The Wicked House of Caroline

“Send it all to a contact in the Port of Black Sands,” Beks said as she sat in front of her urapearl and spoke to Mr. Kesse. “I will arrange for someone to retrieve it.”

Mr. Kesse nodded and looked down at what appeared to be a piece of paper where he’d jotted down notes. “Collecting some of this information will take time, my lady. Our resources at the Temple cannot gather so much at once.”

Beks shook her head, understanding. “As long as we are able to retrieve the information within a few months. Let’s focus on whatever you can find regarding the goddess Xeria and the parties surrounding previous oracles. I apologize for having you do repeat work. The histories of the previous oracles that I had been given before was left in the Old Tower when I was exiled.”

She never finished reading the history of the oracles, and thus didn’t memorize all the pages, so she needed a second copy. In addition, after reviewing the information on Kadmus nobles that Laurence and Lady Eleanor provided her, she found that several families were strong patrons of the Temple and all of those families had significant wealth, property, and businesses. It wasn’t abnormal for nobles to have those, but they donated not only money and the labor of their people, but had children join the Temple.

Nobles typically did not join the Temple. Patroning it, yes, but having multiple family members join as priests, priestesses, or simply just attendants, was strange, as clergy were considered almost servile to Kadmus nobles. Orphans joined the Temple. Poor children went to the Temple to survive. Occasionally, a widow or older unmarried woman became a nun.

In the case of Lucian, there was an underlying political reason: the family wanted the Temple’s favor.

“Yes, my lady.”

“Lastly, has the Fourth Prince tried to sell any additional royal lands?”

“No, my lady. No additional lands have been posted privately or publicly for sale. After we acquired Green Meadows, the tenants were arranged to pay their rent to us and any horses, including foals, for sale will first be offered to the Dawn Company.”

Beks cocked her head to the side and narrowed her eyes a bit. “The breeders of Green Meadows were royal purveyors of horses. They supplied the bulk of war and draft horses for the legions. Did they accept this?”

“Yes, as the previous arrangement of horses to the legions fell through. Once the Fourth Prince took control, to limit spending, he put a freeze on various ‘luxuries’ purchased by the kingdom, including horses and replacement military supplies. The court has agreed to hold on the purchases, but there is no confirmation on when the purchasing will resume.”

That meant that the breeders were stuck with products they couldn’t sell and wanted to get rid of. “Have the animals properly prepared for the roles, as they may be used sooner rather than later.”

“Yes, my lady. It has also been reported that the wedding date has officially been scheduled and the new oracle has made a prophecy.”

Beks raised a brow. “A significant one?”

Mr. Kesse nodded his head once. “The Empress of Langshe will pass within one moon.”

Beks sat up straight, though her face didn’t change expression. The Empress of Langshe was Uncle Timur’s eldest sister, named Saranjerel, and born of the same mother. The age difference was significant and when Uncle Timur’s mother died at childbirth, it was the Empress who raised him, all while fighting tooth and nail for the throne.

She had ruled for a long period of time and Langshe had flourished under her control.

“One moon...is she ill?”

Mr. Kesse nodded. “Our sources are very limited and delayed when it comes to Langshe, but yes. It seems that the Empress of Langshe is very ill and the seasonal move to the Equinox Palace from the Summer Palace has not occurred.”

Beks felt her chest tighten. The Empress, as far as she knew, was quite healthy for her age. This illness didn’t seem right, but if the court did not move, then it was serious.

Langshe had three capital cities and the entire court would move every season to a different capital. Spring and autumn were in the Equinox Palace in the temperate eastern coast; winter was spent in the Winter Palace on the tropical southern coast, and summer was in the Summer Palace, on the peaks of the Great Eastern Mountain Range just above the steppes that separated Langshe from the rest of the politically fragmented continent.

The Summer Palace was considered the ancient homeland of Langshe and it was where the imperial family was buried. Uncle Timur was buried in Kadmium, in Kadmus’ Royal Catacombs, but a lock of his hair and his saddle had been sent for ceremonial symbolic burial to Langshe by the late Queen, citing that her Second Consort would wish part of him to be ‘home’.

The seasonal court move was important and if it didn’t happen, it could only mean that the monarch could not travel.

“What is the status of Crown Prince Zhanzhin?” The older first cousin of Lazarus and Lucian was the only surviving child of Empress Saran, and though Beks had never personally met him, she knew him from correspondence on trade.

From what she knew of him, he would be an excellent emperor and had confidence that the alliance between Kadmus and Langshe would remain strong for at least another generation.

“Crown Prince Zhanzhin is facing opposition from his uncle, Prince Tarkan.”

Beks resisted the urge to make an annoyed face at the fact that she didn’t know who Prince Tarkan was. The previous emperor, Uncle Timur’s father, had the maximum of five wives and numerous mistresses.

Children of mistresses were ineligible for a royal title and benefits, what more a claim to the throne. However, the children of the five wives, both male and female, had equal claim, as primogeniture was not the method of inheriting the throne. The reigning monarch would name their heir after they selected them from amongst their children.

