Death Wind (Elven Alliance #3) - Tara Grayce Page 0,104

he wasn’t ignoring Weylind.

Essie would’ve hugged Averett, if they hadn’t been in the middle of a diplomatic meeting. He was doing so well at this meeting. They might actually get out of this without another war starting. With how smoothly this was going, she would be able to get out of here and return to Farrendel soon.

Averett faced Prince Rharreth again. “I have a request of my own, however. All Escarlish weapons which were illegally obtained from the traitors in my kingdom will be turned over to my army immediately. While I am willing to open trade with your kingdom, I am not willing to provide your kingdom with weapons at this time.”

Prince Rharreth dipped his head in a nod. “That is reasonable. I believe your army has managed to either reclaim or destroy most of the weapons during your march across my kingdom, and most of the remaining weapons have been buried and destroyed in the collapse of Gror Grar. But I will see to the return of any weapons that still remain in my army’s hands as a sign of good faith.”

Weylind softly snorted, his arms crossed, but he didn’t interrupt to object.

“Thank you.” Averett gave a polite smile. He, too, seemed to think this negotiation was going well. “And what was your second request?”

For the first time, Prince Rharreth hesitated, his gaze dipping to the table. “I have seen the results of the marriage alliance between Tarenhiel and Escarland. For that reason, I would like a marriage alliance between Tarenhiel and Kostaria.”

Essie breathed her own spit into her lungs and held her breath, trying not to cough. That was...unexpected.

Weylind made a choking sound, bracing himself against the table. “I beg your pardon. There is no way I am marrying one of my sisters to a troll. It was bad enough marrying my brother to a human.”

Essie swatted Weylind’s arm and raised her eyebrows at him. “Excuse me?”

Weylind huffed, some of his anger disappearing when he glanced at her. “That marriage alliance worked out far better than expected, and I am thankful my brother is happy.” His jaw tightened and he gestured at Prince Rharreth. “But this...this is unacceptable.”

Prince Rharreth’s face remained impassive. “I would suggest a marriage alliance between Escarland and Kostaria instead, but they have no more princesses and I have no sisters. Besides, Escarland will be content with trade, and it is the enmity between Tarenhiel and Kostaria that will cause continued tensions without a marriage alliance to keep the peace.”

“That is a good point.” Averett dragged the words out.

“No.” Weylind shook his head so hard his hair slapped Essie’s face. “Absolutely not.”

“Your sister Melantha is a traitor to Tarenhiel.” Prince Rharreth’s tone remained flat. “I am assuming you will not order her execution. That means your only option is to banish her. Unless you intend to pardon her, but that would be a gross injustice caused by preferential treatment for your sibling.”

Was that noise Weylind’s teeth grinding? Or maybe his knuckles cracking? Essie kept her smile plastered in place. Prince Rharreth had been doing a good job of keeping it professional up to this point, but he apparently couldn’t resist that dig.

Averett leaned over and whispered in Essie’s ear, “It’s rather satisfying to watch Weylind squirm when it’s his sister.”

Essie nudged Averett with her elbow. He needed to remember to be regal.

“Even if you banish her, where would she go? Escarland won’t take her, and she will be in danger wandering by herself through other kingdoms.” Prince Rharreth waved to Averett, though he went on before Averett could say anything. “But, in a marriage alliance with me, I would ensure her safety here in Kostaria. She could restore her honor by sacrificing for her kingdom. You could decree marriage to me to be her punishment. It would allow her to return and visit Tarenhiel, something she could not do if she were banished. Besides, I am no longer a second son. I am offering to put your sister—an elf—on the throne of Kostaria.”

Weylind opened his mouth. Closed it. Glared, though Essie wasn’t sure if his anger was because he didn’t want to marry Melantha to a troll or because that troll happened to be right.

Essie rested a hand on Weylind’s arm. “Ask Melantha. See what she says. She might surprise you.”

Weylind pointed at Prince Rharreth. “I am not marrying my sister to a troll who tortured Farrendel.”

A valid point. Essie had been trying not to think about how Prince Rharreth had been the one