression that didn't reach her eyes. "That's good. You would only become my rival."

Glorious, Shoen said in appreciation.

Maya came within arm's reach. She raised a hand to touch Enfri's hair. Her predatory eyes took in every inch of her. "What you don't seem to realize is that you and I want the same things. You wish for safety, but that cannot happen so long as my father rules the Five Kingdoms. You want Jin, and for her sake I'm willing to let you have her."

Enfri swallowed. "What are you saying?"

Maya's hand went to the back of Enfri's neck and pulled her closer, gently but firmly. "Don't hedge your words. I know why you're really here, but you can't expect me to promise my sister, a princess of Althandor, to the newest house on the Continent just for the asking."

Josy stepped forward and whispered Maya's name in warning.

Maya held her palm towards Josy, a command for silence. Her eyes never looked away from Enfri's. "Swear fealty to me. Fight when I call. Aid me in my ascension to my father's place so that I become the Highest Queen of the Five Kingdoms. In return, I will recognize Shan Alee as a client nation. The laws against the Aleesh will be repealed. The people you seek to deliver from Adeyemi will be given safe conduct to wherever you wish. You will be granted lands and holdings to rule as the Dragon Empress. The mighty will be allowed rights of citizenship. You will be given the right to act with the authority due to your elder bloodline. As a gesture and proof of our newfound alliance, House Algara and House Yora will be joined by your marriage to my sister. Now tell me, Your Majesty, am I really asking so much in return for all that?"

She pulled her hand away from Enfri and stepped back. She waited for her answer. Maya's confidence didn't waver. She was assured of what that answer would be, as if there was no possibility of any other.

Enfri waited for Shoen to tell her to accept. She felt exposed, as if everyone inside a thousand leagues was watching her and waiting to see what she would decide. Enfri believed a word from Shoen would give her the will to refuse. It never came. All she heard from her ancestors was a single voice, tiny and distant.

Stay strong, Enfri.

How? I don't know the answer.

We rarely do. Stay strong.

The crown made one faceless. To rule, Enfri had to become a symbol to those she commanded, the one who would give them peace and security even when doing so felt like a betrayal to who she was. If she agreed to Maya's terms, it would mean sending mortals and dragons into another battle, and more of them would die because she commanded them to. Three images on her flesh already belonged to the lost and the dead. The Huntress, the Architect, and the Delver. How many more before it was done?

However many it would be, the living would be safe at long last.

Enfri knelt down on one knee and bowed her head. "I, Enfri the Yora, Lady of Opals, and Dragon Empress of Shan Alee, swear the fealty of myself and my house to you, Princess Maya Algara."

She heard Josy stir and whisper something under her breath. Maya came forward once more and held forth her hand, palm downward. Enfri placed her hand beneath Maya's, a gesture of servitude.

"Rise," Maya commanded. As Enfri complied, Maya's cold smile widened. "Rise as my vassal, and soon enough, my sister."