She could remember almost every word of the conversation with as much clarity as she could remember the fresh scent of the rain that had pelted the window, or the crack of early summer lightning that seemed to punctuate her final words to him:I’m going to Meru, and there’s nothing you can do or say that would stop me. If you truly care, you’ll try to understand why I must do this.
Eira had meant those words then. She still meant them now. Fritz was no doubt already fantasizing over what he might be able to say or do that would have her backing out of the tournament, even at this late stage. He was friends with the emperor and empress. Had he heard of the ball yet? No doubthe had. She was suddenly slightly nauseous. He must feel vindicated in all his concerns. She’d proven him right. She’d made and found trouble.
“Wh—You’re here?” Eira struggled to form a sentence. She cleared her throat. “Why are you here?”
“The tournament needed assistance from all territories to run properly.” He placed a wooden box on the foot of the narrow bed next to her. Without missing a beat, Fritz wrapped his arms tightly around her shoulders. Eira blinked, staring at nothing but white fabric as her uncle crushed her in a fierce embrace. Her hands stayed at her sides, weighted down by surprise. Her whole body was overcome with a numbness he couldn’t reach.
When was the last time her uncle had embraced her like this? It felt like it’d been forever. It felt like the last time it had happened, she was still a girl and the world was still simple.
“When they put out the call for help, I jumped at the chance. My skills could be put to good use and I could see you compete.” He pulled away.
Eira was still dazed. A similar disorientation as last night at the ball settled over her. She focused on the strangest things…like how his hair still smelled the same as she remembered, or the vibrant blood stain that was now on his shoulder.
“I messed up your robes.” She pointed.
“Oh. Oh! You’re bleeding! I’m so sorry, I should have—Sit. Let’s get you patched up.” Fritz opened his box and Eira did as she was told.
“Why didn’t Solaris send a Groundbreaker as a healer?”
“You don’t think I’m good enough?” He grinned slightly without looking up.
“I know you can make quality salves, Uncle…but even Alyss is a better healer than you. Assuming it’s not a magical ailment.”
He chuckled. “You’re not wrong.” Fritz crossed over. “But I know enough about bodily wounds. And, as you aptly put it, myability to mend sorcerer’s magic—channels and whatnot—makes me a unique asset. But more than anything else, I’m here to see you.” He stood in front of her, eyes shining. He smiled as though nothing had happened. As if she was just a girl again who took a clumsy tumble and needed her knees patched up. “I’ve been so worried about you ever since you left. And when I heard about the ball—”
“They told you about that?”
“Princess Vi did, this morning, right after I got off the ship.”
Eira kept her eyes averted. She supposed she was grateful she didn’t have to be the one to tell him what had happened. But that didn’t mean she wanted him to know at all. Nor did she really want him to be here.
“Why did you come?” Eira whispered, still not quite looking at him.
“I told you, I was worried about you.” There had to be another reason or ulterior motive. It wasn’t that simple.
Eira shook her head. “I’m all right.” The words felt like they came from someone else’s lips. Was she actually “all right?” Nothing had really been all right since Marcus’s death. Under control? Saying that would only make him worry more and doubt her again. He wouldn’t believe she could have a hand in a dangerous situation such as this. Eira suspected he’d come to try to control her.
“You don’t have to be ‘all right.’” His expression turned somber. Tender, even. Her uncle continued to seem genuine in his concerns. “Given all that you’ve been through…” Fritz’s hand paused, mid administration of salve. “If I’d had any idea what was going to happen here, I wouldn’t have let you leave.”
“You tried not to, remember?” Eira couldn’t help the slightly bitter note in her voice.
He ignored it. “I’m just glad to see you safe and sound now.”
Eira felt any levity that she might have had begin to slip from her face. “About that… Uncle, it’snotsafe and sound.”
“What?” Fritz’s brow furrowed slightly.
“The Pillars are still hard at work, trying to act against me, the tournament, Princess Vi, Meru—everyone. Last night was only the beginning.” Eira could see herself losing his confidence by the second. His hands fell from her. “I know what the royals have likely told you—what Princess Vi herself must’ve said. That Ferro was their leader and that there’s nothing more to worry about.” Eira was grateful she’d spoken with the princess. She knew the lies the royals would spin. “But it’s all smoke and mirrors. They don’t realize what’s really happening and the dangers that are still there.”
“Eira, please, not this…” The warmth was leaving his eyes, giving way to disappointment. This was the man she’d been waiting for. Yet, his sincerity earlier had given her enough hope to persevere. Even if he was here to try and stop her, he was still her uncle. She had to try and protect him.
“Uncle.” Eira grabbed his hands, ignoring his attempts to begin bandaging her wound. The cut didn’t matter now. “I know you don’t want to listen to me. But if you hold any love for me. Any at all. You’ll make the effort to hear me, if only this once.” She locked her eyes with his and searched.
Fritz said nothing, but she could feel him holding back a sigh.
“You have to be careful. Leave if you can, even.”
He continued to say nothing. Long enough that Eira’s insides began to squirm. But then…he looked like he surprised himself as much as her. “I came because I’m worried about you. I’m not going to abandon you,especiallyif there is danger.”