Beks didn’t know how many children the previous emperor had or how many survived to adulthood; only that Uncle Timur was very close to his eldest sister to the point that even though he married ‘out’ of the empire, he retained his status, property in Langshe, and secured titles and inheritances for his twin sons.

He even wanted to bring Beks back one day to meet his family.

“Who is this uncle?” Beks asked. “How strong is his claim?” Technically, the throne should go from monarch to their child, not to a sibling, niece, or nephew, unless the monarch did not have an heir of their own. But Empress Saran did.

“Prince Tarkan is a younger brother of Empress Saran, through the late Emperor’s second wife.” Uncle Timur and the Empress’ mother were born of the first wife.

Beks took a deep breath. “Find out more for me, including what he may be considering that will affect Kadmus’ trade and if he has thoughts of expansion. Also watch for any news on how the Fourth Prince and his court react to news of the Empress’ impending death. As a close ally, they will need to support either the Crown Prince or his uncle. I want to know who they favor.”

The Langshe Empire had been an unmovable stronghold that hadn’t lost or gained territory for over a thousand years. They didn’t seem to want to expand, but she couldn’t be too wary of an ambitious man who wanted to snatch the throne from his nephew. In addition, she wanted to know who Luther would side with as if they got support from Langshe, it could become complicated.

“Yes, my lady.”

A knock came from Beks’ door, but she didn’t look towards it. She made a mental note to inform the twins as soon as she could. If the Empress’ brother took control and became a threat to either Kadmus or Laurence, they would need to defend against it. “That will be all for now, Mr. Kesse. Thank you.” She gave the man a nod and he bowed his head before the urapearl darkened.

Beks stood up and walked to her door. A man in a Thirnir uniform saluted her. “My lady, you are requested in the great hall. Commander General Caroline has returned.

Beks gave him a nod and followed behind him.

She reached the great hall shortly and found that most of her family had gathered, along with Laurence and Lady Eleanor, who were seated on her parents’ usual seats as those of a higher rank. Her parents were seated in lesser chairs on either side of the couple.

Below the three steps leading up to the great chairs was a tall woman with tightly braided dark-red hair in a modified Thirnir uniform. As Beks entered, several eyes turned towards her and she bowed to her parents and Laurence.

“Beks! Quickly come and greet your aunt.” Her mother beckoned her forward.

Beks marched to the front and stood to the side, beside her brother and bowed towards the woman. “Welcome home, Aunt Hilga.”

She heard the woman in front of her take a deep breath as she lifted her head. The middle-aged woman’s full lips were curled up with a satisfied smile as she looked at Beks up and down. She gave a nod of approval as her gray eyes crinkled up. “The same to you, my eldest niece.”

Satisfied with the exchange, Robert opened his mouth. “Your aunt-”

“Hilga, my love!” Before Beks’ father could begin speaking, an elated voice came from the hall. From the same entrance from which Beks had come through, a tall, slender man with long, flowing pale hair and thin rimmed glasses shot through the doorway. His eyes seemed to only see her aunt standing in the hall. His arms were thrown open and from the corner of her eye, Beks could see her brother let out an exasperated sigh.

The Duchy’s head accountant seemed to want to fling himself against Hilga, only to be stopped by Hilga’s extended hand. “Stop.” Olander Jacobhaal seemed to freeze in mid step, just an arm’s length away from his beloved wife. “I am still reporting.”

Beks watched her uncle by marriage look at her aunt with disappointment before turning his eyes to her father and narrowing them, as if blaming Robert for getting in the way of their touching reunion. After all, Hilga spent the majority of the year at the Northern Pass.

Robert let out a slight snort. “I did not summon you. Why did you come?”

“My wife has returned!” Olander replied, as if it were obvious.

“The Treasury is outside the main fortress, out of view of the main entrance.” Robert frowned. “How did you know she arrived?”

Olander sneered and crossed his arms over his chest. “What kind of man can’t sense when his soulmate is near?”

Beks was certain she wasn’t the only one in the great hall who was staring at her uncle as if he had just said the most ridiculous thing. Robert took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. Somehow, Beks understood that her uncle’s lovesick reaction was not only common, but common enough that it annoyed her father. And likely everyone else in that room.

Robert gave his sister a lazy wave of his hand. “Hilga, deal with your idiot husband.”

“Apologies, Brother Robert.” Hilga gave her older brother a small, apologetic bow. She looked back at her husband. “Husband, return to the Treasury.” Her voice was dull and was more an order than a request.

Olander deflated for a bit, but remained in place. Hilga looked back at her brother, who gave her a roll of his eyes and then a nod. Hilga approached her husband and took his hand, pulling him out the door.

“Who told him?” Robert asked in a low voice.

“Daddy, I’m fairly certain he really did sense Aunt Hilga’s return,” Deo replied.

“How?” Lady Eleanor seemed confused.

