The Kingmakers(77)
“I am trying to protect you, from yourself. I've tasted your blood, and I know how drained you are. I have never felt you so weak.”
“Nonsense! I feel fine. Grenoble was weeks past. I'm completely recovered.”
Anhalt came closer. “What is he talking about?”
“Nothing.” She flashed Gareth an annoyed glance.
Gareth didn't relent. “The power she wields is slowly killing her.”
The general fixed her with a panicked stare. “Is this true?”
“Of course not. I feel fine.” She glared at Gareth. “Don't bring General Anhalt into this.”
The general said, “You didn't tell me about any risk to your health, beyond the normal danger of war. You inserted yourself into my tactics without informing me of this existing threat to your life? That is unacceptable, Your Majesty.”
Gareth towered over the young empress. “Believe me, Adele. You are frail on a level that you cannot conceive. I know you in ways you can't.”
Adele was annoyed that he tried to overwhelm her with his height. “None of that matters. I can do it. How can I stand here in Alexandria and watch the bodies of our dead soldiers be shipped back to their wives and children for years to come when I can prevent it?”
“If I may,” General Anhalt said loudly, parting the glowering empress and the vampire prince with his sharp tone. “There is another way to accomplish the same objective without risking your life, Majesty.”
Adele started to argue that perhaps she wanted to risk her life, but silenced herself and motioned for the general to continue.
The sirdar said in a measured tone. “If we could determine the date of this coven—”
“We can,” Gareth said eagerly. “It can't begin until I arrive in London, and I control my own progress.”
Anhalt nodded. “Excellent. We could certainly arrange a traditional solution.”
“What do you mean traditional solution?” Adele asked.
“A fleet of bombers to kill the clan lords as they gather.”
“But again, General, why should I put those airmen at risk?” Adele replied fervently.
“I won't lose you for something so unnecessary,” Gareth shouted.
Anhalt replied after him, “Your Majesty, there's not a soldier, sailor, or airman who would not give his life in battle for you.”
Adele clenched her fists in exasperation. “Why won't you see the simple fact that I'm a geomancer and more than capable of succeeding?”
Gareth took her fists in his hands. “You are a geomancer, true, but there is so much more to you. You are the guide for your nation. And you are the woman I love. You must relent, Adele. In this case, you must allow us to be what we are: loyal soldiers. That is all we do. That is all we are.”
With gentle fingers, Adele brushed his temple and gazed into the crystal blue of his eyes. “My darling, I would've swooned for that speech last year. But I'm older now. Do you actually think for one second that I would allow you to be in London under the bombs of my own navy? Do you think I'm deranged?” She kissed him on the cheek. “The answer is no.”
“But I won't be under the bombs.” Adele began to object, but Gareth continued, “Let me finish. Once the coven commences, I will kill Cesare. Then I will fly up to the approaching ships with the signal to attack. There will be no significant resistance because it's customary for all the clan packs to be sent away during the coven. When the bombs fall on Buckingham Palace, I will be with General Anhalt aboard an Equatorian airship. And then, I can even remain in London and take charge of the clan during its hour of crisis.” He pulled her close. “Adele, I have steered your army wrong with my mistakes. Cesare has made me look like a fool, and caused me to endanger your people on the battlefield. I must pay him back. I must pay you back.”
Adele saw the flame deep in Gareth's eyes. He sensed the potential of this bold action, and it created a confidence and hope in him that was intoxicating. Even General Anhalt tensed like a racehorse straining for the gate to open. She felt a sense of relief and comfort that two such extraordinary men were at her side. And, perhaps, they were right. She couldn't deny she was still fatigued weeks past Grenoble.
“Very well, gentlemen, draw up a plan.” She took a shuddering, nervous breath. “Oh, I wish you hadn't said anything at all now.”
Gareth said with fervor, “It's brilliant. History will mark you as a great ruler.”
“I don't care about that.” Adele kissed the palm of his hand. “I would still rather lose me than you.”
He replied softly, “You can't feel that way, Adele. It's selfish. You are the empress, but I'm just the Greyfriar, popular elephant-riding hero.”