Thorn Queen Chapter Twenty-Seven

When I crossed over to the castle in the spine Land, I was surprised to find Nia sitting on the floor beside my rabbit paperweight. Her knees were drawn up, and her showcase-which appeared tear-streaked-rested on her knees. Yet, when she saw me, her demonstrate lit up like the insolate bursting from behind clouds.Your majesty she cried, springing up. Some of them saidthey said you wouldnt come cover charge. But I knew. I knew you would.The devotion in the girls eyes was startling. Nia had been other servant passed from Dorian, and it had never occurred to me that she would serve me come out(a) of such love.Of course I came back, I said softly. Why wouldnt I?She averted her eyes. After everything that happened, andwell, because of Queen Katrice. There are those who assumed youd annul us and stay in the world of the humans.I didnt bother pointing out that abandoning this land would kill me. I was too shocked by something else. They patternthey idea Id just start a war and le ave?I knew you wouldnt, she said fervently. I knew you wouldnt.I gave her a sm solely, comforting smile while a ravel twisted in my stomach. Take me to Shaya and Rurik.The two of them were surprised by my arrival, and something told me they hadnt doubted I would return either. I could tell by the compassion on Shayas face that what Leith had through to me was common grappleledge. To my surprise, it was Rurik I took the most comfort from. He didnt question my appearance. He scoreered no sympathies. He simply jumped straight to business.Weve gathered as legion(predicate) soldiers as we could while youve been gone, he said. Some are camped outside, and Dorians said hell send reinforcements-his militarys much larger. The majority of yours is in Highmore. Well aim to determine the best way to pass on them.For a moment, I felt dizzy as he continued rattling off military strategy. What was going on? What was I doing? I was a girl from Tucson whod grown up in a middle-class neighborh ood. How on earth was I standing here, listening to a fairy soldier beg off how to lead a war?I held up a hand. Waitbefore you go any further. Is thereis there any way this stinkpot be avoided? Kiyos words came back to me, and I hated to say what I did next. Is there any way to develop peace?Ruriks eyes widened, and shock and exasperation filled his features. Peace? After what-Shaya silenced him with a gesture of her own. Yes, actu protagonist. Katrice send a rather long letter more or less it.Sowe could get her to come across that it Was an accident? Hardly. I mean, could Katrice let all of this go, considering Leith started it?Shaya cleared her throat uncomfortably, and Rurik looked angry. Well, she began, not entirely. For Katrice not to go to war, she demands that we become her subject landed estate and has very specific expand on the kinds of tribute and taxes she requires for that. She alsoshe also says that you must marry her nephew in place of her son and tie this k ingdom to her through that branch of the family. My impression is she sent a similar list of demands to Dorian-aside from the nephew part-which he refused rather, ah, indelicately.I stared, my mouth agape. That was not what I had in mind. How could Katrice demand those kinds of things after what Leith had done? How dare she act as though I had done something wrong? Yes, I could imagine her grief for her only son. I wasnt that heartless. Yetwhat she was suggesting was ludicrous. And if she thought I would ever, ever let another member of her family lay a hand on meI turned back to Rurik as though the issue of peace with Katrice had never been mentioned. Later, I would demand Shaya to help me compose a formal response to Katrices letter, something along the lines of I am the Thorn Queen. Fuck off.What should I do next? I asked Rurik.He smiled, a fierce delight in his eyes. You should speak to the soldiers gathered here and make an official declaration of war. And therefore you shoul d go to Highmore and speak to the ones there. They dont even know you as their queen yet, let alone the person move them to fight. And you should practice up on your magic, both for battle and to show your own people that that rowan tree bitch cant touch you.I shivered at the feelings his words inspired in me. In Tucson, Id been trying to hide from my magic, but now it was calling to me again. And with this threat from Katrice-no, this vex from Katrice-there was nothing I wanted more than to summon all the forces of nature and rip her apart.Dorian is coming here-today, I think, said Shaya, interrupting my murderous thoughts. Follow his lead. He knows what to do.I wasnt entirely sure what that meant. The only thing I felt certain of was that I wasnt quite ready to go over the maps Rurik had laid out and examine all the troop placements he had in mind. Id always sucked at Risk and had a feeling this would be similar. Besides, I hadnt returned to the Thorn Land to make war-not right at this second, at least. Id come because of the dream from last night, the dream where Id felt at peace.Because at the moment, I felt no peace. A nobility queen wanted to lead armies in and kill my people-and I was supposed to do the same to her. Id just broken up with my boyfriend, someone I love dearly, because I-possibly irrationally-held him responsible for not protecting me from an assailant. And as