Page 28 of Onyx Cage: Volume II
“Precisely,” Jocelyn agreed with a curt nod. “So, you can see that even if the princess’ preferences were not taken into account—and let me assure you, this decision rests entirely with her—Elk offers the most advantageous alliance for our people, and, quite frankly, yours.”
I returned her nod slowly, my mind racing.
The decision was Rowan’s. She had chosen Korhonan. Of Elk, Ram, and Lynx, that made sense. But there was another option, one that was infinitely better for Lochlann.
Better for her.
Maybe she would have chosen him either way.Political or personal?
There was only one way to find out.
“Yes, I can see that of those options, Elk would be the smartest choice for an alliance with Lochlann,” I began, paving the way for the second reckless, ill-thought-out decision I had made since she came waltzing into my life.
All of the reasons I didn’t want to marry anyone—specifically didn’t want to marry her—seemed to flee my mind in the wake of the word repeating in my head every time another candidate was thrown out for her consideration.
She wasn’t theirs.
She wasmine.
“Of course,” I continued casually, studying her features for her reaction. “Ifyour primary concern is for the people, then undisputedly, your best option would be an alliance with Bear.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Acacophony of sound erupted around us, but there was only one reaction I cared about.
Not the glowering Elk lord or the murderous king, but the singularly shocked and surprisingly unreadable expression of the princess across from me. I kept her in my line of sight while I addressed the table, outlining the advantages of an alliance.
“It’s no secret that Lochlann’s coffers are running low after the rebuilding effort, and Socairans have favored military over farming to their detriment. Trade would benefit both of our peoples.”
“Which is why you’re here fortradediscussions,” Korhonan spat.
I ignored him, though I could practically sense the vein bulging in his temple from his out-of-character anger. We both knew that true alliances were forged in blood or marriage beds.
“But if you were going to pick one clan to align yourselves with, Bear controls the pass, and no one is moving any substantial amount of goods or livestock through that tunnel.” At the very least, they would need to include Bear in trade agreements, which would only deepen their burden. Unless we were their primary alliance. “We’re also the largest territory,with the deepest coffers, and we represent the single biggest military force in Socair.”
Rowan stared at me unblinking, mute with disbelief. Or possibly fury.
“Elk’s coffers are plenty deep,” Korhonan countered, gathering himself and sitting straighter in his seat. “And the pass is only accessible five or six months a year, whereas the tunnel could be improved to accommodate trade year-long.”
“It would take years to get the tunnel wide enough to fit a standard wagon through,” I shot back. “And that doesn’t address the other points.”
He opened his mouth to respond, but a quieter voice cut him off.
“You said you had no intentions of marrying.” The entire room shifted to focus on Rowan, who was staring at me with open outrage on her perfect features.
Because I was offering a marriage alliance? Or because I hadn’t sooner?
It wasn’t hard to remember the only time we had discussed marriage, at the cabin, just before Mila came for Taras. Easier still to remember the things I had let myself want, the flimsy excuses I had made to prevent myself from having them.
“I said I had too much chaos in my life for a wife,” I clarified. “And I find that these days that chaos has...largely abated.”
At least, it had, before I came here.
A strangled sound escaped her. “You have got to be kidding me.”
Red crept from her chest up her neck, before settling into her cheeks.
“I can assure you, I’m not.” I spread my hands out, indicating I had no ulterior motives when I wasn’t honestly sure what my motives were right now. “You need an alliance, and I’m offering one.”