A Court in Flames

Chapter 21

Rowan's POV

We had been planning for a war coming against Melisande for months now.

Dorian had his army preparing, too.

"So what threat does Melisande pose?" I asked Darrow as we walked through the halls. 

"I think that they have something up their sleeves. They wouldn't have s blatantly threatened Aedion if the didn't think they stood a chance of winning." I nodded in agreement.

"They likely are going to try to turn some of our allies against us, starting with Adarlan. Then they'll likely try to have these allies join them. That or they already have quite a few allies that want a piece of Terrasen." Darrow nodded. 

"If they're smart, they'll do both. How secure are our allies?"

"Dorian has already promised aid. He was a very close friend of Aelin's. Manon will likely give aid if we ask her. I don't know how many allies we should call in. We don't want to underestimate Melisande, yet..."

"We don't want to ask for unnecessary aid. It will make us appear weak," Darrow finished for me.

"Exactly. Lysandra is already out scouting for any possible threats that are uniting with Melisande."

"Good."

"Have you asked Rolfe if he will give aid if we ask?"

"I just sent word."

"Good."

"Rowan. I just got word from Lysandra," Aedion said as he came running up. I finished signing a letter to Manon.

"What is it?"

"It's bad."

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"I need a letter requesting aid from Ansel of Briarcliff and the Southern Continent," I shouted at Nox Owen as Terrasen went into full-war preparation mode. "Send word to Doranelle as well." 

"Woah! Rowan! What's going on? It's like a full war zone out there!" Fenrys shout rang out over the crowd.

"Fenrys! You're back!"

"Yeah. And not a moment too soon it seems."

"Melisande has rallied an army in hopes to overthrow Terrasen for what Ansel did during the Valg war. They've allied with Eyllwe and Fenharrow. They've also gotten Wendlyn to believe that we murdered Aelin." Fenrys's jaw dropped.

"Have you tried telling them that it was all some misunderstanding?"

"Of course, I've tried. They've shut down all ports in preparation." We were practically shouting over the roar of the crowd chattering.

"I can't believe it. Weren't they extremely tentative about this a year ago?"

"They were! But that was a year ago! They could've easily rallied an army by then!"

"Right now. I need you to help me get these people to calm down so I can announce what's going on!"

"On it!" He shifted and started howling.

"Everyone! I need you to remain calm we have the situation completely under control and I'm going to explain to everyone what exactly is going on. But for now, I need you all to return to take a breath and calm down."

As we made our way to the castle I ran into a few more people and I had to reassure them.

"I need you to spread the word about this upcoming war. Here's all the information you need. I want you to send anyone interested in joining Terrasen's army to report to the nearest Lord and or Lady," I told a messenger.