Page 29 of Only Flames Remain

“I did not forget,” Rensford replied, “I simply had another task from your father.”

“Ah, my father’s favorite errand boy. I mean…commander. Soon those days will be over once I take the throne.”

“Then I can be your errand boy.” Ren laughed.

“Exactly.” My smile was earnest now, the grin spreading across my face. “What is it that you needed to tell me in private? I must say, you have piqued my interest.”

Ren inhaled deeply, steeling himself. Whatever it was, he was sure I was going to push back.

“There is a rumor spreading among court that Prince Kallias Ashbourne’s mistress is aboard the vessel that docked in the harbor in Scaldrithor.”

A muscle in my jaw twitched as I raised the glass to my mouth once more. “Good for her, I guess? How does this gossip affect us in any capacity?”

“She’s human,” Ren replied.

I inclined my head. “Didn’t expect the slimy little prince to take a human to his bed—but I still fail to see how this affects us?”

“You need to keep a close eye on her. What reason could a human have for coming to Gothryn other than joining the blood trade or finding work? There’s plenty of work in Myros. They say she is among the contingent of humans designated for servitude in the castle.”

My head fell back as I laughed. “It’s quite obvious, isn’t it? Ashbourne could never take a human as a wife. King Faris would rather burn the entire continent than see a human rule atop his throne. She’s been sent away. By the devious Queen Dyata, no doubt. She always was quite the—” I didn’t finish that sentence, leaning forward to grasp the decanter and topping off my drink with a raised brow instead.

“You don’t think that…odd? They aren’t sending her to their previous ally in Sylvaris. They are sending her directly into the heart of a rival kingdom. Which need I remind you, has just tenuously agreed to peace.”

“Punishment?” I offered. “Whatever it is…I don’t care.”

“See, that’s where you’re wrong,” Ren replied, taking the seat opposite me and leaning forward, his elbows on his knees. “I see an opportunity here.”

“An opportunity?” I asked, drawing closer. “What sort of opportunity?”

“Imagine it—Kallias Ashbourne learning that his mistress is your housemaid. That his beloved human is not only working for you…but your servant. We could use it against him.”

I shook my head. “King Faris and Queen Dyata couldn't care less what happens to a human daring enough to travel into Vireth territory—if she comes of her own accord. If she was sent, it is a trap.”

Ren nodded. “Her reputation precedes her. They weren’t counting on that. We have the upper hand here, and we can use it. We can use her to our advantage. King Faris and Queen Dyata might not care what happens to her, but Kallias certainly does. Rumor has it he is completely enamored with her. He has declared they are betrothed. He plans to marry her.”

“Was the prince not betrothed to that royal from Emberfell mere days ago?” I asked. “There is no way a human will ever sit the throne of Myros. Ever.”

“Maybe not,” Ren agreed, “but that doesn’t change how Kallias feels about her. She can be our bargaining chip.”

“But the little prince isn’t destined to take the throne for decades, at the very least. He isn’t in the same position I am,” I reminded him.

“Maybe not, but he has sway with his parents. He is the only heir, and they cannot risk alienating him. He has no other princes breathing down his neck, vying for the throne.”

“That might be true,” I agreed, deep in thought. “But how much could she truly be worth to them?”

“We won’t know until we strike a deal.” Ren smiled knowingly. “Peace has been achieved for much less, lest I remind you. Do you truly think this truce with Myros will last?”

I rolled my eyes at him. “Are you giving me history lessons now, Ren?” I took another sip. “I do see your point. If it turns out to be a worthless venture, so be it. But we do stand to gain from using her as leverage.”

“And you need to be careful around her,” Rensford warned. “If she was sent by them or not, we can’t trust her.”

“You don’t think I can handle a little human?” I asked, my hand clasped over my chest in mock hurt. “How you underestimate me, my dear friend.”

Rensford laughed, shaking his head. “You can handle the human, I’m sure of it. But don’t let your guard down. She could have been sent by Kallias to spy. Anything you say around her could easily be information leaked back across the sea.”

“Why don’t we put that to the test?” I asked. “Leak bad information to her on purpose, to discern her true intentions.”

“A noble idea. Wish I had thought of it myself.” It was Rensford now who rolled his eyes.