Kingdom of Ash

Adarlan, to me? Bring your spiders to our
side.”
“A breath ago, you were livid that I
enslaved your friend.”
“Oh, I still am. Yet I am not so proud to
refuse to consider the possibility. You want a
kingdom? Then join mine. Ally with me, work
with me to get what we need from Erawan,
and I shall make you queen. Of a far bigger
territory, with a people who will not rise up
against you. A new start, I suppose.”
When she still did not speak, Dorian leaned
against the door. The portrait of courtly
nonchalance. “You think I’m trying to trick
you. Perhaps I am.”
“And Manon Blackbeak? What of your
promises to her?”
“I have made her no promises regarding
my throne, and she wants nothing to do with
them, anyway.” He didn’t hide the bitterness