“Don’t do that.” I hold up my hand and gather my thoughts before my emotions get the better of me. “Don’t act like I’m being unreasonable. Every sovereign before me has stepped foot on the battlefield. You and even Esmeray will lead our kingdoms to war if it comes to that. If all you expect from me as ruler is to be a figurehead with a crown, then keeping me away from the upcoming conflict makes sense. But if you are looking for me to lead Lucent into a new dawn, then I have to fight with them.”
He shakes his head and sighs my name.
“You know I’m right, Micah.”
“You are right, but I do not know if Basecamp is the best place for you right now,” he says, concern dripping from his tone.
“Because of Kyron?” I ask.
Zek goes rigid at my side and mumbles his disapproval. In the months I’ve known him, he has never been one to hold back his opinions, and he won’t start now. It’s clear that his time in Stigian has only solidified his hate for our enemy, especially Kyron.
Micah runs his palm down his face and releases a lengthy exhale, giving Papa the chance to say, “There are things that you and Kyron must work through. As long as those issues fester, your attention is divided, and you both are a liability.”
I can’t deny his reasoning. I’m at a strange impasse with my parah. One minute I’m ready to stand firm and treat him as a threat to my kingdom, and the next, I’m pressed to a wall begging him to touch me. And then I’m back to confessing my distrust. We’re in a vicious, never-ending cycle of fucked up.
But with each mile that is placed between me and Kyron, my head grows clearer. The need to stand firm in my decision to not trust him is easier. I can stifle my body’s cravings and see the ridiculousness in the possibilities my heart makes up. It is easier to cling to my distrust.
“Then I’ll go with you to Stigian,” I say. “It doesn’t matter where I am as long as I can be an example to our people.” I mean it. This isn’t about going where Kyron is. What I want is my chance to prove I can lead.
Papa and Micah exchange glances, each looking as if they are waiting for the other to take the lead. Whether they want to deny my request or grant it, I don’t know.
“She would be safer at Basecamp,” Zek says, staring out the window. “Even with Stigians there, she will face less of a threat. She’ll have people you trust to protect her, and as much as it pains me to say, the Stigian prince will do anything to keep her safe.”
“Once again, she’ll be a distraction and a liability to Kyron. He needs to remain focused on training,” my father says.
“With all due respect, general, will your daughter’s safety in an opposing kingdom not be a distraction to you? At least she will have some of your most loyal and strongest soldiers to look after her here.”
I lower my lashes, and my lips tilt up in a small show of appreciation. I’ll go wherever I need to, but I do have a preference. I’d like to return to those who I’ve fought with before and a place that became a second home to me.
“I have to agree with him, Abrum. Raelle is safer on Lucent soil. If we are to grant her request, I think this is the better option,” Micah says.
Papa runs his palm over his graying beard, uncertainty written on his face. With a sigh, he says, “I will leave this decision to you. I trust you to choose the best role she should take in all of this, and one that will keep my daughter safe.”
Micah gives a curt nod. “I’m ultimately leaving her safety in your hands, Zek. If at any time you feel she is in danger, you make the call to get her out.”
“I’ve promised my life to ensure her wellbeing, Your Majesty,” Zek says, bowing his head.
My knees bounce up and down with anticipation as we ride through the Lucent gates. Not only am I excited to return to Basecamp, but I’m also nervous about the tension that has been building between Kyron and me… and our friends. The road ahead won’t be easy for any of us, but I’m willing to face it.
The uncertainty for what’s to come is replaced by relief as we continue into the town square. I relax into my seat. My home is how it was when we left, not a single thing is out of place. The people go about their business, some stopping to show their respect as we pass. Children chase one another along the sidewalk and couples walk hand in hand. I wonder ifthey know about the horrors that happened in Stigian or has Borin kept them blissfully ignorant until the king can make the announcement?
We pull up to the palace, and a barrage of staffers swarm around the carriage, emptying it of our clothing trunks. Zek steps out before me and offers me his hand as I exit.
“I want to apologize for the way I spoke to you last night. I should have handled that situation differently,” I say, stepping onto the ground.
“There’s no need to apologize. I should have kept my thoughts to myself.”
I squeeze his bicep. “Maybe, but I’m glad you cared enough to voice your concern, and it didn’t warrant my attitude. Again, I’m sorry.”
“Really, it’s all right, Your Grace,” he says, returning my sincere smile.
The crowd behind us makes a collectiveawesound, and I look up in time to see Borin push through everyone, making his way to his husband. He pulls Micah in his arms and places a slow, passionate kiss to his lips.
“I was petrified when I heard about the attack. The images that went through my head…” Borin places his hands on Micah’s cheeks and looks him over.
“You do not have to worry, my love. I am fine and happy to be in your arms again,” Micah says, beaming up at his parah.
A tinge of jealousy shoots through me. Micah and Borin faced their fair share of trials with Micah being of royal blood, and Borin from an extensive line of horse breeders. Even though Borin’s upbringing was with a loving, respectable family, some thought Micah should disregard the parah bond for a more advantageous alliance with another kingdom. But he never denied the love he found with Borin. He knew who his heart belonged to and who he wanted to share a life with.
