Summer's Revenge

Two - Agree to Disagree

My body moved forward of its own volition as I swung the door open the rest of the way and stepped into the room.

All eyes turned from Uncle to me and then Sky, as she followed me in.

"Isanfier?" Uncle said. "Is something wrong?"

"Is something wrong?" I echoed, shaking my head. "You excluded me from a Council meeting and then admitted to lying to Sky and I about our parents' death since we were children. Why? Why would you keep us from the truth and let me believe my theories were delusional?"

Uncle dragged a hand down his face, pulling at his scar as he realized Sky and I had heard everything. "The truth has little bearing, Isanfier," he replied. "It can't change what happened. It can't bring them back."

"It could've brought us some peace, Uncle. It could've kept you from breaking our trust."

Uncle hung his head. "I am sorry for that, but I did what I thought was best. Tragedy is hard for everyone and I didn't think putting a face to it would ease your pain."

I sighed. I didn't want to accept his apology, but to refuse him in front of the Council would be seen as the highest disrespect, so I nodded and said, "I pray Fidal will help me find forgiveness."

A silence fell in the room then and I looked around the table at the knights, searching their faces for any sign of guilt. None of them had been surprised at Uncle's words, so they must've known as well.

Asmund was likely the only ignorant one among them, but he wouldn't apologize for mocking my claims, even though I had been right all along.

I looked back to Uncle. "I have one more question, if you will allow it."

He nodded his head, as if to say, go on.

"Why now? If you knew the truth from the moment they were found dead, why have you waited until now to declare war? It's been twelve years."

"I could hardly lead this kingdom into a war right after taking the throne, Isanfier. It would not honour your parents' memory to throw their kingdom into chaos any more than their deaths already had. Actions like these take time and we were trying to show the Wyllans mercy, but that opportunity has passed. They have revoked it."

"Pardon my intrusion," Sky said, "but what exactly have the Wyllans done this time?"

It was almost unheard of for her to attend a Council, but I was glad she was there to stand by me.

Uncle let out a breath, relieved to be moving on, and said, "Why don't you two have a seat and I'll tell the tale." He waved to my empty seat at his left and then looked to Asmund. "Master Asmund, if you would?"

"Of course, your Majesty," Asmund said, getting to his feet and offering Sky his empty chair.

I could sense Sky's irritation, but she took the seat anyway, taking a moment to straighten her skirts and figure out where to put her hands. Asmund hovered behind us and it was enough to make my skin crawl.

As soon as we pulled our chairs in, Uncle spoke again.

"This morning, I received a letter from Lord Byron telling us of an attack Mensden suffered a few nights ago. A group of Winter knights had snuck into the city and made an attempt on his life. They were unsuccessful, but several of Byron's guards were lost during the attack. The assailants escaped and Lord Byron fears they will head here next." He paused, as if gauging our reactions, and then continued. "There are men out searching for the culprits now and when they are found, they will await a fate much worse than death."