Chapter 46

Ronan's POV

The coalition council spent forty-three minutes arguing over Severin's invitation. Redwater wanted it ignored, Frostmere wanted the First House surrounded, Ashfall wanted Lucien to attend under diplomatic privilege, and Ironwood wanted Mara nowhere near the southern range. Mara let everyone exhaust the obvious ideas before she raised one hand.

"He wrote that he will use Gideon's blood if we do not go. Does anyone here believe Severin suddenly became reluctant to hurt his own son?" No one answered.

Gideon sat three seats away from her, pale but steady.

"He can use me as founder blood," he said. "But not as the prenatal heir-key."

Soren nodded. "A direct adult descendant can force a temporary opening with enough blood. The texts call it breach access. It is unstable and usu