Dimitrios paused. “I’m going to need a new Supreme Commander.”
“Yes.” Pateras folded his hands together. “I hope whoever you choose is ready for such a title—it comes with many burdens. Not just battles, but decisions he or she may never be forgiven for.”
“Would you like the job?”
A wide smile swathed a path across his face. “I believe I would, Your Majesty. I believe I would.”
Chapter
Twenty-Five
“They return home to wage a vicious war.”
“Stop.”
Alexandrathunked her head against the wall in her dark room.
Thunk.
Thunk.
Thunk.
Again and again and again. She’d do anything to blur the images of the eyeless dead, and they—them—him—a son will soon return home for his vicious war.
“Augustus,” she whispered, eyelids pinched shut.
“Yes.”
“Will there be sea monsters?” she asked in the pitched tone of a child. His ship was on fire. All, all, all is lost.
Thunk.
Thunk.
Thunk.
“Find the lost who wished not to be found. Do you see?”
Wait.
Mother.
Wait.
Wait.
“Wait.” The word hissed between her teeth and through the room like a snake’s breath.
She found them and he found her and she is returned and she is someone else. “Eva.”
“Yes.”
“The pieces, they’re all falling into place.”
“Reclaim a connection to love that will strip the power of a mended crown.”
“I can’t see that one.” Not yet.
