Total pages in book: 119
Estimated words: 110079 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 550(@200wpm)___ 440(@250wpm)___ 367(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 110079 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 550(@200wpm)___ 440(@250wpm)___ 367(@300wpm)
Shey nodded and led the way forward to the center of the ship. The armed seamen had still lingered on the deck, watching them, with their hands gripping their weapons. As they came to a stop, a man in a black uniform with several medals pinned to the front and a complicated hat charged down the stairs from the bridge. This had to be the captain. Three more officers fell into step behind him and followed as he came to the center of the bridge.
“By order of Chancellor Rati Feng, I must inform you that you are trespassing on sovereign soil by landing on the F.O.S. Reprisal without prior authorization. This is an act of war and—”
“Look, Captain…?” Caelan waved a hand, waiting for the man to supply his name.
“Hawley,” the captain barked.
“Great. Captain Hawley,” Caelan ground out the name, and Shey felt as though they were already treading on thin ice in terms of Caelan’s patience.
At a guess, the king didn’t care for anyone shooting at his grandfather or fiancé. He also had a dark history with New Rosanthe, and Shey could guess the man would prefer to see the entire kingdom burn into nothingness.
“We have been hearing some disturbing reports regarding New Rosanthe and Damardor, and we thought—rather than letting this escalate straight into war—we would come here and have a civilized conversation to get to the truth of the matter. You know, instead of just killing everyone first and sorting out the rotting corpses later.”
Nori cleared his throat, and Caelan snapped his mouth shut before taking a step back. Yeah, maybe they should have grabbed Rayne and left Caelan behind.
The old dragon took a step forward and offered a shallow bow of his head. “I am Omari Nori, head of the Omari Clan and spokesperson for the Isle of Stone dragons. This is my advisor, Omari Megumi. You have spoken with King Caelan Talos of Erya. This is Crown Prince Shey Thrudesh-Vo of Caspagir. We are here to have a calm conversation.”
Captain Hawley hadn’t enjoyed an easy life. Scars and pockmarks riddled his face from a life that was hard fought, and his attitude didn’t seem bent toward making his continued existence any easier. His fat upper lip, already split from an old, poorly healed wound, curled into an ugly sneer, and his dull brown eyes lit with unholy delight.
“How convenient that the Order’s three greatest enemies have gathered themselves together for easy capture.”
The air around Caelan crackled. “New Rosanthe may try to repackage itself under a new banner, but it sounds like you’re prepared to commit the same old war crimes. It wasn’t enough to slaughter the queen of Erya while under the banner of truce, but now you’re threatening Erya’s new king as well as the heir to the Caspagir throne and the leader of the dragons.”
Shey reached out and placed his hand on Caelan’s stiff shoulder, trying to calm the man, but that was easier said than done. While Caelan had killed the military leader who’d ordered the death of Queen Amara in a battle, that didn’t mean the wounds caused by New Rosanthe were healed. Caelan had lost both of his parents, and his kingdom had been usurped that day. Shey knew he wouldn’t be anywhere near as calm if their roles had been reversed.
“Captain Hawley, I think it would behoove us to remain calm and sensible. Let’s not escalate matters further. We have heard that Damardor and New Rosanthe have combined to form the new country of the Federation of Order under Chancellor Rati Feng’s leadership. Can you confirm this information?”
The captain grunted, and a few of his officers whispered behind his back, but it was hard to read from their expressions whether everyone thought this was a good or a bad development. Right now, Captain Hawley was giving a good appearance of being a stout company man, ready to support whatever decision the new chancellor made.
“That is correct. And the first command of Chancellor Feng has been to retaliate against the invaders on our sovereign soil. That is why the Order has declared war on the kingdom of Caspagir and the Isle of Stone dragons.” Captain Hawley narrowed his eyes and slid them in Caelan’s direction. “As of yet, the declaration of war does not include the kingdom of Erya. However, if you should intervene where you are not welcome, I am sure that the chancellor will have no problem facing Erya in a fight. We will defend our sovereign soil.”
Shey clenched his fist at his side, preparing to punch this pompous asshole in the face. It didn’t look like it would be the first time he’d driven someone to that act. Yet, it was Nori’s even voice that helped Shey to regain control of his emotions.
“I do not understand, Captain. What is this invasion that you speak of? Dragons have not invaded your territory, but you are racing to invade our sacred lands without so much as a by your leave.”