Beks glanced towards the hall where the couple had walked through. “Maybe he smelled her…like a hound.”

Robert shuddered in his seat. “I never should’ve approved of her marrying him.”

Sybil smirked, remaining where she sat with her back against the chair and her legs crossed. “As if you would be able to stop him.”

A moment later, Hilga returned. Her hair had a few more strands of hair out of the braid and the top of her uniform coat was suspiciously out of place, but no one pointed it out. She bowed her head to the seated pairs in front of her in apology.

Robert looked back at Beks. “As I was saying, your aunt has returned as she has received word that the Fourth Prince wishes to hand over control of the Northern Pass to one of the battalions.”

Beks frowned at once and narrowed her eyes. “You mean they want to remove the Northern Pass from the control of the Carolines? Why are they only doing so now?” It had been months since they were exiled.

“Because they can’t find the Northern Pass.” Her aunt spoke up beside her and Beks turned her head. “Once we were notified of your exile, we hid the Northern Pass by manipulating the known routes that would lead them there and redirecting anyone who came to look for it.”

“The climate in the Northern Pass makes it difficult to navigate to begin with,” Deo told her. “If the sentries that lead up to the Northern Pass disappear, there is essentially no guidance. Those who rarely or have never been there will likely get lost in the tundra. In fact, it’s almost certain that they would.”

Beks frowned more so and looked at her aunt. “Do you know how many have been sent to retake it?”

“As of right now, two vanguards, several messengers, and the battalion that has been sent to replace us have been redirected and lost. Our sources in the legion’s organization division have reported that there is a lot of confusion and frustration, as the groups are running out of food and encountering difficulties in the terrain. Aside from the weather and dangerous landscape, there are ice beasts on our side of the Northern Pass,” Hilga said. “However, as of right now, no one has been able to retake the Northern Pass.”

“How did you return?” If no one could get to the Northern Pass, how could her aunt leave? Furthermore, the narrow peninsula that linked Sagittate to the mainland had been destroyed to isolate the duchy from Kadmus’ forces.

“Your mother sent a ship to a meeting point,” Hilga replied. “I’ve come to request and escort reinforcements. Our family cannot abandon the Northern Pass; no other group can guard it like we can.”

“That’s true, but the beast migration isn’t supposed to happen yet, so the Northern Pass should be fairly stable at the moment,” Deo said as his eyes narrowed.

Their aunt pursed her lips. “There is volcanic activity in the peaks and our sentries have documented an increase in migration of ice beasts. It is not unheard of for the migration to start earlier.”

“But this much earlier?” Laurence leaned forward and frowned.

“The migration is based on volcanic activity, Your Majesty. The eruption that is due seems to be coming sooner than expected. Once it starts, the migration will begin and we will need to divert much of the Caroline army to ensure that the ice beasts did not escape the Northern Pass,” Hilga told him.

Robert frowned. “Once the ice beasts reach the tundra, they will be difficult to isolate.”

“And it’s a clear path to the rest of Kadmus as while there are hills, there are no sizable mountain ranges that will detour them like the Giant’s Ridge,” Beks said. “Ice beasts also react negatively to heat.”

“The warmer the climate, the more difficult they are to control and more erratic their behavior. They become more dangerous the more south they go,” Sybil said. She also took a deep breath as she pondered the situation.

Laurence leaned back against his seat and frowned. This posed a problem for Laurence, as he needed the Caroline army to support him should Luther refuse to give up the throne. He already didn’t have enough military support as it was. At the same time, the Caroline army needed to send a sizable amount of people to guard the Northern Pass during the beast migration.

If they didn’t, civilian lives would be in great danger. Laurence wasn’t on his throne, but Beks knew that to him, these were his people and he couldn’t simply leave them to be crushed under a beast tide.

“Ice beasts can survive in warmer climates, but they become much more violent and pose a danger to rural areas,” he said. “If enough make it out of the Northern Pass, they could create havoc.”

“It would be difficult to capture them once they’re on the tundra as there are few resources for them to survive. They’d keep going south until they found those resources and by then, they would reach settlements,” Hilga told them. “The most efficient way to keep them from going south is to block the Northern Pass.”

The Northern Pass wasn’t a narrow canyon path, like the passes on the Giant’s Ridge. The Northern Pass was a series of small hills and dried, ancient riverbeds that separated two jagged mountain ranges. Beks thought of it as a series of gates that were always open. Since Sagittate joined the kingdom, they had been guarding the Northern Pass by closing off portions of it to limit the occasional ice beast migration.

However, manmade structures were easily broken down with the combination of blizzard conditions and beasts attempting to pass through. Even the fortress from where they based themselves was on a mountain top, nestled into the mountain itself and away from the ice beasts.

Biha users that manipulated water, wind, and earth were constantly repairing structures to keep ice beasts from wandering south. During periods of migration, there were far more beasts and those beasts were in a frenzy to try to escape the volcanic activity that triggered the migrations.

