Razik leaned forward, jamming a forefinger on the desk in emphasis as he said, “I built that relationship by being upfrontwith her. Why do you think she trusts me? When I learned Cethin was visiting her dreams, and she had no idea, yes, I told her. My loyalty is to her, not him.”
“They are one and the same, Razik!” Tybalt bellowed. “I do not know how to make that any clearer to you. The day you voted to make her queen in more than title, you ensured they were on equal footing.”
“That’s on you,” he retorted. “You are the one who threw me into the vote without notice. We should have discussed that beforehand, and you know it.”
“Would it have changed anything? If I had come to you and told you I was going to have you vote, and that vote needed to be no. Would you have honored my request?”
Razik opened his mouth to answer, but the words wouldn’t come. Would he have? With Kailia at his side and the eyes of the highest-ranking lords and ladies on him, would he have denied her something she had told him more than once she wanted?
“That’s what I thought,” Tybalt said when he remained silent.
“If you didn’t want her in the position, thenyoushould have voted yourself,” Razik said. “You’re not putting this on me, Tybalt.”
“Tell me then, Razik. There’s no one else here. Do you honestly believe she should be in the position? Have you learned enough about her to confidently say she should be the queen of Avonleya?” Tybalt asked, the question genuine despite the tension between them right now.
“I believe she could be good for Avonleya,” he answered. “She’s not from here, not that the people know that, and she brings perspectives from outside the Wards. In time, I think she could be a great queen.”
“But right now? If something happens to Cethin, the crown now falls solely to her, even if they have children.”
“I’m not a fucking Oracle,” Razik bit out. “I can’t predict that any more than you can.”
“That’s fair,” Tybalt acquiesced. “Then let me ask you if you still believe she has other motives, or do you think her intentions are pure?”
Razik hesitated. Hedidstill believe she had come to Avonleya for a reason. He’d just never figured out what it was. Not yet anyway.
“I think those two things can both be true,” Razik answered. “I also think that since Cethin and Kailia have equal power here, Kailia can decide for herself if she wants me removed as her personal guard.”
“And she has,” Tybalt said. “She agreed with Cethin.”
“What?” Razik demanded, blinking back his shock. There was nothing else to say if that was true. More than that, it meant Cethin had spun yet another tale to convince her of this.
“Knowing that, do you care to revisit any of the things we’ve discussed this morning?” Tybalt asked.
“None of my answers and comments change. I don’t say things simply to appease anyone,” Razik snapped.
“I am well aware of that,” Tybalt said, a bit of empathy breaking through the hardness of the Commander. “But you don’t build the kind of relationship you have with Kailia and not become invested in some way yourself, Razik.”
“It’s not like that. She was my job, and I was hunting for information. If she doesn’t want me anymore, that’s fine.”
He rubbed his brow the instant the words left his mouth. He’d never intended to say that last part aloud.
“Razik—” Tybalt started.
“I said it’s fine,” Razik growled, getting to his feet. “If there’s nothing else, I’m going to take some days for myself. When I return, I’ll be ready to report back to the Cadre.”
Tybalt nodded, watching him closely. “I only request that you check in with me daily.”
“No need,” Razik called over his shoulder, making his way to the door.
“Not as your Commander, Razik, but as your family,” he called back.
Razik waved him off, but he’d do it. He’d send a note every morning and night solely because Tybalt had asked.
He made his way down the various halls to his rooms, wanting to grab a few things from his study before he Traveled to his cave. But when he pushed the doors open to his rooms, he found Wren seated on the edge of a sofa, wringing her hands together in her lap. As soon as she saw him, she lurched to her feet, looking anxious.
“Wren,” he said tightly, instinctively scanning her for any sign of injury. “What are you doing here?”
“Waiting for you,” she answered. “I was told you’d come here this morning. I was hoping to speak with you before you start your day with Kailia.”
