"Luther was the King's most trusted advisor," Tobias continued. "They'll honour that legacy, even if they don't know they're honouring me and that… That's the beauty of it."
"You're insane," Evelina whispered. "You actually think this kingdom will just… hand itself over to you?"
Tobias raised one brow. "Not willingly. But they will. Out of desperation. When the fires spread and the old gods fail them, they'll look to what's left."
"Which is you," she spat, "standing on a mountain of ash and bones."
"You still don't see it," he said, stepping closer. "This world doesn't need saving—it needs replacing."
Evelina's dagger twitched in her hand.
Relia murmured, "He's drawing close. But so is Damian. Just a few more seconds—keep him talking, Evie."
So she did. "And what about me?" she said bitterly. "Where do I fit into your brave new empire? Another weapon in your army? Or just a pretty symbol to make you look legitimate?"