The earthen and ice walls wouldn’t hold. Thus, during times of migration, much of the Caroline Duchy’s army would move closer to the Northern Pass to assist in diverting the beasts, repairing the structures, and hunting down the beasts that made it through before they could reach the settlements.

“How strong is the volcanic activity?” Robert asked from his seat. “Or rather, how much time do we have?” “Two, perhaps three months at most,” Hilga said. “The bulk of the army was hidden when you were exiled and they require your approval to be posted.”

Robert raised a brow. “This could’ve been an urapearl call.”

“I also came to see my family and Beks,” Hilga said. “It has been a while and we’ve been busy both guarding the pass and diverting the people Kadmus sent.”

Robert’s fingers tapped on the arms of the chair.

“Order the army to the Northern Pass,” Laurence said suddenly. Everyone in the room looked towards him, but he didn’t falter. “Though I am displaced, my people are still my people. I cannot leave them to suffer.”

Robert raised a brow. “The migration will last until the volcanic activity eases. This could take a week to several months.”

“You don’t have that much time to wait, Your Majesty,” Sybil told him. “The longer your brother sits on the throne, the more difficult it will be to remove him.”

Laurence’s chest rose and fell with a deep breath. He shook his head, unmoved. “If the Caroline army is not sent to secure the Northern Pass, there will be a beast tide coming down. This will cause an emergency for Luther and his court. It will distract them and they’d have to rearrange sources to deal with the emergency....” His eyes narrowed. “But how many people will die?”

“But you need the army as the chances of the Fourth Prince returning the throne are unlikely,” Lady Eleanor pointed out with some uncertainty. “At best, other than the Caroline army, we have the Wild Dogs, but the Fourth Prince has the command of the rest of the military, including my family’s army that was confiscated. We don’t know who will side with us.” Her face paled. “There is always a chance that the rest of the legions will not.”

Beks lowered her eyes. “How do you know that they won’t?” Several pairs of eyes looked back at her and she lifted her head. “We are not the only ones who disagree with Luther acting as king. Despite the court’s decision, there were those who had reservations. Even when Luther was seen as the only viable option, there was plenty of doubt on his ability.

“Right now, the royal treasury is depleted. Luther and the new oracle have set a date for a wedding and it will be extravagant. There are rumors about cuts and freezes of various programs that are very popular in the kingdom, causing disapproval from not only the masses, but various nobles and leaders. In general, Luther is not seen as a competent king,” she told them.

“Moreso that you’re not there,” Lady Eleanor added. “The people may not know the extent of your work, but whether the nobles admit it or not, they know that Luther is far less effective without you. He’ll listen to the wrong people.”

Beks nodded her head once. “Many only agreed to give Luther the throne because he was their only choice. If it is verified that Brother Laurence is alive and wants the crown, he will have supporters.”

Lady Eleanor sat up straight. “We know who’d be staunch supporters of Laurence.”

Laurence held out his hand to pause her words. He looked at Beks. “I know I have supporters, but I worry that if we make my survival known too soon, Luther and the Third Consort will try to take countermeasures. They could be anything from sending assassins after us to shaking my support base before they can be of use.”

“Then arrange it in secret,” Beks replied, as if it were simple.

“What if they don’t believe us?” Lady Eleanor asked with some worry. “My family will, but others may not show their support until they see Laurence is alive and well. By then, the Fourth Prince and his father will be alarmed and go on the offensive.”

Beks took a deep breath. She was also worried that they’d reveal themselves too soon, as well. If they reached out to the wrong supporters, they could be cut off.

“Then send out your own vanguard.”

“It is too dangerous for you to be my vanguard,” Laurence said with a concerned frown.

Beks shook her head. “Not me,” she said. “You need someone whose appearance is sudden and unexpected to catch the court off guard. They should also be able to protect themselves and show their support for you.”

Deo looked at her. “Perhaps Uncle Erik or Uncle Harald?”

Beks smiled and shook her head. “They need to stay and protect the duchy while the army is in the Northern Pass.”

“Then who do you suggest?” Robert asked as he gave her a curious look.

“Lazarus and Lucian,” Beks replied as she lifted her chin. “With the backing of the Wild Dogs.”

╔═════════════════ ∘◦ ♔ ◦∘ ═════════════════╗

“They’re my brothers. I don’t want to use them as...as bait,” Laurence said as he paced the old library. Beks was walking around a large table, pinning down the corners of a large map of the Sevoy continent with thick books.

“They’re not bait; they’re there to rattle the court, Luther, and seek out support for you,” Beks said as she placed the last two books on one corner.

Laurence turned around and looked at her with a disapproving frown. “What if Luther or his father attack them?”

“If they march into Kadmium suddenly, they won’t have time to be attacked. The number of Wild Dogs outnumber the number of royal guards stationed in the capital,” Beks replied. “The Wild Dogs were given the order to scatter and disappear. I am certain that if given the order, they can suddenly reappear outside the city gates, giving no warning to Luther and catching him and his supporters off guard.”

