Page 147 of Rule of Wolves

“Did you sleep?” she asked.

“Of course not. Someday we’ll see an end to war, and then you and I will take a nap together.”

“Is that your idea of seduction?”

“These days? Yes.”

“I’ll be honest—it’s incredibly compelling.”

“I heard our messenger arrive,” he said. “War?”

“War. Our scouts have reported Fjerdan troops mobilizing again.”

“Do we know where they’re headed?”

“We’re waiting on intelligence.” She inhaled deeply. “I like the way it smells down here. Sawdust. Oil.”

“I never knew you had a fondness for shipyards.”

“Maybe anything smells good after Ketterdam.” He could see her profile in the dim light. “There isn’t enough titanium, is there?”

“No,” he admitted. “Maybe David could have found a way to make it work, but … Nadia and Leoni and the others should be able to get some use out of these materials. Wylan offered up some new sketches on the diagnostics that will help. He has a way with destruction.”

“Perhaps if the Fjerdans see the smaller missiles, the threat of something larger will be enough.”

“Not if Jarl Brum is left unchecked.” Nikolai and his engineers had tried to piece together the details on the weapons and plans Nina had sent to them through the Hringsa, along with the intel from Tamar’s spies, but he still couldn’t be sure what they were up against.

“Nina thinks Prince Rasmus may be a counter to his warmongering,” Zoya said. “I wanted to bring her home, but … maybe she’s safer among the Fjerdans.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“I know, I know. I can’t believe I’m saying it either.”

“The whim of a prince isn’t much for insurance.”

“You were a prince once.”

“Yes, but I’m me. Tell me something, Nazyalensky. When Fjerda gets their puppet king, assuming the Fjerdans let either of us live, do you think you can control Vadik Demidov?”

“We do have to lose first, Nikolai.”

He peered at her. “That sounds suspiciously hopeful. What have you done with my doomsaying general?”

“We’re not helpless. Novels are full of ragtag bands facing impossible odds.”

“Do you read novels?”

“When I have the time.”

“So, no.”

“I read when I can’t sleep.”

“So, regularly then. If the Fjerdans have testimony from my mother, that will be the end of it all.”

Zoya hesitated, and he knew she was weighing her words. “Would she betray you that way?”

He didn’t want to think so, but he couldn’t afford to pretend. “I sent her from her country and stripped her of a crown. The argument might be made that I betrayed her first.”