I know what my father would have chosen, and that almost makes me falter.
But I think of Nora’s voice in the hallway this morning.
Da was wrong.
I straighten my back. “Magic,” I say, and I want my voice to be strong, but it’s barely a whisper.
I expect a word of acknowledgment, but the king says nothing. He touches a finger to the bridge of my nose, and at first, there’s a swell of pain that takes my breath away—but it’s quickly gone, and the ache begins to ease.
“When I first encountered soldiers from Syhl Shallow,” he says into my silence, “they were burning a farmhouse in Emberfall.” His finger traces along my cheekbone, pulling any pain out of my eye socket. “A young widow lived there with her three children, and they were planning to execute them all, with the exception of the girl, who was about seven years old. They were going tokeepher.” His eyes flick to mine, as if to see if I understand.
I do. I frown.
“I was with Prince Rhen and Princess Harper,” the king continues. “We killed the men, and took the widow and her children to safety.” He pauses. “The next time I encountered soldiers from Syhl Shallow, a small contingent of men attempted to burn down an inn with the occupants inside, under orders from Karis Luran—your former queen. We were able to hold the inn and chase them off. Mythirdencounter was a full invasion by the Syhl Shallow army—sent with the intent to burn and destroy. I fought back. Weallfought back.” His eyes don’t leave mine. “Just as anyone would defend themselves if their home were under attack.”
His hand drops away, but I’m staring at him. I knew the king wasfrom Emberfall, so it’s weird that I’ve never considered this, but I don’t think I’ve ever heard one single story of the war fromthatside. I’ve only thought of my mother and so many others dying at the hands of that monster.
I don’t want to think about my mother being among officers who ordered soldiers to raze farmhouses and burn down inns.
“Less than six months later,” the king says, “I was allied with Lia Mara, and I was meant toleadsoldiers that I once faced in battle. That was not an easy transition for any of us. But despite what I’d seen with my own eyes, I quickly learned that many of the stories I had heard about Syhl Shallow were simply that—stories. And there were just as many horrible stories about Emberfall on this side of the border. We’ve all done terrible things, Callyn. Magic has done terrible things. But noteverystory you’ve heard is true.” He hesitates. “There was a time when I feared it every bit as much as you do right now.”
I’m not sure if I can believe that, but I nod. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
He gestures behind me. “Go. I’m sure you’re hungry for dinner, too.”
I nod quickly, then swipe at my cheeks again, surprised when there’s no pain at all. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Oh. One more thing. When you punch, elbowdown, not so wide. You leave yourself open.” He reaches out and takes hold of my left wrist, lifting it in front of my face, tapping my forearm lightly with his fist, mimicking a punch. “Andblock.”
That makes me blush. “She’ll break my nose again either way.”
“Jacob works with the newest recruits at dawn. You could join them in the morning when Sinna is at her morning lessons.”
Jacob.The last time I met Lord Jacob, I was passionately declaring that Alek was in Briarlock to visit me. Jacob helped Jax, and he offered to help me, too—but I threw money in his face and shouted that I didn’t trust him, because I’d been fooled by Alek.
Maybe he’ll want a chance to break my nose, too.
I swallow thickly. I made so many mistakes. I didn’t come here to be a soldier, but I’m still smarting from what Verin said about the princess being at risk in my care. They wereallat risk because of choices that Jax and I made.
“Will she ever stop hating me?” I say quietly.
“Maybe,” he says. “Call her bluff.”
I blink at that. “What?”
“Don’t let her scare you off. You defended the royal family in battle. You stepped in front of a crossbow to protect the queen. You and your sister risked yourselves to protect my daughter. Yes?”
His voice is intense, and I nod. “Yes.”
“You’re brave and capable, or you wouldn’t be here.” His eyes spark with challenge again. “Show up tomorrow and prove it.”
CHAPTER 13
CALLYN
I show up every day. Once in the morning with Lord Jacob, and once in the afternoon with Verin. My mornings are full of drills, repetitive motions that teach me to block and punch and avoid contact. I expected Jacob to be as cold and aggressive as Verin, but he’s not. He treats me with the same passive regard as the rest of the recruits—which is to say he barely talks to me at all. I don’t mind, though. I can see why my mother would have liked this, how every movement is structured and planned, leaving no room for uncertainty. I’ve never wanted to be a soldier, but there’s something settling about the drills, the routine, the way I don’t need tothink, I just need todo.
My afternoons with Verin, by contrast, are chaotic and full of pain.
