Chapter 10: Astragarde’s Only Hope

••{EROS’S POV}••

That single word out of Teramon’s mouth leaves the entire court in a stunned silence.

Murmurs begin rising once again as the lords and ladies trade disbelieving looks with one another. Even I tilt my head, furrowing my brows at what he just said.

"Are you out of your mind, Teramon?" shouts a nobleman from the far side of the room. "The Lycans are savage beasts!"

"Those savage beasts are our only hope in rescuing our Princess from the vampires!" Teramon fires back.

Immediately, arguments break out across the hall like wildfire. Some of them are just shouting, others pleading for reason, but either way the words fade into a muffled roar as if my head has been forced underwater.

I close my eyes for a moment, taking a slow, steadying breath.

The vampires have Rhiannon. A human army cannot stand against them. Witches despise our kind so they won’t aid us. And Lycans are the only other ones strong enough to stand against the vampires.

The voices continue rising higher and higher till I can barely even hear my own thoughts.

"Silence!" I order, slamming my palm down on the arm of my throne.

The noise dies in a heartbeat.

"Teramon..." I say, turning to face the old man. "From what I know, Lycans follow only their Alphas. They’re not mercenaries who will fight just because we ask. How do you propose we convince them to march alongside us into a war that might possibly destroy us all."

Lady Adrianne rises from her seat, her blonde hair shimmering in the sunlight streaming through the tall windows.

"Your Majesty is correct," she says calmly. "Even if the Lycans are our only hope, any attempt to rescue the Princess will spark a war nothing like we’ve ever seen before. We can’t ask them to risk life and limb without giving them a compelling reason. Our persuasion must outweigh their caution. We must give them a cause to fight alongside us, a cause worth the death of their warriors or they will turn us away outright."

"I hear you, Lady Adrianne," I say slowly. "You’ve raised an important matter. If we are to gain the Lycan’s support, we must offer something they can’t refuse."

Alexei stands up immediately, determination burning in his eyes.

"As you all know, my kingdom has a vast supply of gold in its mines," he says. "What if we offer them part of that, Your Majesty? Combined with Astragarde’s sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and other precious stones—that would make good payment to the Lycans for their aid."

Nods and murmurs of agreement ripple through the court.

I hadn’t realized how desperately I’d been clinging to hope until this moment.

If the Lycans accept our offer... then we can bring my daughter home.

Teramon’s voice cuts through my thoughts.

"But what if the Lycans refuse?"

The fragile hope I’d barely allowed myself to feel dies almost instantly, and the throne room falls silent just as fast.

"Teramon," I say slowly, a slight frown tugging at my brows. "Why would you say that?"

"Because the Lycans are not like us, Your Majesty," he replies. "Their customs, traditions, and way of life are vastly different from our own. We treasure gold and gemstones because that is how our kingdoms were built. But that doesn’t mean they do. Who knows, maybe they see such things as little more than rocks buried beneath the earth."

Lord Thorian stands from his seat and speaks for the first time. "There is no way the Lycans can refuse such wealth."

All heads turn to him.

"For centuries, Astragarde’s mines have been the envy of every kingdom in Valthorea," he says, looking around the throne room. "Our sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and diamonds have built our prosperity. Merchants cross seas and mountains to trade in our markets, while kings and queens adorn themselves with jewels bearing our seal. Our people have never known famine or want because this kingdom has long stood as the wealthiest in all of Valthorea."

He pauses to glance at Teramon.

"I admire your knowledge, Lord Teramon," he continues, "but if Goldhaven offers its gold and Astragarde offers its treasures, we would be placing a fortune before the Lycans unlike anything they have ever been promised. Surely even they would struggle to refuse such an offer."

A chorus of agreement sweeps through the throne room.

"Lord Thorian speaks the truth."

"No kingdom could refuse such an offer."

"The Lycans would be fools to turn it

down."

A spark of hope re-ignites in my heart.

"Very well," I say, raising my hand to calm them down, then I look at Teramon. "I understand your concern, old friend. But I agree with Lord Thorian and Prince Alexei."

Teramon lowers his head in a respectful bow. "As you wish, Your Majesty."

I study him for a quiet moment before leaning forward.

"Tell me, Teramon," I say. "You know more of these creatures than anyone in this court... so where do we begin? Where can we find these Lycans and the Alpha who commands them?"

Teramon straightens in his seat. "The closest Lycan territory from Astragarde is very far, your Majesty. Far beyond the Greybark Woodlands, the kingdoms of Aradel and Hyperion, and past the ruins of Arcadia, the Lycan tribe of Snowfall dwells in the northern mountains."

I shake my head slowly. "That sounds like an incredibly long journey," I say quietly. "And every second we waste puts Rhiannon’s life in even more danger. I need emissaries to travel to Snowfall and speak with the Alpha personally. Who will volunteer for this dangerous mission?"

Alexei stands from his seat.

"I will go," he says quickly. "For Goldhaven, for my brother, and for Princess Rhiannon. I will see this through."

Lord Thorian stands as well, placing a hand over his chest.

"I, Thorian Aurenhale, Lord Commander of the Astragardian army, will journey to Snowfall on behalf of His Majesty."

"I will go too!"

All eyes turn to Ser Garrick as he walks toward the throne.

"My King," he says, dropping on one knee and bowing his head. "You chose me as Rhiannon’s guardian since the day she was born. At her wedding, I failed the one duty I swore to uphold." He lifts his head to meet my eyes. "If you allow me, I wish to journey to Snowfall and aid in her rescue. I promise I will not fail her again."

I hold his gaze for a few heartbeats before giving him a nod.

"Alright, Ser Garrick. Rise."

He stands, bows once more, then returns to his seat.

"Then it’s settled," I announce. "Prince Alexei Highcrest of Goldhaven, Lord Commander Thorian Aurenhale, and Ser Garrick El’Dorne will journey to Snowfall to seek an alliance with the Alpha."

I turn to my Master of Treasury. "Lord Lionel."

He rises from his seat at once. "Yes, Your Majesty?"

"Have the royal vaults opened immediately," I command. "Gather the finest gemstones our kingdom possesses, and coordinate with Goldhaven so their gold is prepared as well."

Lord Lionel bows his head. "As you wish, Your Majesty."

I rise from my throne, looking over the court.

"My daughter will not be abandoned," I say, my voice echoing throughout the hall. "We will cross kingdoms if we must! We will empty our vaults if we must! No matter the cost... my daughter is coming home."