Kingdom of Ash

can stop him.”
Rowan wanted to believe her. Wanted more
than anything he’d ever desired in his life to
believe Yrene Westfall. Chaol, glancing at
Dorian, seemed inclined to do the same.
But Aelin pointed at Princess Hasar. “How
do you vote?”
Hasar held Aelin’s stare. Considered for a
moment. “I vote to do it now.”
Aelin just pointed to Dorian. “You?”
Dorian tensed, the unfinished debate still
raging in his face. But he said, “Do it now.”
Rowan closed his eyes. Barely heard the
other rulers and their allies as they gave their
replies. He walked to the edge of the trees,
prepared to run if he began to vomit.
Then Aelin said, “You’re last, Rowan.”
“I vote no. Not now, not ever.”
Her eyes were cold, distant. The way
they’d been in Mistward.