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Not a dismissal that would allow Theran to honorably accept another contract, but a kind of demotion that would have made Queens in Kaeleer take a wary look at thefor a position of power in one oftheir courts
“That letter is a well-phrased kick in the balls,” Talon said “It will be even more inature and seal And the day after Theran gets that letter, you can count on every Warlord Prince within Dena Nehele’s borders and in the Ta that Jared Blaed is now the First Escort to the Queen of Dena Nehele”
Gray sat beside her “You’ve shown us what’s possible We’re going to fight to keep what you’ve given us”
Cassidy pushed away fro to move, to think
She’d thought her men would step aside for Theran’s choice because he was the last Grayhaven But they were going to fight Not just for her She never would accept a war and the loss of life just to keep her in power But this wasn’t about her anys the Blood had said they wanted when she first came to Dena Nehele—a land that lived by the Old Ways, that held itself to the Blood’s code of honor
Weren’t those the saht to keep in Dena Nehele for as long as possible?
A Sceltie fights for the ones who belong to her So does a Queen
She turned and looked at them All of them
Everything has a price But, sweet Darkness, don’t let this price be too high
“All right,” she said “We fight”
Fierce pride filled their eyes, and she hoped with everything in her that she would remain worthy of that pride
Her legs suddenly felt shaky, so she returned to the table and sat down Clasping her hands and pressing the look “Isn’t there so this to a tribunal of Queens if she could arrange to get one?
“None of us are afraid of fighting,” Talon said
“There may be an alternative to war,” Powell said quietly “Especially since Keriven us justification to act”
Cassidy looked at thePowell’s words on some internal scale “I don’t understand”
Talon rubbed his chin and said thoughtfully, “I doubt Theran knows Kermilla sent you that letter Poor tactics We’ve known since he ured he wouldn’t e until he had the men ould form her First Circle And he wouldn’t want that court ned with you was finished because that would give you less tiave her a fierce s sufficient backing Noe can hit hard and fast”
Leaning back in his chair, looking like a predator at ease, Talon said, “Powell, what’s your alternative to war?”
“Secession,” Powell said