of them had to be a chosen mortal representative of a goddess.
“Why, though?” Luykas huffed. “He’s not going to get anywhere with it.”
“He could force Alchan’s hand to make you step aside and let him become Alchan’s second. With enough public support, that is.” Nevyn shrugged. “He wouldn’t last long because he would piss off Alchan.”
“He wouldn’t last the day. Alchan would kill him,” Luykas snapped.
“I know that. You know that. Everyone in this room could figure it out relatively quickly. Kenav, however, is noble born and his cousin. He probably thinks it’s his due, and…we can’t deny he really knows how to gain the trust and loyalty of the warriors. Not the females because we don’t allow that, but even warriors outside of the gladiators like Kenav.”
As Nevyn spoke, someone else walked into the room. He wasn’t seen much anymore. The last time Trevan saw him was when Mave and the others left. Seanev Lorren was a shut-in, but they all knew he had needed much of autumn to deal with personal issues.
“Hey, everyone,” the warrior greeted.
“Hey, how are you?” Luykas asked, showing his concern. “You didn’t need to come in.”
“I think…I think I’m ready to get back to it.” Seanev gave them a weak smile. “Got any work for me?”
“You know we do,” Nevyn said with a radiant grin. “What took you so long?”
“The honest truth?” Seanev chuckled. “I’ve been trying to write this.” He pulled a letter from his pocket. “And I need it sent to Leria.”
“Is this what I think it is?” Nevyn asked softly. He looked over his shoulder at Varon, who reached out to take the letter.
“Yeah. Luykas has been coming to me for advice while I’ve been trying to figure that out. I finally did it. I finally found the right words to tell Leria it’s over, and I won’t be returning.” Seanev let out a sad laugh. “Sorry, it’s taken so long. When you’ve been with someone for…” He closed his eyes.
Varon was the one who went to him and hugged him.
“Then what happened to Leshaun, Mave’s mission and Kian…” Seanev pulled away from the hug. “It’s been hard to get into a good place.”
“It’s okay,” a feminine voice said as the door open. “We understand.”
They all turned to see Senri and her husbands walk in. Senri was heavily pregnant, but she still walked with pride, her males flanking her. She went to the table and looked around.
“This is out of control,” she declared. “We allowed Mave and Alchan their trip on the promise we would keep this ready for their return. I don’t think we’re succeeding, and it’s only been a few weeks.”
“I agree,” Luykas said, lowering his head. “Troubles have been finding us.”
“Tell me about it. This spy killed my husband,” she snapped. “And whoever this person is has also chased away my daughter. We’re running lower on supplies every day, and my guards are dealing with morale issues on the best of days.” She winced and put a hand over her stomach. She growled when Willem and Gentrin tried to touch her. “He’s kicking,” she said softly. “It’s expected.”
“A boy?” Nevyn asked, raising an eyebrow.
“I’m certain of it,” she snarled. “But we’re not talking about my baby. We’re talking about this.” She slammed her hand on the table. “Find this piece of shit, Luykas. We can’t keep dealing with this.”
“Do you have any suggestions?” Seanev asked, the only one not absolutely terrified of the pregnant woman. His question was taunting, and he gave her an arrogant little smile. Trevan was scared for him.
“Watch yourself,” Luykas warned softly.
“My mother was scarier.”
Senri straightened up and sighed. “I’ll give him that. Kelsiana was terrifying. I met her a few times, thanks to Kian…”
“I know,” Seanev whispered. “But really, do you have any suggestions?”
“None at all.” She said, lifting her hands. “Luykas, we both have people sniffing around Kerit. That poisoning was bold of them. There’s been a lead. Do you have any more on that?”
“I do,” Luykas smirked, snapping his fingers. “It’s a break, and I hope it leads to something. The Andinna is hoping to remain anonymous until they arrive and speak to me. I don’t trust telling all of them because who knows how quickly it would get out. Look at what they did with the spy information, to begin with.”
There wasn’t a single person in the room who didn’t know who they were. The unit commanders, the advisors, the nobles. None of them could keep a damn secret. Trevan