Chapter 31 Talk of War

Chapter 31 Talk of War
Two moons had passed since Aizurah had retrieved Zeidan from the Fire Hills. He returned only once, for a two-day respite, and had remained at court since.

She watched him pace restlessly in the Gardens one afternoon while she sat with her book. With every passing day, it became painful for her to watch her husband’s discomfort. He had spent many hours with his brother since their return, but Rayneir’s histories and omens bored him senselessly. When she could no longer bear his disquiet, Aizurah sighed and closed her book, rising from the roots of the great oak tree.

“Come, my love,” she said, holding out her hand, “my father’s advisors will be assembling soon.” Sir Arden Stonewell followed closely behind the pair as they traveled through the castle.

In her father’s private meeting chambers, Aizurah’s eyes narrowed at the extra chairs set up around the table. Zeidan had been invited, an odd occurrence, and she wondered who else might be attending.

She picked up the wine by the door and carried it to the table, filling her cup and then passing the jug to Zeidan. Afterward, she rose and filled the cup that belonged to the King as well.
All she could do was wait for the council of advisors to arrive.

The princess narrowed her eyes but said nothing as Sebastian Kane stepped into the chambers and took the empty seat beside Queen Sylene. Something important was happening.

When her father entered, Aizurah sensed that he was in much pain. He walked slower than usual, leaning heavily on his cane. Her brows knitted in worry as he took his seat with a heavy sigh.

“Are you well, brother?” Zeidan asked, putting voice to her worry.

“Yes, thank you, Zeidan,” Rayneir assured his step-brother, though he sounded breathless. “Lord Taevar has called this urgent meeting; let us hear what is so important.”

The lord of Isle Cyrrant stood and placed his hands on the table, leaning forward.

“The Summer Isles are swarmed with pirates,” he informed them, not bothering with the niceties. Everyone around the table groaned.

“The Isles,” Rayneir repeated, rolling his eyes. “When have they ever been otherwise?” the King asked.

“These pirates have made a new alliance with some of the merchants who use the shipping lanes. While we have attempted our own negotiations, we have received no offers for peace. Our trade ships are attacked often.”

“It’s only been five years since the last war over the islands,” Sylene complained, “as I’m sure you remember, Zeidan."

Of course, Zeidan would remember. It had been his very reason for leaving her alone in the capital.  

“We should never have left it undefended in the first place,” Aizurah interjected. “These pirates are not a new occurrence.” She looked over at Zeidan, who shrugged apologetically. “What do you suggest, Lord Taevar?” Aizurah asked.

“We have no choice but to defend the region,” Zeidan answered for him. Aizurah turned to her husband in surprise, watching the way his eyes suddenly glittered. She should have known; the promise of war no doubt excited him.

“We can’t afford it,” the Queen interjected with a pinched expression. “War will drain our vaults; we will have to impose new taxes.”

“And is it not more costly, in the long run, to allow these pirates to plunder our shipments?” Aizurah asked. “If we defeated them once, it should be easy enough to do it again. We know the Summer Isles, we have seen what the pirates can do, but more importantly… We have our dragons.”

“There is no ‘we’ in this, daughter. A woman’s place is not on the battlefield,” the King said. Aizurah and Sylene shot one another a look across the table, and the princess rolled her eyes.

“So, you would have me abandon my husband to war?” Aizurah retorted, “No doubt you will offer up Zeidan to lead this endeavor. You expect me to mull about the castle, praying for his return like a good little wife?”

The King opened his mouth to reply, but another voice interjected.

“Your Grace, perhaps the princess should go.” The entire council of advisors turned to look at Sebastian Kane, stunned to silence.

“She is heir to the throne, Sebastian. You were brought here today because I value your opinion, but—"

“With all due respect, my king, that is what I am doing presently, voicing an opinion. Aizurah is a woman,” he said simply, “We know how the realm feels about women taking the throne. It has been that way for hundreds of years. But, if the princess were to lead our troops on the battlefield, I believe it may strengthen the kingdom’s belief in her.”

“I have named Aizurah my heir! The kingdom’s belief does not matter!” Rayneir exclaimed.

“It matters to me,” Aizurah said softly, turning to her father. “Wars have been fought over far less than a few opinions. The kingdom’s belief in my ability to rule matters to me. I will go with Zeidan. He is my husband, and you can trust he will defend me.”

“My king,” Sir Stonewell interjected from his post at the edge of the room, “Father, if the princess is choosing battle, I will accompany her. I have sworn my sword to her.”

“I would expect no less, my son,” offered the King’s royal advisor. Everyone turned to face Rayneir to await his response.

“Very well,” he finally relented with a heavy sigh. “How many men can we afford to send?” Aizurah grinned at Zeidan, who did not seem to share her satisfaction.

“What is it?” Aizurah questioned once they had returned to their rooms. “I was sure you would be thrilled at the promise of another battle. I know you’re not happy here at court.”

“You should not go, Princess,” he answered simply.

“So, you and the king are of like mind? You want me to stay here and be useless?” Aizurah demanded.

“I would have you safe, Aizurah. War is not pretty, it’s not easy, it’s fucking dangerous. I would keep you out of harm’s way. And then there’s the Kane cunt—"

“What does that have to do with it?” she asked.

“Sebastian wants you to go, Aizurah. When had he ever done anything that wasn’t self-serving? Think about it. He will wait until you are gone from court, and he will worm his way back into the King’s ear.” The princess sat down on the edge of the bed, considering Zeidan’s words. She knew he was right; Sebastian would never have agreed with her unless he saw a way to benefit from the situation.

Aizurah recalled the last time she had been present for discussions of war, and Sebastian had purposely diverted her attention to selecting a handmaiden and a new household guard. That had ended terribly.

“I will not let you go alone; the decision has already been made,” she declared stubbornly. “We will have to make sure, this time, it doesn’t take years to defeat the pirates.”

“I don’t like this, Aizurah,” he told her solemnly.

“You don’t like any of my choices, it seems, uncle. But that hasn’t stopped me yet,” she teased with a soft smile…