“Then what?” Laurence asked with a frown. “What if they’re suddenly surrounded? Trapped in the city?”

“With what army?” Beks almost scoffed. “Brother, the legions, and navy have been shuffled. You’ve been notified, haven’t you?”

Laurence thought for a moment. “I mainly heard that the navy has overstepped and gone beyond our territorial waters.”

“Do we know where the legions have been sent?” Lady Eleanor asked.

Beks raised her brows and traced the borders of Kadmus on the map. “Around the borders. They seem to be looking for us...or guarding against us.”

“So, what you’re saying is that they don’t expect our arrival from within,” Lady Eleanor said, leaning forward on her chair with interest.

“Even if they weren’t, if they find out that Laurence, the rightful king, is alive and returning after recuperating, they will not attack so easily.”

“What if they do?” Laurence remained unconvinced.

Lady Eleanor leaned back on her chair at the far end of the table, eating dried squid jerky. She looked up at her fiancé. “Then the Second Prince can lay siege to the Gilded Palace and hold the Fourth Prince hostage until you return.”

“Listen to the marquis’ daughter,” Beks said, pointing a book at Lady Eleanor. “She knows what she’s talking about.”

Laurence gave her a dull look in response. “This plan is based on the notion that Luther will accept Laz back with open arms. If an entire battalion appeared at your gate, would you be so welcoming?”

“It depends on why they appeared at my gate,” Beks said. “To lay siege. Of course not. But to arrive in triumph to bring glory to the empire and thus my reign? My arms are indeed open.”

Laurence ran a hand down his face. “Is Lazarus willing to do this?”

“He is loyal to you, Brother. If you approve of this order, he will fulfill it,” Beks said with the utmost confidence.

Laurence still shook his head. “I want to discuss this with them first.”

“Yes, we’ll return to the island sooner rather than later,” Beks said as she placed her hands on the edge of the table and hunched over the map. “I have something to discuss with them, as well.” Beks tapped the mountain range where Langshe's Summer Palace was located. “The new oracle prophesied that within a month, Empress Saran will pass.”

Laurence frowned. “Was she ill? The Empress has always been very healthy, even for her age.” Langshe’s Empress was at least fifteen or so years older than the late Queen.

“I don’t know the exact details of her illness,” Beks said. In fact, she wouldn’t be surprised if it weren’t an illness at all.

“Then, we will need to consider what to send to Prince Zhanzhin, both as condolences and to show our support of his rule as an ally....” Laurence trailed off and his eyes squinted. “Empress Saran is Laz and Lucian’s only full paternal aunt. She cares for them deeply; if they are able, they should go. Sending them would also show our support for Prince Zhanzhin.”

“About the heir....” Beks said as she looked across the table. “Their uncle appears to also want the throne.”

“What?” Laurence frowned at once. A destabilized ally was problematic. They didn’t need that right now.

Beks held out her hand to stop him. “This brings me to another concern. Laz and Lucian are first cousins with Crown Prince Zhanzhin. In addition, you and I are also on good terms politically and economically with him. It is obvious that in a fight for the Langshe throne, we would side with the Crown Prince. But, it isn’t certain that Luther and his supporters would.”

“They don’t know that Laz and Lucian are alive and well, but even so, I wouldn’t put it past the Fourth Prince’s people to side with the other party just to go against the twins,” Lady Eleanor said.

Laurence’s frown deepened. “If they support Prince Tarkhan, Prince Tarkhan will likely support Luther in return.”

The mood in the library sank.

“It would take the combined armies of several kingdoms on Sevoy to match the size of Langshe’s army,” Lady Eleanor said as she lowered her hand from her mouth, her face filled with hesitation and concern. “What’s more, they have a formidable cavalry. If they support the Fourth Prince, we’re in an even dire situation.”

Laurence’s lips tightened into a line. “I know. It was Uncle Timur’s Red Iron Calvary that supported my mother’s claim to the throne. They prevented her brothers and father’s allies abroad from aiding them, effectively cutting off foreign support.”

Lady Eleanor closed her eyes. “We’re short of a military, faced with an impending beast migration, and now our greatest economic ally may become our enemy. All this before we can even set foot on the mainland,” she said as she grit her teeth.

“The timing is not opportune,” Beks replied with a wry smile. “Let’s not forget the Temple. We still don’t know what they’re doing getting so involved in Kadmus.”

“It isn’t certain that Prince Tarkhan will take control,” Laurence said as he eyed the map. “Crown Prince Zhanzhin has long been named heir and has a good reputation.”

“Brother,” Beks said, lifting her head to meet his gaze. “So did you.”

The library was quiet and a shadow of disappointment and frustration crossed Laurence’s face. Lady Eleanor looked at him with worry.

Nothing was certain. Even though he had started his duties as king and his inheritance was uncontested, before he was properly crowned, Laurence had a suspicious accident that led him to where he was now. What if the same thing happened to Crown Prince Zhanzhin?

