The king narrowed his eyes. “Many of the Ruined are currently in Vallos.”
“As is the entire population of Vallos. We are allowed to visit Vallos, Your Majesty,” Iria said. “Their entry laws are far more relaxed than yours.”
“That will be changing.”
“I’m sure,” Iria said.
“Partnering with the Ruined is an act of war,” the king said.
“Understood. But like I said, I don’t know anything about that. And regardless, that clause is five years expired. We’ve been patient, and we ask that you honor your agreements.”
“It’s not happening.”
“Why not?” Cas asked.
All heads swiveled to him, matching expressions of surprise on the faces of every adviser. The queen’s eyes widened, and she put a hand on Jovita’s arm, like she was afraid the girl would jump in with her own questions. Jovita merely raised an eyebrow.
“Casimir!” his father exclaimed.
“I wasn’t agreeing with them, I was asking a question,” he said. “Why do we still control that port?”
“Because of the clause in the treaty,” the king said.
“Is it true the treaty said we’d return the port to them five years ago if they hadn’t shown violence against other kingdoms?”
The king paused for a moment. “I would need to see a copy to be sure.”
Em barely held back a snort. It was smart of him not to admit to that, even if it was true.
“I’d like to think we honor our word,” Cas said.
His father rose suddenly, shooting his son a look so full of venom that even Em was tempted to crawl under the table. To Cas’s credit, he just stared back at his father.
“We will continue this discussion another time,” the king said. He glared at the warriors. “I’ve ordered any Ruined attempting to sneak into Olso captured and brought to me for questioning. If you’re lying about helping them, I will find out.”
Em gripped her hands together so tightly it almost hurt. It wasn’t unexpected that the hunters had noticed the Ruined moving into Olso. She had hoped they would have more time before the king became suspicious, but that was all he had. Suspicions.
The king walked out of the room, and the advisers followed suit. The queen and Jovita stood behind Cas’s chair until he finally noticed and stood as well.
The queen leaned over and said something to Cas as Em followed them out of the room. He shrugged, which was apparently not the answer his mother wanted. She marched away, her skirts swishing around her feet.
Jovita lingered, and Cas gestured for Em to follow them. She obediently walked down the hallway and into the library. Jovita pushed the door closed behind them.
“What are you doing?” Jovita had a way of speaking that was both furious and quiet and calm.
“What do you mean?” Cas asked, plopping down in a chair and stretching his long legs out in front of him.
Jovita glanced to where Em stood by the door, as if just noticing she was still with them. Jovita hesitated, but Cas looked at her expectantly.
“Defying your father in front of the warriors is inappropriate. And not helpful.”
“I wasn’t defying him. I asked a question.”
“It was an inappropriate question,” Jovita said, planting her hands on her hips. Em edged around her and sat down in a chair across from Cas.
“It was not,” Cas said. “What is the point of making treaties if you’re not going to honor them?”
Jovita sighed like Cas was an idiot. “You just don’t understand, Cas.”
Cas imitated her sigh. “Neither do you, Jovita.”
Em choked back a laugh, brushing her fingers across her mouth. Cas caught her smile and his lips turned up as well.
Jovita rolled her eyes. “Gross. I don’t need to see your budding romance right now.”
“Jovita,” Cas said in a warning tone.
“Your father is going to throw you out of the meetings if you disagree with him.”
“I’ve been in those meetings longer than you. I’m allowed to start asking questions.”
Jovita walked to the door. “You may have been in them longer, but at least I know when to keep my mouth shut and obey.”
Cas pulled on his knuckle, turning away from Jovita. She left the room, letting the door shut behind her.
A long silence settled after Jovita left, and Em watched as Cas stared at the floor.
“It was a fair question,” she finally said.
“You don’t have to agree with me just because we’re married,” he said with a hint of amusement.
“Trust me, there’s no danger of that.”
He cocked his head, studying her for a moment. “How do you feel about a little adventure?”
“I’m for it.”
“It’s kind of dangerous. And my parents will be furious if they find out.”
“Then I’m definitely for it.”
He hopped up. “Good. Change into pants. Something discreet.”
ELEVEN