Page 62 of War Queen
“Interesting,” Soren said sourly, “as he played no part in helping.”
“Nor did he help the Mercian council,” Catherine countered.
“Perhaps he’s a coward all around,” Soren quipped.
Catherine scoffed. “King Phillip is no coward.”
Norah rolled her eyes and continued. “As you’re aware, the situation with Japheth and Rael is escalating, and I have decided to expedite my marriage to the princess of Osan.”
“What?” Catherine gasped. “He plans to marry the princess of Osan?”
Norah paused. The princess of Osan? She read the line again as she tried to wrap her mind around it herself. “Osan has a formidable naval fleet, and King Tagasi has agreed to join our cause.”
“We have a fleet,” Catherine said. “Mercian ships are world renowned.”
“Unsinkable ships, yes,” Soren cut in. “But Osan has warships with cannons. They would be an asset against Gregor and Cyrus, to stop the route along the channel between Japheth and Rael. To stop them from moving forces. That’s excellent.”
Catherine straightened. “Finally, something positive from you about Aleon.”
Soren’s brows dipped. “It’s not about Aleon, it’s about Osan.”
Norah pursed her lips. She was already regretting reading aloud. “I extend a warm invitation that you might attend the wedding here in the capital city of Valour, for Mercia has always been the closest of friends with Aleon. It’s important to me that you’re here.”
Soren snorted.
“What?” Catherine challenged him. “Mercia and Aleon have ruled side by side for generations. It’s proper Phillip would have her attend.”
“Salara does not come to his call.”
“It’s an invitation,” her grandmother said, “not a demand.”
“Given the growing threat against our kingdoms,” Norah said, speaking over them, “I pray you’ll forgive the short notice. The wedding will be held in the upcoming fourth septimana.”
“That’s hardly any time!” Catherine said. “Even if you leave tomorrow, you might not make it.”
“You can’t seriously be considering going,” Soren pressed.
“I don’t know what I’m considering!” Norah snapped. “Let me finish the gods-damned letter!”
Catherine and Soren quieted, and she drew her eyes back to the parchment.
“I understand if you hesitate, but I hope Mercia and Kharav recognize the recent actions of Aleon as that of a friend and have faith in future intentions. The northern kingdoms are united, as they’ve always been and always will be. Your support would honor my marriage, and I most look forward to seeing you again, Norah. Please come. I eagerly await your reply.Most sincerely, I am, Phillip.”
Soren’s eyes burned into her as she folded back the letter.
“Say what you’re going to say,” she told him.
“You don’t find this highly suspicious? You hear nothing from him when you need his friendship most, when you’re trying to take back your kingdom. But now that Salar has returned to Kharav, now that you’re alone, he calls you to Aleon?”
“He does notcallme. And I’m not alone. You’re here.”
Soren’s lips thinned. “Well, how does the Osan princess get to Valour so quickly? It would have taken more than three weeks to travel from Osan to Aleon.”
“He saidexpeditehis marriage. She’s probably already there.”
His nostrils flared. “Don’t be so quick to take him for an ally, or one to be trusted. Sharing a common foe doesn’t make one a friend.”
“The kingdoms of Aleon and Mercia have been allies and friends for generations,” Catherine interjected.