Laurence took a step back and reached out to steady himself on a chair. “If Langshe puts its military behind Luther....” He trailed off as dread seemed to fill him.

Beks looked back at the map. “Langshe doesn’t support Luther. Its military would support whoever is on the Langshe throne, and will act in accordance with the will of the Emperor. There is still the chance that Prince Tarkhan would refuse to get involved after he himself seizes power. If he seizes power. He should be too busy asserting his authority to rule at that time, but who knows what he’d do. As long as they don’t get involved, we don’t have to worry about outside pressure.”

“But what if they do?” Lady Eleanor asked.

Beks’ eyes followed the dotted line that was the border of Langshe territory along the steps. “We should not allow it to come to that.”

Laurence lifted his head and frowned. “You want to get involved in a foreign power struggle? Rebecca of Caroline, have you lost your mind? We are already outnumbered. We can’t lose any more people.”

She let out a small snort and raised her eyes. “But if we help the Crown Prince secure his position, he will back us.”

“Are you sure about that?” Laurence asked.

“All right, he wouldn’t back us,” Beks answered. “He would support his cousins.”

“How do you know this?” Lady Eleanor asked. “Laz and Lucian are princes of another kingdom.”

“It is something I am willing to gamble on,” Beks said. “This is all speculation so far. The Empress is still alive and the new oracle may be wrong, but it is something we should consider and prepare for. We will be enroute to the island in a few days. Our information won’t be as current as what information they’ll receive in Kadmium.”

“It is good to be prepared for all possibilities,” Laurence said. He rubbed his forehead and closed his eyes. “Regardless, I want to discuss this with the twins.”

Beks nodded. As she looked back at the map, she pointed out where the island was and then traced her finger across the span of water separating it from the southern coast of Kadmus. The Forbidden Valley wasn’t far away and jutted out into the sea. Without a word, Beks estimated that the area was likely where the land bridge had been before it sunk into the ocean.

“Your Majesty.” The door opened and Robert stepped inside, followed by his sister. “The order has been given to send the bulk of the Caroline army, including seventy-five percent of our biha-users, to the Northern Pass.”

Laurence frowned. “Seventy-five percent? Is the remaining enough to secure the island?”

“Without the land bridge, the only way in is by boat,” Robert replied. “The Kadmus navy does not patrol this far and it is unlikely they’d get past Stromwal. Ships launched from the shore are an easy matter to take care of.”

Laurence nodded. “And when do we leave for the island?”

“At the end of the week. Two of the ships escorting Leviathan’s Throne will escort and cover the ships and bring some of our people to the drop off point.”

Laurence furrowed his brows. “I didn’t know there was another port this far north.”

Robert shook his head. “It’s not a permanent port, Your Majesty.” “Oh...then it is relocated or disassembled?” Laurence asked. “Or is it just a shoreline?”

“It’s made of ice,” Beks replied from behind him. Laurence and Lady Eleanor turned to look at her. “Aunt Hilga came because she is one of the few water biha users that can control ice. The port is made of ice each time it needs to be used.”

Robert chuckled and nodded. “Once the ship sets sail, the port returns to the sea.”

“The northern coasts are too dangerous for normal ports,” Beks added. “Ice ports are created as needed to fit the situation.”

Laurence looked taken aback. “I didn’t know that was possible.”

“You’ve never had to need it,” Robert replied. “If you don’t know there is a problem, why would you think of a solution?” His eyes drifted to his daughter. “And speaking of solution, the Caroline army will be indisposed for an unknown amount of time. Aside from the Wild Dogs, who else can back His Majesty?”

“Daddy, I am sure you can think of a few off the top of your head, and word from you will have more weight with them than the Second and Third Prince appearing,” Beks said as she crossed her arms over her chest.

Laurence looked at Robert with curiosity.

Robert met his gaze and sighed. “Your Majesty, are you forgetting that there are Five Great Houses? Though their military might is smaller than ours, combined, they are not insignificant. We only need to notify them when the time is right.”

“The Five Great Houses?” Excitement filled Laurence’s face before he faltered. “But, how do we contact them without Luther knowing? His party must be watching the other duchies during this period of time.”

“That’s true,” Beks replied with a small nod. “Any noble with significant influence is likely being watched for fear of betrayal. If they’re suspected, their freedom to move and influence could be hindered. There are also plenty of lower ranked nobles who are waiting for the other duchies to follow us.”

Lady Eleanor sneered at this. “A single mistake and they could be descended upon by those dogs.”

“Their safety is also a priority,” Laurence said. “I don’t trust Luther to rule properly, but I trust the duchies to govern their territories well.”

Beks had believed this as well, so while she had Nexus cause problems for Luther wherever they could and spread rumors to make the populace disapprove of him, she had been careful to avoid affecting the duchies. She wanted Luther and his side to suffer, but not with such a big cost to others.

“I will see off the Commander General,” Laurence said as he rose from his seat. Lady Eleanor also stood up to follow. Beks remained rooted in her spot, planning on staring at the map and imagining different scenarios that they could face later.

