To Bind in Blood

Chapter 35

There would be no mistaking what color he wore today. Jurion selected a black cloak from his closet, the shade nearly blending with his leathers. A flash of gold drew his attention away from the dark circles beneath his eyes when he glanced at himself in the mirror. He wore his crown today, intending to make himself a presentable figure for any observers. He would need to give the people all the confidence he could after the news of Remas's war declaration spread. The announcement had been issued this morning, sent throughout Black Vale and the rest of the realm by riders and falcons. He had not had the chance to witness people's reactions.

He had also quietly sent out soldiers, ones he knew well and trusted, in search of the Reman who had infiltrated the house, but they had yet to report anything of interest. The consequences of refusing Remas's deal had yet to be seen as well.

So many unknowns. He pushed a hand through his hair, smoothing a few strands, and tried to force his grimace into a smile. When was the last time he had smiled? He could hardly remember.

He dropped his hand and strode from the room to where his guards, including Captain Nirsan and Commander Odair, were waiting outside.

Odair greeted him with a grim smile. "Great Lord, the council of lesser lords has convened. They are waiting for you."

Of course they were.

They headed for the council hall, the soldiers tromping along with him, and once again he was struck by Wrell's absence. She had not been with him as usual since she had been staying at Pierrne's shop, but even now that she was currently in one of the estate's guest chambers, she would not accompany him anymore. He'd been informed she was resting and would leave with Captain Nirsan in the evening.

The council hall was buzzing when they arrived, members of the lower councils hurrying to their meetings and other officials scrambling about. Jurion's council waited in the usual room, their voices muffled through the door, and he entered to see several already on their feet engaged in vigorous debate.

"I tell you, we must strike before Remas. United, Quelle and the Empire have the upper hand." One blustering lord jabbed the table with a thick finger.

Lord Aures shook his head. "That is too risky. We must gather our forces and wait."

Jurion took his place at the head of the table, his arrival unnoticed by many. He looked down the length of the table and felt his apprehension build when he saw who sat at the other end. Nadeina, dressed in Quellen leathers, a Viannic general standing at each shoulder. Both Aelider and Cicerus were scowling.

Jurion cleared his throat, the sound drawing the attention of the room. Eyes widened and mouths clamped shut when they recognized their Great Lord, and they murmured hasty greetings and sat down.

Nadeina's mouth tipped into a smile. "Welcome, Lord Jurion. They have already started without you, as you can see."

"Empress, thank you for joining us." Even though he had not asked.

She inclined her head. Her thoughts on the council from the few meetings she had witnessed were unknown to him. She had not witnessed the court proceedings yet either-compared to her administration in Sardin, how might she view Quelle?

He leaned against the table, surveying the two rows of lords, intentionally pinning the more troublesome ones with looks that were long enough to make them uncomfortable. "We have several things to address today, and I cannot think when so many mouths are busy. So let us all take a moment to gather ourselves before we speak. Furthermore, the generals and military officials, including the Lady General, who are far more knowledgeable in matters of war than this council, are not present. Further discussion on that topic will not take place without them." He gauged their expressions, seeing if he had caused offense. Some looked irritated, but all kept silent.