hands on the table as though he’s about to stand, I kick his shin and fix him with a look that demands he remain seated. This isn’t his battle.
“Technically I don’t need a husband to produce an heir,” I start, but Mother cuts me with a pointed look. I can’t help but notice she’s taken no stance against his suggestion. “What are your thoughts?” I ask her sharply.
“I just want you to be safe,” she answers with every drop of the exhaustion that’s rattling my bones. “If a husband can settle our kingdom … it might be worth considering.”
“So what,” Bastian growls, ignoring me when I knock my boot against his shin for the second time. “You want to marry her off? She’s your queen, not your pawn.”
Lord Garrison sets his hands on the table, keeping himself tall. “Politics is a game, son. Everyone is a pawn.”
From the rest of the advisers, an overwhelming silence is their only response.
“I propose we send notice to each of the islands,” Lord Garrison continues, though I no longer look at him. I press a hand to my forehead instead, willing away the headache blossoming against my temples. “We’ll tell them you’re on your way to meet their most eligible bachelors. We’ll be loud about it, and ensure everyone’s attention is on you. We’ll distract the kingdom from how quickly everything around them is changing.”
“It’s a clever idea.” Zale’s voice is soft and regretful when she chimes in. “We could use it as an opportunity for you to curry favor, Amora, and have the islands get to know you. The people would feel engaged; like you’re one of them, and part of this kingdom. Love also makes you vulnerable. It makes you soft, and that softness is what people need to see from you. This could give Visidia hope.”
It takes everything in me not to let her feel the extent of my rage, even as the rest of the advisers nod their agreement.
It’s barely been two seasons since I broke off the engagement with Ferrick, and already they’re trying to pawn me off on another man. Just the idea of it’s enough for me to push from the table, rising on legs that threaten to shake with anger.
“I’ve spent over eighteen years training to be in the position I’m in.” I grit the words through my teeth, having to reel in my emotions with each one. “I’ve studied the books of our history. The maps. Magic. Weapons. Strategy. Court. Tell me, what man is out there who has done the same? What man could possibly be ready to sit at my side and help lead a kingdom?” I try to steady my wavering voice; it’s not one that comes from nerves, but from hate. Not at Lord Garrison or the other advisers, but at the sheer fact that, deep down, I recognize this idea has its merits.
The kingdom needs something to distract them, and I told myself I’d do whatever it took to right the wrongs left behind by the Montaras. But this?
Across the table, Lord Garrison remains calm as the summer sea. “I admire your tenacity to strengthen the kingdom, but as I’ve already said, Visidians need to trust their ruler. No one has even seen your strength. You may have stopped Kaven, but since you failed during your ceremony last summer, no one has seen your magic. With Arida’s prisons at capacity, many have their hesitations about you, Your Majesty. Rumors you can’t use your magic at the level of a High Animancer have been circulating; many believe you don’t have the control over your soul magic to even execute prisoners, let alone protect Visidia. It’s time for damage control. It’s time to show the kingdom that you’re vulnerable—that you’re so open to listening to the concerns of commoners that you’d even consider bringing one of them into the kingdom as your husband.”
Mother’s face slackens as I freeze. This is the first I’ve heard whispers about my magic.
“There’ve been more urgent concerns than executing prisoners.” It’s Bastian’s sharp voice that cuts in, and I’m thankful for the moment it gives me to collect myself. “Her magic is fine.”
Though Lord Garrison nods, the corners of his eyes crease with a scrutiny that says he doesn’t fully believe the lie. “Of course. That’s why a tour like this would be so beneficial, so that Her Majesty might show the kingdom she’s not only powerful, but that she’s someone they can trust. That she hears