“Daddy!” Thad’s voice came from the hall. Though he wasn’t calling for her, Beks still lifted her head.

Their father turned around. “Thad-”

“Mommy’s gone to the harbor!”

“What?” Robert drew his head back and frowned. “Why? Your Aunt and the others are leaving from the northwest point.”

Thad shook his head. “Mommy’s taking Leviathan’s Throne. Several Kadmus naval vessels are coming from the mainland!”

“How is that possible?” Lady Eleanor slammed her hands on the table. “Did they transport an entire ship over land just to bring it to the isthmus?”

Beks frowned. “No, they hugged the coast. Stromwal does reach the shore, but the effects of the storm aren’t as strong the closer to land. It’s just that the water is rough and waters near the coast are shallow and rocky, not to mention there are deadheads from the forests that are washed out from the rivers. But it’s possible to sneak around Stromwal in this way. It’s just that while it takes less skill to pass, it’s riskier as the ship can be smashed against the shore if anything goes wrong.”

“How many ships?” Robert asked his youngest son.

“Six naval vessels.”

Beks took in a sharp breath and then let out a low hiss, as if pained. Laurence looked at her and gave her a reassuring look. “I’ve heard of your mother’s ability, Beks. The Duchess won’t let them come close to Sagittate shores. Those ships will be sunk before we see them on the horizon.”

Beks shook her head. “No, I know that,” she said as she closed her eyes and grit her teeth. “It’s just...naval vessels are expensive.”

╔═════════════════ ∘◦ ♔ ◦∘ ═════════════════╗

She looked through a spyglass as she watched Inky’s tentacles rise up from the water and knock the center and second masts off a ship. Though it was a speck in the distance and Beks couldn’t hear the distant screaming, part of her was in pain.

“You know there are human lives at stake out there, right?” Deo said beside her.

The cold wind whipped past their faces and the fur that lined her hood brushed against her skin.

“They knew this was a possibility when they became sailors, and I wish we didn’t have to be on opposite sides of a battle for the throne,” Beks said without lowering the spyglass. “But that is also thousands in gold of taxpayer money cut from the flesh of the people that is being snapped in half and sinking into the ocean.”

“Do you think they will survive?” Wrath asked from in front of Beks, where she was tucked inside Bek’s heavy cloak with only her head sticking out from the gap.

“If this was the south, yes. They can swim to the mainland even if they can’t get on the row boats,” Beks replied. She lowered the spyglass and let out a heavy sigh. “But in these waters? They could very well freeze before they can make it a few strokes.”

She looked to her left, towards where Laurence was surrounded by Thirnir and wrapped in several layers. A pained look was in his eyes, but he didn’t say a word. Even if the sailors plunging into the icy waves didn’t know it, they were still Laurence’s people.

His lips remained in a tight line and his eyes were fixed on the horizon. The ship they were watching was the last of the half dozen. They’d arrived just in time to see the watery carnage.

Perhaps it was because Beks knew the purpose of those sailors, and that it was either them or her, so she did not carry the same burden as Laurence. In fact, a small part of her was angry that even after her family was exiled, so much effort was made to encroach upon and take over her family’s ancestral territory.

She knew what they came to do and she didn’t pity them when they failed.

“Your Majesty, shall we return?” Deo asked.

“Just a few more moments,” Laurence replied. “Until the last ship sinks.”

No one argued against him. Deo lifted his hand and created some fire, then sent it to circle around Laurence in an effort to keep him warm. Laurence gave him a small nod.

“Brother, there will be more events like this one,” Beks told him. “You may try to spare as much civilian life as possible from what is going to happen, but you will face opposition from the military. Both groups are your people...are you ready for this?” Laurence’s eyes never left the horizon. “Does it matter whether I am or not?” he asked. “It’s going to happen. It happened to my mother. It will happen to me.”

Beks narrowed her eyes and looked back at the water. “I will try to return your throne to you as efficiently as possible, but it may take longer than you’d like.”

Deo glanced at his sister. “You have a timeline?”

“We have to wait for the beast migration to subside in order to secure the Caroline army,” Beks said. “This will also give us time to return to the island and prepare forces there, as well as gather more information on Kadmus, as well as target Luther’s support base and weaken it. Second, I am certain that Langshe’s next few months will undoubtedly affect us.”

Deo raised a brow. “Langshe is on the other side of Sevoy and we are allies.”

“That can change,” Beks said. “Laz and Lucian will be crucial to our relationship with Langshe, just as Uncle Timur was for the late Queen.” She couldn’t fully explain her reasoning, but everything in her bones told her that the twins were the key to keeping Langshe from siding with Luther.

“Are you sure you’re not just trying to raise their usefulness because you want to marry them?” Deo asked with a snort.

She shot her brother a glare and in front of her, Wrath took in a choked breath. She whirled around and looked at her sister with horror and disgust written all over her chubby little face. “You’re going to get married?”

