“I can’t stay. I have to make amends, and I will give everything I have to save innocent lives. Eraldon’s already claimed far too many.”
I could go into how it wasn’t her fault, but she carries her guilt with her head high. With honor. She will make it right, and I’d be a fool to try to stop her.
“I know what you want to say, but I can’t be free of this burden until I fight. I have to do something, Solano. If I don’t, then these wings and fangs and claws—my whole transformation, every agonizing second of it—are nothing more than reminders of what was done to me. I can’t let that be my story. I can’t be passive any longer. I will make my own story.”
“As long as I’m in it.” I lean over and kiss her softly.
“I don’t know. I intend to edit out the inconsequential bits.” She grins.
My feral purrs, loving her fangs and sassy mouth as much as I do.
“My lord?” Brock interrupts our silent discussion.
“Yes.” I reach out and grab his shoulder. “It will be an honor for you to fight by my side.”
For the first time in—in I don’t even know how long—Brock smiles. “I’ll make ready.” He turns and hurries off, not even waiting to listen to my speech or give me pointers.
“Captain Anolius.” I motion for the captain of my guard to step forward from his spot at the back of the throne room antechamber.
“My lord.” He bows.
“You are in charge of the Spire in my absence.”
His eyes widen. “But I’m not—”
“You will command the remaining guards. If the seekers reach as far as the peach groves, evacuate Sonnen and have everyone shelter in the Shard.”
“Do you think they’ll get that far?” he asks.
“If they do, I expect you to defend our people.”
“With my life.” He doesn’t waver.
“Thank you.”
He gives another bow, then turns and re-takes his position.
“Are you ready?” I look into Emma’s green eyes and send a wave of calm down the bond.
“Just a little jittery. That’s all.” She tries for a smile but doesn’t get all the way there. “I just need to pretend we aren’t on the brink of a bloody conflict and that I look completely normal. Just like a regular day realm changeling type person. No big deal. Right?” She gives me a questioning glance that shows her sharp fangs.
“Everything will be—”
“Is this—I don’t know—is this blasphemy or something?” Tristano appears behind us, the traditional queen’s crown askance on his head.
“Tristano,” I growl and swipe it from him.
“I thought I looked amazing in it.” He crosses his arms.
“Fool.” I check the bright gems in the golden crown. They still shine with perfection. “Just hold it. That’s all I asked you to do.”
“Should’ve asked me.” Charen takes position beside Anolius. “Then again, I don’t need a crown to look amazing.” He gives Tristano a smirk.
“This is what you do all the time in your little war room full of naughty consort portraits? Just argue like spinsters?” Emma shakes her head. “I should’ve known.”
“We do other things.” I take her hand again and lead her to the throne room door.
“Like what?”