for that assailantwell, his face be quiet flashed in my mind, and no matter how much time passed, I couldnt go overm to rid myself of that dirty feeling within me or my repulsion at being touched.I swore to Rurik that Id talk to him later, that I needed some time to myself first, and left them both for one of the castles enclosed gardens. It was the one I frequently meditated in, where Shaya was still attempting to grow grass and where Kiyo and I had made love. I sat down there cross-legged, victorious in the sun on the orange rocks around me and relishing in the faint breeze t hat stirred the branches of the mesquite and smokethorn trees. A tiny lizard scurried off behind a rock, and I heard what sounded like a hummingbird-or a big-ass bee-in a cluster of nearby flowers.I cleared my mind and tried to decease with and regain the land like I had before, but for whatever reason, the connection didnt come. Panic seized me. Had the events with Leith broken something within me? Had I lost my ability to revive the kingdom? I sat there sweating, wondering what would happen to the land if I couldnt connect to it. The heat eventually made me sleepy, and I lay down on the grass, my hands digging into the earth.When I woke up, two things immediate became apparent. First, I feltbetter. I felt strong and refreshed, and all around me, the colors and scents seemed stronger and more vivid. I still wasnt happy about the impending war, but that horrible feeling in methe bitterness Leith had leftwell, it had lessened. The air hummed around me, and for a disorienting second , I couldnt tell where I ended and the land began. It was then that I realized why my meditation hadnt worked. I had been in no condition to heal the land. It had had to heal me. I was energized now, ready to do anything. Ready to lead a war.The other thing I noticed after waking was that Jasmine was sitting right beside me, gray-headed eyes staring into mine. I bolted upright. What the hell are you doing here? I exclaimed. Youre not supposed to be loose.Girards cuffs were still upon her, and she jerked her head back toward the castle. Im not merely loose.I followed her motion and saw a dozen guards, all keeping a respectful distance, but all watching Jasmine closely. When Volusian had disappeared, Rurik had undoubtedly increased her certificate detail.Jasmine, I said, Im not really in the mood for your banter, okay? Save your whining and insults for a day when I dont have to worry about having caused a war.Her face was perfectly calm. I heard what happened to you.I braced for smu gness. Yeah, Im sure everyone has.Ill fight for you, you know.Look, Im sure-wait. What did you say? I stared at her, time lag to see that composure crack. It didnt. She was still sobering and actually looked older than her age.He had no right. I told you before no one does that to a daughter of Storm King. Not even to you. I was slow for a moment, still waiting for a punch line. Jasmineyou hate me.She nodded. Yup. But that doesnt change what happened. No one does that to our father either and gets away without punishment. Dorian should jibe Katrice too.I decided not to mention that nothing had been done to our father technically, seeing as he had died years ago. What will you do exactly? resembling thing you will. Fight. Use my magic. Summon monsters.ButI mean, even if youre trying to, um, protect our family honor, you realize youre still helping me in the process, right? I thought you wanted to destroy me and go have Dads world-conquering grandson.Oh, she said sweetly, I still do. And I will. But were going to deal with Katrice first. Our fathers heir cannot be born from rape. I told you before-only someone worthy. That bastard wasnt, and his mother has to pay for it. Once shes donewell, then Ill deal with you. Besides, someones got to take her kingdom when we kill her. Might as well be me.Whoa. There were so many parts of Jasmines logic that were flawed that I didnt even know where to start. I didnt entirely know the story of her own conception, but my mother had been raped. God knew how many other women Storm King had taken advantage of I found it hypocritical of Jasmine to take such a superior moral ground about his heir in light of that. Still, I couldnt deny the fact that she would be useful, and if that was the reasoning it took for her to help me, so be it. It would also be handy to not have her trying to kill me.Well, then, thanks, I said at last. I decided not to mention just then that there was no way in hell I would ever let her rule the Rowan Land. Details, details.Jasmine looked supremely pleased. So I can go free then, right?I scoffed. Not a chance.But Im helping youYeah, and in the same breath, you talked about how you want to usurp me. Look I glanced back at her guardians. I would have to consult with Rurik about those least likely to try to knock her up, now that Volusian was missing. Some of my soldiers were female. You can wander the castle more-under guard, of course. And Ill see about I frowned, suddenly recalling my helpers at Arts house. They were close to Jasmines age, relatively speaking, and for Markelle at least, I had no doubts whatsoever of her loyalty. I wondered if she might have the makings of a bodyguard/friend. Ill see about getting someone your own age to hang out with you.Jasmine scowled. Thats not what I had in mind.Yeah, well, your cell