The Goblin Warrior (Beneath Sands Book 2) by Emma Hamm (100 books to read txt) 📕

another smile under a cough. “They don’t understand your language.”

Willow’s eyes narrowed as she turned to glare at the goblins. Her fists dug firmly into her hips. “Oh I think they understand me just fine.”

A few of the goblins betrayed their knowledge as their eyes widened and sought the gazes of other Council members across the room.

Willow sniffed loudly, but she gestured at Ruric. “Fine, you can translate if you want to. But they don’t need it.”

Jane was shocked that the small terror in front of her was her sister. Willow had always been confident, but Jane had never thought she would stand in front of a Council of elders and be able to hold her own.

She could see with her own eyes that the goblins were listening to the small child. More so than they had listened to Jane herself.

Willow began to speak and her voice was clear and loud. “I know you’re nervous about what might happen, but that’s life. You can’t control the future and you ain’t gonna convince anyone that you’re a good species to have on their side if you just throw visitors out on their asses.”

Jane covered her mouth when Willow glanced over her shoulder to her sister. She knew that Jane didn’t like her to swear like that, and was already waiting for the reprimand.

When Jane didn’t speak, Willow continued.

“Look. I know you’re scared, we’re all scared up there too. You have claws and teeth and can see in the dark! We’re nothing compared to that, but they still came here hoping that you weren’t monsters under the bed. If you don’t help them then you’re only proving them right. You actually are monsters.”

She looked at Ruric and nodded firmly. “I’m done. They can make their own bad decisions now.”

One of the Council members shook his head and said in the human language, “My vote remains the same.”

The rest of the Council echoed his words, but Jane was still shocked that the goblins understood and spoke her language. It made sense that they would have used Micah in case a war had happened. Yet forcing Ruric to translate while they fully understood what the humans were saying seemed underhanded.

“We will help.” The Queen’s voice rang out in the cavern.

Jane’s heart jumped in her throat but it was Willow who responded to the Queen.

“What?”

“I said we will help you, child. You would do well to listen.”

“I was listening.” Willow grumbled. “I just didn’t think I heard you right.”

The severe look that was sent in her direction managed to silence even Willow. Jane was impressed.

“I will help under one condition. This must be asked of you, Jane.”

Jane’s eyes narrowed, but she slowly nodded.

The Queen continued. “It has been a long time since I have seen another female that showcased the qualities that I require in the next Queen.”

Instantly the Council erupted. At the movement of a clawless hand, they fell silent as they realized the Queen was entirely serious.

She continued. “As I was saying, it has been a long time I have seen another female. Let alone one that exhibits the quality of a Queen. I am growing old and would be relieved to find someone who has been trained to take my place. “

Jane felt as though the world was tilting. The Queen was asking her to take her place? Though Jane was flattered, she couldn’t help but feel as though it was a poor decision. She had already caused enough trouble that made the goblins not want to trust her.

Certainly she had made those decisions based off of what she felt in her heart, but Jane knew now that there were better ways for this to be handled. She swallowed hard and continued to hold the gaze of the other woman on the throne.

“It is because of this,” The Queen said. “That I must ask you to make a sacrifice.”

Jane didn’t want a sacrifice. She wanted a small quaint life with many children and peace.

She nodded though, trying to hold the gaze that made her feel incredibly small.

Jane was shocked when the Queen’s hand raised to point towards Willow.

“I ask that you give your sister to me to train. She will be raised as only a true Queen should be and must learn a considerable amount before she will be considered by the Council.”

Jane couldn’t make her mouth work. Her jaw opened and closed as she alternated staring at the Queen and then her sister. Willow looked as shocked as she was and for the first time in her life remained silent.

“What?” Jane asked.

The Queen rolled her eyes. “I see this is a family trait.”

Stammering aside, Jane finally managed to find her voice. “I’m sorry, I just… I wasn’t expecting you to say that.”

“I know what you were expecting.” The twinkle in the Queen’s eye made Jane blush. “Your sister is a remarkable little creature.”

“I wholeheartedly agree.” Jane murmured. “But it’s not my choice if Willow stays here with you or not.”

She looked towards her sister and wistfully realized that the little girl was no longer little. When had her sister grown up so much?

Willow met her gaze and shrugged. “What do you want me to do Jane?”

“I can’t tell you that.” Jane replied. “This is your choice. You’d have to stay down here with the goblins.”

“Where are you going to be?”

“I don’t know.”

Willow bit the inside of her lip and turned to look at the goblin woman. “Can I ask a few questions?”

“I would be surprised if you didn’t.” The Queen replied.

“Can I visit my family?”

“Any time you wish.”

“Do I have to sit at a desk? I didn’t do so well at a desk in school.”

Jane covered a smile when the Queen looked at her for clarification. “It’s a small table.”

“Ah.” The Queen said as her brows furrowed. “Well no, you don’t have to if you do not wish.”

Willow’s finger twirled the curls in her hair. The movement was sure to cause more snarls. “Well… What happens if I agree?”

“Then we’ll allow