The Shadow Throne (The Ascendance Trilogy, #3)(3)

“If Bymar comes,” Amarinda said. “My country will answer, but only if we find a way to tell them what’s happening here.”

“We must also consider Mendenwal,” Mott asked. “They have yet to attack, but our spies are certain King Humfrey has ordered his armies into Carthya.”

I hadn’t expected Mendenwal to be a part of the attack. Of the three countries surrounding us, Mendenwal was the most civilized, least aggressive, and had the longest tradition of diplomatic relations with Carthya. King Humfrey and I had a bit of a history, however — I had cut his thigh years ago after challenging him to a duel. But that was hardly reason to go to war. Besides, he’d deserved it.

Kerwyn was probably taking this news harder than anyone. He and Humfrey had seen a lot together over their years and almost could have been considered friends. Having Avenia as an enemy was bad enough, but Mendenwal worried me as much. Carthya could not withstand the full force of Mendenwal against us, even if they were the only aggressor we faced.

I pressed my lips together and looked at Kerwyn. “Why Mendenwal? Is it because my father lied to them? Or something more?”

“I have sent him letters of apology and explanation,” Kerwyn answered. “All have been ignored.”

“We can’t afford to have them as an enemy. Mendenwal’s armies are three times the size of Avenia’s.”

“But they can be reasoned with,” Tobias said. “They’re not bloodthirsty like Avenia, or hungry for our gold, like Gelyn.”

Perhaps so, but something had drawn them into this war, and I didn’t know what. I turned back to Kerwyn. “Can you get King Humfrey to come here?”

“How? If he won’t answer my letters —”

“You’ll have to travel to Mendenwal and remind him of your friendship.” I hated to ask so much. It was a long journey and we seemed to be enemies now. “It’ll be risky.”

For some reason that prompted a smile from him. “If I’ve learned anything from you, sire, it’s how to take a risk.”

“Thank you, Kerwyn.” With that settled, I turned to Mott. “You and I must attempt a rescue of Imogen. We’ll find the camp near Libeth where they’re holding her, then —”

“No.”

I did a double take. “What?”

He didn’t flinch. “No, Your Majesty. I will attempt a rescue. I will go there alone, or accompanied by an entire regiment of your soldiers if you prefer. But you will not be anywhere near the Avenian camp.”

“Yes, I will!” I often wondered if Mott had made it his life’s mission to oppose me. If so, he should feel very good about his success. I suspected if I chose something as unimportant as wearing a gray coat for supper rather than a blue one, he’d find a reason to argue about that too.

“They’re expecting you to rescue her,” he said. “This is a trap.”

“Do you think I haven’t considered that?”

“I think you’ve escaped some tight situations in the past and believe you can do it again this time. But it’s different now. They know you and they’ll prepare for your tricks. If you enter that camp, you will not leave it alive.”

I stood, shaking my head ferociously. “If they’re watching for me, then you’re no safer going in there.”

“It’s a risk I’m willing to take.”

“But I’m not!” I yelled. “You will not fall into a trap meant for me! You will not die for me!” There hadn’t been a word from Roden since I’d sent him away three weeks earlier. For all I knew, he was gone. And now, perhaps Imogen too. The thought of something happening to another of my friends terrified me. If he really understood that, then he would stop arguing and let me have my way.

In the face of my frustration, Mott managed to remain calm. He licked his lips and said, “My first duty is to you, Jaron, and I will gladly go in your place. But your first duty is to this country. Not to her.”

That only made me angrier. “Do not lecture me about duty! What else have I done in life but my duty? I disappeared in the name of duty and returned for the same reason, and I will fight this war because it is my duty to do so. No matter how I wished to do otherwise, each time duty presented itself, I answered. But not this time. I am coming with you!”

Silence fell in the room. From the corner of my eye, I saw Amarinda lower her head, and I immediately regretted my words. My betrothal to her was a duty as well.

Tobias cleared his throat to get our attention, and then said, “Mott is right. Jaron, you should call Roden to come back. Send him to Libeth instead.”

At the mention of Roden’s name, everyone grew quiet again. Ever since our argument, I had refused to have any public discussion of Roden. Tonight would be no different.

“Roden can have no part in Imogen’s rescue,” I said stiffly.

That should have been the end of it, but Tobias pressed further. “Whatever fight the two of you had, he’s still the captain of your guard. If we’re at war, you’ve got to call him back.”

Thankfully, Mott intervened for me. “If Roden were ready to lead, he would never have left us. Let Jaron be.”

I took a deep breath before continuing. “The last question is how to protect the princess. They took Imogen because she was easy prey. We will not risk Amarinda.”