in the dungeon is still available.She gave me her trademark sullen glare and then stormed off back inside. Nonetheless, I felt like she really would help me, a nd frankly, I was going to need everyone I could find to get me out of this mess. Kiyo had implied that Katrice might call in some allies, and if this became about multiple kingdoms squaring offI stood up, suddenly feeling ill about it all once more. The flames of passion and initiative that had flared in me earlier began to flicker uneasily. I couldnt do this. I couldnt lead an army. I couldnt go to war. What was I thinking?Trying to shake off my building panic attack, I headed back toward the castle, wanting to hide in my room for a while. I passed Rurik along the way. Hed evidently been seeking me, hoping Id go talk to the gathered soldiers and inspire them-particularly since word had come that Dorian was almost here. I nodded quickly, promising anything, so long as I could get a moment to compose myself and summon my earlier confidence. All of this was overwhelming me. I needed to be alone, lest I start crying.Only, I was simply still a ways from being left alone. Ysabel was standing outside my bedroom, arms crossed. Apparently, my earlier suspicions had been right. She really did hang out in the hall waiting for me.No magic lessons, I told her.Magic lessons? she exclaimed, straightening up. She was as immaculate as ever, her red hair twisted into myriad braids. Im never teaching you anything again. My lord is send me away-and all because of youThe land might have healed me, but there were only so many weird revelations I could handle today. Jasmine becoming my ally currently held the lions share. What are you talking about?My lord is on his way, she hissed. And he sent word that I was to pack up my things and be prepared to leave. He has a small group of guards ready to escort me away.So? I shrugged, eyeing my entry longingly. Isnt that what you wanted?She took a step toward me. Hes not sending me back to the castle. Hes sending me back to my village-back to my children. Dont you understand? Hes through with me Hes hurl me aside because of youThe ang er and hate on her face made me guess shed forgotten I could suffocate her. As it was, she was in my personal space so much that I feared she might actually attempt physical blows. I wanted to tell her that Dorian casting her aside had little to do with me. That was just Dorians way. Shaya had said Ysabel was one in a string of mistresses who resembled me. Hed grown tired of her, just like the rest, but that wasnt my fault. copulation her that wouldnt help, though. Im sorry. But, I mean, wont you be glad to see your kids?Glad? she cried. What do I have to give them? What do I have to show for my time at court? I have nothing. I came to Dorians court to improve my childrens lives-to bring us wealth. Now I have to return empty-handed, tossed aside to our backwoods village.Ouch. I didnt know what to say, didnt know whether to laud a mothers attempts to improve her kids lives or look down on someone whod tried to do it via sleeping with a king.Im sorry, I said wearily. Im sure youll fig ure out something.I started to turn away, and to my astonishment, she grabbed my shoulder and spun me toward her. I think shed been about to hurl an insult, but I gave her no chance. I still wasnt ready to be touched, and shed caught me off guard. With no second thoughts, my instincts summoned up magic, the air shoving her away from me and slamming her-hard-into a wall. She stood there, dazed, and I gasped, horrified at what Id brutally done without even thinking. I really was turning into my fathers daughter.Are you okay? I asked, stepping toward her when she didnt move.She jerked away from me, which I hoped meant no concussion. This isnt over. I will never forgive you for victorious him from me Ill make you pay. Hes mine. Do you understand? Mine.This was followed by a whole tirade of ranting and insults about how much she hated me and would see me destroyed. She kept her distance, though, so plainly my brief lapse into violence had done some good. After a while, I had no patienc e for it and simply went into my bedroom, leaving her out there. I locked the door but could still hear her going on and on.Remembering Rurik saying that I should go out and talk to the people who could possibly be end for me, I tried to distract myself from Ysabel by looking through the rooms closet. I figured I should probably wear something gentry, and Nia had kept me well-stocked. The spark was rekindling in me, that need to take revenge against Leith and show Katrice we couldnt be pushed around. I would prove a strong leader for those out there. I was pulling out a silver blue silk dress that looked suitable when Ysabels shouting finally stopped. With a sigh of relief, I started to drape the dress over a chair-and caught a glimpse out the small window.There was an army out there.I immediately backed away, trying to block out the sea of faces encamped outside. I dropped the dress, feeling dizzy. The reality of it all hit me, and I again felt helpless and out of my league. A sha rp knock sounded on the door, momentarily breaking through my panic. Anger was an easier perception to deal with, and I hurried over, yanking the door open.Look, I told you theres nothing I can do about-I stopped. It wasnt Ysabel outside my door.It was Dorian.