“You don’t like war.”
“What?” He roared with laughter as Vi helped him out of his chainmail. “I’m the creator of the Golden Guard, the most illustrious fighting force in all of Solaris. War isn’t something I shy away from.”
“I didn’t say you did,” she said thoughtfully. “I said you don’tlikeit.”
Baldair focused on the chainmail that pooled in his hands for a long moment. “Wholikesit, really? Other than madmen.” His voice was soft and somewhat distant, his expression oddly vulnerable.
“I agree with you.” Vi knelt down to unfasten his greaves. “You’re right. Who would say they liked war? War is awful and the longer it goes on, the uglier it becomes.”
“You’re not wrong.”
“You know, I grew up in Oparium.” Vi shifted the topic.
“You did?”
“Yes. When I was growing up, we didn’t have many stories of war, but we had plenty about pirates.”
“I bet you did.” He chuckled. Vi stood as he stepped out of his greaves.
“That summer… when you and Lord Jax and Lord Erion came to Oparium, that was what made me want to come to the castle.” Baldair faced her. “My prince—”
“Baldair.”
“Baldair,” she repeated, glancing away as if still modest about using his name without title. “May I ask you something?”
“Anything, fair maiden.”
“I heard a rumor you found the treasure. Is it true?”
Fear flooded his blue eyes. “I—”
“I’m sorry. Even if you had… I know, you can’t say.” Vi physically took a step back as she distanced herself from the topic. Baldair relaxed visibly. “I only thought of it now because of a story my grandmother told me when I was a girl.”
“A story?”
“A tale of a vortex, of circles, of things repeating time after time—life and death, suffering and sacrifice, all hung in this vortex,” her voice went soft and ominous. Baldair hung on every word. “She said there was one relic that could stop this vicious cycle of pain. It was the crown of the first Solaris king, bestowed on the true ruler of this land. That true king could command any loyalty, even loyalty from fate. He could bend destiny to his command.”
His eyes widened slightly.
“Though, knowing granny… they were nothing more than stories from her softening mind.” Vi shrugged and gave him a conspiratorial smile. “I merely thought, if such a power does exist… that you, a man of honor, would be the one I would want to wield it.” She paused, allowing him to be enamored with her words for one more long moment. “If you did find it, then perhaps it’s your destiny to use that power and save us all from war itself.”
Baldair continued to stare at her before quickly plastering on a fake smile. “It’s a wonderful story indeed. But I’m afraid you’re right about it being nothing more than a story.”
“No doubt. Now, is there anything else I can do for you?”
“No, thank you. My stomach insists on food in short order.” He laughed lightly as they reentered the main room.
“We were getting worried.” Craig’s tone was the exact opposite of the sentiment.
“I gladly return him to you.” Vi gave a bow.
“Gladly?” Baldair balked.
“Gladly.” She winked and Craig and Daniel roared with laughter. “Excuse me, my lords.”
Vi stepped out of the room and practically bounced down the hall. She’d put the crown in his mind, and Baldair would feel the need to go and check on it, if nothing else. But perhaps he’d also want to test if her words were true.
The prince was going to lead her to the crown. Now, all she had to do was—
