Contents
Chapter 22
Overview
At Maile’s wharf, Jovie reveals she is queen, compels Acker to kneel, and denies his request for military aid against Roison, Alaha, and his father. She offers refuge and work to Wells and pregnant Olivia, permits brief rest for Acker and Irina, then orders their departure in two days. Acker requests to see his sister Beau.
Summary
Acker watches Jovie command the Maile soldiers with cool authority, noting her changed, elevated presence. She warmly greets Olivia and cautiously addresses Wells, while ignoring Acker. When Acker’s thoughts turn lascivious, Jovie senses the Bond’s pull and orders him to kneel, asserting control as her archer and Messer stand by.
Jovie questions Irina directly, shutting Acker down, and demands Acker state his purpose. Acker requests an alliance against the joint Roison–Alaha advance and reveals Wren’s accord with King Edmond. Jovie rejects entanglement, stressing Maile’s neutrality and his culpability for past border attacks.
Pressed, Acker seeks an audience with Maile’s queen; Jovie reveals she is the queen, having succeeded her mother a year prior. She offers Wells and Olivia sanctuary and work without extracting an oath, but tells Acker and Irina their boat will be stocked and they must depart in two days, regardless of which enemy they face.
As Jovie rides away under the watch of a massive eyun, Acker asks after his sister. Jovie says Beau doubted he’d want to see her; Acker asks for a meeting. Afterward, the archer warns Acker not to step out of line again. Wells wins a bet with Olivia about whether Jovie would wound Acker, while Irina observes that Jovie hurt his pride.
Who Appears
- AckerNarrator; seeks Maile’s aid, is forced to kneel by Jovie, rebuffed, and requests to see his sister.
- JovieRevealed as Maile’s queen; asserts dominance, refuses alliance, grants refuge to Wells and Olivia, sets Acker’s departure.
- WellsProtective husband; supports Olivia’s plea for refuge, accepts Jovie’s terms, wins a wager about Acker.
- OliviaPregnant Match of Wells; seeks sanctuary for family, welcomed by Jovie and offered healers and work options.
- IrinaAcker’s wife; weakened but proud, confirms little knowledge of his plan, notes Jovie wounded Acker’s pride.
- MesserJovie’s close ally; watches Acker, trades barbs, trails Jovie as she departs.
- The archerJovie’s chief enforcer; aims at Acker, advises Jovie, organizes quarters, and threatens Acker to stay in line.