Chapter 51 - Crowns and Books

“Whether or not I’d give Coco up is unsubstantial,” I say, waving a hand to dismiss the point again and doing my very best to hide that I’d never, ever – in a million years – let my daughter’s favorite pet be taken from her. “Just…let him know that I’m sympathetic to the idea, okay? And that should it come up in negotiations…” I shrug, “I might be amenable to talks.”

“What are you…what are you playing at?” Callie says, the words coming out on the breath of her exhale. “Why do you want him to believe that?”

“Because, Cals,” I say, reaching out and putting a hand on my sister’s wrist. “I want peace, and if the Vendans see me as a sympathetic ear on the way to the King, perhaps…I can play a larger role in that peace.”

Lies, all of it but…well. My heart sinks when I realize that I’m playing my sister along with the rest of them, but isn’t it worth it, in the end? If I can keep my children safe, get them out of this viper’s nest?

“Look at you, Everleigh,” Callie says, laughing a little and