Ruined by Amy Tintera Page B

piece of paper across the table. “Those were our terms with Vallos. We’d request the same from you.”
    The king frowned at the paper for a moment, then pushed it aside. Cas nudged it closer to him, and Em noticed him stealing a glance. The terms were most likely purposefully terrible, since the warriors had no intention of signing any new trade agreements. It was simply a distraction, so they could remain in Lera to plot the attack.
    â€œNo,” the king said.
    â€œDo you have terms you’d prefer?” Koldo asked.
    â€œNo. That’s your job. Come up with something better.”
    â€œWe will send word to our king and draft new terms,” Iria said. “Should we move on? We’d like to discuss the port of Olso.”
    The king folded his hands together and rested them on his stomach as he leaned back in his chair. “Yes?”
    â€œThe clause in the peace treaty that gave you the port expired five years ago,” Iria said. “Yet Lera ships are still there.”
    â€œThe clause expired only if Lera was satisfied that Olso didn’t pose a threat to any of the other kingdoms,” the king said.
    â€œWe don’t,” Koldo said.
    â€œNo?” the king asked. “I’ve just received word from my hunters that the Ruined were spotted trying to enter Olso.”
    Em’s breath caught in her throat, and she looked at Iria, trying to keep her expression neutral. The warrior’s face showedgenuine surprise. Koldo and Benito wore matching expressions.
    â€œWhen did you hear this, Your Majesty?” she asked.
    â€œJust yesterday.”
    â€œI don’t know anything about that, but we can’t control what the Ruined try to do, Your Majesty,” she said.
    â€œI have other reports saying that warriors have been spotted in Vallos as well. What would warriors be doing in Vallos?”
    â€œEnjoying the countryside?” Iria guessed, twisting a lock of hair around her finger. Em pressed her lips together to keep from laughing.
    The king narrowed his eyes. “Many of the Ruined are currently in Vallos.”
    â€œAs is the entire population of Vallos. We are allowed to visit Vallos, Your Majesty,” Iria said. “Their entry laws are far more relaxed than yours.”
    â€œThat will be changing.”
    â€œI’m sure,” Iria said.
    â€œPartnering with the Ruined is an act of war,” the king said.
    â€œUnderstood. But like I said, I don’t know anything about that. And regardless, that clause is five years expired. We’ve been patient, and we ask that you honor your agreements.”
    â€œIt’s not happening.”
    â€œWhy not?” Cas asked.
    All heads swiveled to him, matching expressions of surprise on the faces of every adviser. The queen’s eyes widened, and she put a hand on Jovita’s arm, like she was afraid the girl would jump in with her own questions. Jovita merely raised an eyebrow.
    â€œCasimir!” his father exclaimed.
    â€œI wasn’t agreeing with them, I was asking a question,” he said. “Why do we still control that port?”
    â€œBecause of the clause in the treaty,” the king said.
    â€œIs it true the treaty said we’d return the port to them five years ago if they hadn’t shown violence against other kingdoms?”
    The king paused for a moment. “I would need to see a copy to be sure.”
    Em barely held back a snort. It was smart of him not to admit to that, even if it was true.
    â€œI’d like to think we honor our word,” Cas said.
    His father rose suddenly, shooting his son a look so full of venom that even Em was tempted to crawl under the table. To Cas’s credit, he just stared back at his father.
    â€œWe will continue this discussion another time,” the king said. He glared at the warriors. “I’ve ordered any Ruined attempting to sneak into Olso captured and brought to me for questioning. If