From the Ashes (The Elder Blood Chronicles, #3)(131)
“She seeks an alliance with Seravae to support Merro in this time of conflict,” Neph said formally and she could tell he had to fight to hold back saying more on the subject.
“Then we will draw up a marriage contract,” Jexon agreed with a smug smile of satisfaction.
“We have stipulations on that contract,” Neph began, and the attention of the entire room riveted on him. Standing slowly, Neph straightened the knee length coat he wore and rolled his shoulders. She knew he hated the clothing as much as he hated holding his tongue. This entire fiasco was taxing on Neph and she loved him all the more for enduring it. “First and foremost, would be the matter of Legacy, my Lady’s son. It is to be clear to all parties involved with this alliance that Legacy is not to be involved in this contract. It is understood that the new High Lord of Merro would wish his own blood to be heir in his kingdom and for that reason the High Lady has decreed that her only son will follow in his father’s path and will be considered in the succession of Firym under his uncle High Lord Arjuna rather than be considered for heir of Merro,” Neph said in clipped tones and Jala wondered if the Soulreavers in the room were reading his emotions. If they were, they would no doubt give Neph a wide space at the dinner table tonight. Even though she couldn’t sense the emotions with magic, she could see the fury he was containing.
“Next, it is to be understood that in the event that should the High Lady die before an heir has been born that the lands will revert to her brother-in-law Sovann Sovaesh rather than to her husband. If this should happen, it is understood that Seravae will consider the alliance null and the strength that they have brought will return to the isles,” Neph continued, his expression growing darker. “Lastly, my Lady wishes me to remind all present that this alliance will be occurring after other promises have already been made. There is a structure in Merro that must be upheld regardless of Seravae tradition. She has a council of Lords that will continue to hold power after this marriage. They are to be given choice lands after all conflicts have settled and will continue to help in the governing of Merro in times of peace. The individuals are as follows, Nephondelvayon, Wisp Faydwer, Valor Hai’dia, Jail Han’shy, and Sovann Sovaesh. If there are any problems with these conditions, please speak now.” Neph finished and sat down in his chair, his back rigid. He glanced over at Jala, his pale blue eyes stormy and nodded once to her. She could tell she was in for a rant from him, but he didn’t dare risk a mental link in their present company.
“I see no issue with these stipulations,” Scythe said slowly as if he was still trying to determine the catch on her demands.
Jala smiled faintly and glanced to Neph. He returned the look with a grudging nod. Neither of them had been sure if the Seravae would accept the terms of her lords or not.
“I find no objections,” the Master of Silence spoke once more in the hushed whisper and Jala wished she had managed to catch the woman’s name. The woman reminded her so much of Ash in her speech and bearing that she was sure the two were related.
“Then we have the votes required and the contract will be written. We will sign it this evening and the marriage will commence,” Jexon announced with a firm nod.
To his credit, Ash did a perfect job of showing disappointment. “Then there is nothing more for me to say on the matter, I suppose,” Ash said and bowed his head to Jexon. “As usual, you win,” he added softly. He watched silently as Jexon left the room and then turned back to Jala and nodded toward the door. “Call Valor,” he whispered.
Jala nodded slowly and rose from her chair. On the surface it was said that Valor was keeping her child away from the meetings to keep Legacy’s fussing from interrupting the council. In truth, Valor had been given the job of guarding Legacy to keep his own fussing from interrupting the council. The knight’s mood hadn’t improved in the least, even after she had explained their plan to him. If anything, Valor’s mood had grown darker, though thankfully he seemed to be gaining more control over the weather that reflected his emotions. She knew he was still furious and yet the weather outside was dismal and foggy rather than the raging storm she had expected.
Leaning out through the door she peered down the hallway until she spotted Valor seated in a window ledge with Legacy curled on his chest. He had balanced himself, carefully bracing his back against one side of the window and his knees against the other, forming somewhat of a living hammock for her son. Marrow lay sprawled beneath the two of them, his massive head balanced on his paws as he slept. She smiled faintly at the sight and approached slowly to speak rather than risk waking Legacy. She had thought at first that Valor was sleeping as well, but as she grew closer she could see his eyes were open and locked on the rolling waves beyond the keep.
“Is it done?” Valor asked quietly as she approached. His voice was neutral without the bite to it that she had expected. He didn’t bother to turn his head toward her as he spoke, a sure sign that he was still angry.
“The negotiations are finished. Ash asked me to bring you back to the room,” Jala replied softly, her eyes moving from Valor to Legacy who was sleeping peacefully with one hand clenching the front of Valor’s coat and the other curled into a fist by his mouth. “Has he been asleep long?” she asked, hoping the answer was yes. The child looked so peaceful she hated to disturb him, but it was necessary.
“About an hour or so,” Valor replied as he pulled his legs back from the windowsill and slowly stood. He kept one arm behind the child’s back, balancing his head and the other bracing his legs as he moved and Legacy continued to doze without so much as a flicker of his eyes.