Beks tried to placate her at once. “That’s not something-”

“No! I forbid it!” Wrath said, stomping her foot on the ground. “You can’t get married to a stinky boy!”

Laurence let out a slight chuckle. “They’re not stinky. They’re princes.”

“Her old fiancé was also a prince!” Wrath said with defiance. Laurence’s mouth clamped shut. The child had a point.

“I’m not getting married,” Beks told her little sister. “At least, not right now. We have too much to do.”

Wrath looked at her with suspicion. She clearly didn’t believe Beks’ words. “I’m not going to let them marry you....” Wrath muttered under her breath as she buried herself beneath Bek’s cloak. Beks felt her sister press her face against her stomach, pouting, and she patted Wrath’s back.

“She’s stubborn,” Deo said with a shrug.

“Brother Laurence doesn’t want me to marry them, either,” Beks said.

Deo’s face darkened at once. He looked past her, towards the king. “Do you have something against my sister?”

Laurence jerked his head back, surprised. “What? Why would you say that? Beks is my sister, too-”

“Then why don’t you want her to marry one of your two idiot brothers? Are you saying she’s not good enough?” Deo’s voice lowered.

Laurence let out a tired breath. “Beks is too good for them.”

“You’re a wise king!” Wrath’s muffled voice came from beneath Beks’ cloak. Her little head peaked out from the part. “I will support you.”

“Thank you, Wrath,” Laurence said. “And I simply do not want to force Beks into a political marriage. The gods know how well that worked out the first time....”

Deo nodded, satisfied with his answer. He looked out towards the horizon and saw several flares fly up into the sky. He frowned. “Let’s get back. Mommy is going to manipulate the tides, which could affect us.”

Just as he finished, drums sounded from various sentries along the coast, acting as a warning to retreat from the shore. Beks remembered hearing it once when she was a child. She picked up Wrath and carried her back to the carriage. As soon as they were inside, they headed inland.

“What is the Duchess going to do, exactly?” Laurence asked as he sat across from the siblings.

“You probably noticed that Inky did most of the work with the ships,” Deo replied. “I was wondering why there wasn’t much water biha used. Mommy was conserving her energy.”

“But what will she do with the tides?”

“Likely, use a wave to carry the survivors back to the mainland,” Deo replied. “That isn’t to say that they will all survive. The water temperature is low, but the isthmus isn’t far from here. To threaten them, she’ll likely sweep the sailors to the mainland, to the spot where Kadmus’ envoy is camped.”

Laurence’s eyes widened. He leaned back against the carriage, appearing unsure if he was impressed or horrified.

“How many people did it take to collapse the land bridge?” Beks asked.

“It’s not actually collapsed,” Deo said. “It was separated from the mainland and then, like a door, it was swung close to the cliffs of Sagittate. It wasn’t perfect, and a good quarter of the land was lost to sea during the process, but it is salvageable. It took five biha-users; three earth and two water.”

Laurence’s eyes widened. “An entire stretch of land was moved by five people?”

Deo nodded. “You should know our reputation of biha-users.”

“Five people....” Beks narrowed her eyes. “What if it collapsed instead of moved?”

“A single, particularly skilled user can collapse it in the course of a day, though it’s dangerous,” Deo replied. “We have volcanoes in the duchy, after all. Our biha-users mediate their eruptions so they don’t have a massive explosion and destroy the territory.”

Beks drew her head back. “I didn’t know about that.”

Deo shrugged. “It’s not something many people know aside from the users assigned for the task. Besides, it’s been that way since ancient times.”

“The volcanoes are well regulated, then,” Beks said.

“Why can’t the volcanic activity beyond the Northern Pass be regulated?” Laurence asked.

Deo shook his head. “Ice beasts and blizzard climate. We can’t get close enough or have enough time to even try to regulate volcanic activity there. The best we can do is mitigate danger by blocking and diverting the beast migration.” He let out a helpless chuckle. “We use the term ‘beasts’, but let’s not forget what they really are. They are monsters.”

Beks stared out the window with furrowed brows and her lips in a tight line. She heard her brother talking, but her mind was elsewhere. Not on the legendary ice beasts that posed a problem to even the most skilled biha user, but on the fact that the volcanos in the duchy were regulated to ensure steady eruptions that prevented build up that could result in a sudden explosion.

If her ancestors knew to do that, then wouldn’t the ancient people on the island be able to do the same? From what she read, they were quite advanced in terms of biha usage and it seemed that everyone could use it. The former peninsula had volcanoes and legend said that the region was lost because of volcanic eruption that broke apart the peninsula, sinking it into the sea and leaving only the island.

The stele surrounding the island and changing the current proved that the inhabitants had the ability and technology to control the surrounding landscape, so why did volcanic eruption have such a devastating result? There was enough time for people to flee.

Her eyes drifted to her brother, who was describing fire biha control to Laurence. A small flame danced across Deo’s hand and Laurence held out his own hand.

Beks tilted her head to the side. Were biha users involved in the destruction of Gurani?