37

I was about to ask Elias if we were expected to dance, as well, when a young servant dressed in black hurried up to us, her brown eyes flashing. “Pardon the interruption, Your Highness,” she said, “but His Majesty has requested your presences.”

“And where is that?” Elias asked.

“In his study, Your Highness.”

Elias sighed and pushed a hand through his hair. From the dance floor, Kodan looked up inquisitively, but Elias just shook his head.

I stood up first. “Lead the way,” I said.

I half-expected Elias to put up a fight, but he seemed to know as well as I that there was no getting out of dealing with Draunar. Better to do it in private, anyway. The servant led us out of the throne room and through the same side door Draunar had left through himself, and into the same small study in which he’d first tried to entice me with the map. He murmured a thanks and closed the door behind us, leaving us three alone in the study. The noise of the party was muffled through the thick stone walls, and the sudden quiet made my ears ring.

King Draunar leaned against his desk, one ankle crossed over the other, a picture of relaxation and ease even as tension rolled off Elias in waves. I set my hand on Elias’ forearm, trying to calm his temper down. The muscle was tense beneath my hand.

“So,” King Draunar drawled, “have you made a decision regarding our little treaty?”

“There’s no decision to be made,” Elias said. “My wife is not a thing to be traded as part of our negotiations. You can’t have thought that was a serious request to make.”

He stood with his shoulders square and his feet wide, in a defensive stance like he thought Draunar might launch himself at me and forcibly take me away.

Draunar stood up, mirroring Elias’ stance. “Do you think these negotiations are a game?” he growled. “Do you think I ask for this tribute as a joke? Do you think war with Shianga is an empty threat? You will give me the girl, or else Frasia will fall to the dragons. Those are your two choices.”

“You’re crazy,” Elias growled right back. “You would put the lives of both our nations at risk for this? For your ego?”

“The girl is mine,” Draunar said. “This is your last chance.”

“There will be no tribute,” Elias roared, “and no war! You will cease this madness and sign the treaty as we agreed! Frasia has done nothing but defer to your wishes, but this has gone too far!”

“You dare speak to me in my own palace like that?” Draunar growled.

“Please,” I said, glancing between them desperately. “Stop this.”

“I should strike you down where you stand,” Elias said.

Draunar laughed, high and cruel. “My generals would have your pelt as a rug. And I still will, once I take Frasia from your grimy paws.”

Elias bared his teeth and growled, and Draunar matched it, his gold canines flashing. The air crackled; Elias was moments from shifting, and I knew Draunar was, too. Internally, my wolf whined. If they actually fought, here in the study, all the work Elias had done developing this treaty would be for nothing. If he hurt the King of Shianga while we were guests here, all of Frasia would pay the price.

Elias would never agree to the terms.

But if there was a wolf in the Shiangan Court, a wolf who could bend Draunar’s ear and support the growth and development of Frasia, one who could guide Shiangan policy delicately from behind the scenes… Maybe it would be worth it. Maybe we could salvage this diplomatic visit yet, even if it was in a way almost too painful to bear.

“Stop it!” I shouted. I shoved myself between them and braced my hands on either of their chests, forcibly separating them like dogs. “Stop it, both of you!”

To my surprise, they both did. Elias’ face softened, and Draunar watched me with interest.

“That’s enough,” I said.

“Reyna,” Elias said. His brow furrowed. “What are you…?”

“This is the only way, Elias,” I said. “I am Queen of Frasia, and I won’t let war descend upon our nation.”

“What?” Elias asked. “What are you saying? What do you mean?”

I stepped back, and turned to Draunar. “I accept the terms,” I said. “If my hand is what is required to ensure lasting peace between Frasia and Shianga, that’s a price I’m willing to pay.”

“Reyna,” Elias growled. “I am not willing to pay it.”

“It’s not only your choice,” I said. “It’s mine.”

A grin spread across Draunar’s face. “You see, King Elias?” Draunar said. “She’s a wise wolf. She knows my threats aren’t empty—at least one of you knows how to prioritize the well-being of the nation.”

“No!” Elias roared. He whirled to face me, then stalked forward. Instinctively, I moved backward, until my back was pressed to the cool brick wall of the study, and Elias was caging me in, looming over me. “No,” he said again. His eyes burned gold. “I will not allow this. There will be no war in Frasia. He’s bluffing. You will not leave my side to remain with this beast.”

“And what if he’s not?” I said quietly. “What if you refuse and all of Frasia pays for your shortsightedness?”

“I don’t care,” he growled.

“I care,” I said. “I won’t let innocent wolves die. Isn’t that why you became king? To prevent things like that? To keep your pack, and all our packs, safe?”

“I won’t be bullied like this,” Elias snarled. “Not by a dragon.”

I pressed my lips together then set my hands on his chest, smoothing over the fine silk of his shirt and the familiar curve of muscle. His rage was palpable, rage and frustration, but now it didn’t scare me like it used to. I knew he wouldn’t hurt me, even as his anger glowed golden behind his eyes. On the contrary, I knew I had to be the one to hurt him.