Page 123 of Reign

Slaugh’s all-encompassing black cloak featured an elongated hood that hung far over what I presumed was his face; even his hands were hidden in long, billowing sleeves.

“Please excuse my discourtesy. The ongoing war has kept me busy,” a deep, ominous voice resonated from beneath the hood. “I’ve been constantly traveling between this realm and the next, guiding souls to the afterlife. It’s tiresome and unrewarding work.”

“What’s the afterlife like?” I dared to ask.

“If I told you, I’d have to kill you.”

Elizebeth nodded solemnly, confirming Slaugh’s words.

“Nephew,” Regina’s voice rang out, commanding attention. “You’ve met Wolver, my protector.” Wolver took her hand and tapped his doglike nose against the back of it. “He’s also the commander of my army.”

“It’s an honor to formally make your acquaintance,” Fitzroy said, dipping his head to Wolver.

Wolver let out a bark-like laugh. “We’ve met before—when you were small enough to fit in my paw,” he said, holding out his long and sinewy fingers.

Billy cleared his throat loudly, tilting his head in the general direction of Fitzroy. “Let’s skip the formalities. Tell us, what brings you to Annwn?”

“I’m here to seek an alliance,” Fitzroy declared, lifting his goblet as he spoke.

“Are you here for yourself, or on behalf of the false king?” Billy asked.

“Myself, and hopefully the people of Lyonesse,” Fitzroy explained, before taking a long sip of wine. “My father prioritizes his feud with Your Highness over the happiness of his subjects. Famine ravages the villagers, disease spreads through overcrowded cities, and thousands of men have died fighting an unwinnable war against your formidable army.” He briefly rested a hand on Wolver’s forearm. “I’m no longer a steadfast servant to the King—or rather, the usurper.” He bowed his head toward Regina.

Fitzroy spoke with the perfect balance of flattery and conviction, projecting both loyalty and independence. For the first time, I understood why the soldiers found his commanding tone so magnetic.

Billy raised a finger as he swallowed a mouthful of bread. “And what benefit does the Queen have if she forms an alliance with you?”

“The knights and soldiers in Cambas would become turncoats if they believed the war would end,” explained Fitzroy as he held his cup over his shoulder while a goblin refilled it with wine. “I propose a siege on the royal palace. My men would follow your army to the Walled City, using brute force to subdue any who resist. Once any rebellions are crushed, the knights will secure the city. Then, Your Highness can arrive on dragonback to oversee the execution of the King, his Queen, and their heirs—”

“Then who will rule the kingdom? You or me?” Regina interrupted, her tone bitterly cold.

“If you’re planning on returning Lyonesse to the days before my father’s rule, I’ll happily bow to you,” Fitzroy assured her, his voice steady.

Regina smiled. “Carry on.”

“Once you’re crowned ruler of Lyonesse, I’ll send my knights to every corner of the land, demanding all to swear allegiance to their new sovereign or face hanging.”

Regina inclined her head in support of his proposal.

“What about the men in the King’s Order?” Elizebeth asked. Her words were edged with skepticism, and her lips curled into a snarl—as if mentioning the Order churned her stomach. “Won’t they rally the villagers to defend their ruler?”

The hairs on the back of my neck rose, as if there were a ghostly presence. There was a recognizable cadence to Elizebeth’s soft voice. I studied the witch—her blushed cheeks, womanly frame, and natural elegance.

She caught my gaze and offered a forced smile.

There was something homely in her green eyes, something familiar in the way her cheeks dimpled.

But I couldn’t grasp what.

“They won’t risk losing their land or their titles,” Fitzroy said. “They won’t hesitate to double-cross him to protect their status.”

Wolver growled in agreement. “This alliance would be mutually beneficial. You need the Queen on your side, and we need manpower. My brutes fight savagely to the death, but they lack intelligence and discipline. Queen Regina cannot rule a prosperous kingdom with monsters as her subjects.”

I thought of Bronwyn—the goblinette who had arranged every aspect of my day. She seemed brighter than me, though I doubted outwitting a village girl was difficult. Uncertain if I was allowed to speak, I tentatively raised my hand.

Fitzroy chuckled as Regina gave me an affirming nod.

“Bronwyn, my chambermaid, seems very intelligent,” I said, aware that I was likely talking out of turn. “I think she could help make a kingdom prosper.”