Tomas nodded, his eyes lowered and ears turning a little red at the tips. “I’ve checked the tunnels a few times since the attack. I haven’t seen any signs that the Empire has discovered them, but I haven’t entered the Towers out of fear of exposing the tunnels.”
“But Rayne?” Eno demanded.
Caelan smiled at the man on his right who wasn’t speaking. “I would wager that my advisor knows many things he technically shouldn’t know. All the more reason for him to be selected as my right hand.”
Rayne’s vibrant jade eyes lifted to Caelan in question, as if he wasn’t quite sure whether Caelan was pissed or amused. “All I do is for Your Majesty and the protection of Erya.”
And Caelan believed him completely. Rayne could have been a prince’s consort and held great power and influence in Caspagir, but he gave it all up out of love for his home. Rayne would always act in the best interest of Erya.
Clapping a hand on Rayne’s shoulder, Caelan smiled at the advisor who’d become his good friend over the years. “I know.”
“Secret-keepin’ bastard,” Drayce muttered, but Caelan ignored it. He was just jealous.
Caelan turned his attention to Tomas and Johanna. “I need you to coordinate your efforts, get your men where they need to be, and supply me with a timeline for us to move. I would like to be meeting with the goddess in forty-eight hours if possible.”
Johanna frowned but nodded. “The longer we have, the more men I can move safely to support Tomas’s forces, but I understand your haste.”
“Thank you. Captain Soto, I need you to continue to harry the Empire’s forces as you have been. We can’t let them think we’re plotting something specific right now. Keep New Rosanthe busy, their attention scattered.”
“Consider it done, Your Majesty,” Tomas agreed, bowing to him.
“If there’s nothing else, I’ll leave you to make plans.”
“Croft, Your Majesty,” Johanna interjected.
A soft sigh left Caelan and he sat back in his chair, causing it to creak loudly in the silent room. “I’ll admit that I don’t have a quick solution for the dilemma of the chancellor. We saw only four ministers standing with her and a couple of dozen soldiers at the mansion. Do either of you have a feel for how much support she has?”
“Among the military, little to none.” Johanna’s voice was like the growl of an angry bear after being woken early from hibernation. “There are a few lieutenants who’ve made some noises, but the other generals I’ve spoken to think she’s off her rocker.”
Caelan looked at Tomas, who was frowning. “Speak freely, Captain. Hiding the truth to spare my feelings won’t help us.”
“There are pockets of dissent, Your Majesty, fueled by Croft’s ridiculous stories. We’ve been sure to spread the news that the increased supply of food is thanks to your efforts, which has helped.”
“I believe that her movement to seize power largely relied on the lack of clear government and chaos within the city. It was likely that she was hoping to slide into power and lock you away before anyone realized what was happening,” Rayne explained. “If we can get you bonded to the Godstone and the Empire removed, her attempt to usurp power will be squashed.”
Caelan grunted. It sounded right, but he wasn’t going to let this be forgotten. His mother was ruthless in crushing dissent among the people. Caelan fully intended to face it head on. It might be more difficult in the long run, but it ensured that the people felt that their voice was being heard.
“Let’s focus on New Rosanthe for now, but keep an eye on Croft and her people,” Caelan decided.
“Your Majesty,” Tomas started and then paused, frowning at the floor. “Forgive me for asking, but if something were to happen to you—may the Gods guard against it…” He drifted off without finishing, but the general clearly saw where her counterpart’s thoughts were.
“The line of succession,” Johanna murmured. She lifted her dark gaze to Caelan. “You have no heir, Your Majesty. There are no more Talos family members to take on the role of Guardian of the Godstone.”
“I actually have a plan for that,” Caelan admitted.
“Your Majesty!” Rayne gasped, sounding thoroughly scandalized that Caelan would dare to make a plan without including him. The truth was, he’d been giving it a lot of thought since he’d successfully met with Kaes.
“The truth is that the Guardian of the Godstone doesn’t need to be a Talos. Just someone the gods and goddesses deem worthy of receiving their gift. Prince Shey Thrudesh-Vo carries the power of the Wind Stone much like I am connected to the Life Stone now. If I die before this matter is resolved with New Rosanthe, I hope that Shey will go to Kaes and officially bond with him.”
“Have…have you found someone for the Life Stone?” Rayne asked in an incredibly soft voice.