And, soon, it was just Tavo and I in the clearing. He seethed with anger, looking at all the abandoned tools and tents. “This is all your fault!” He grabbed a knife and marched towards me. “You filthy little mermaid! You–”
“That’s enough.” A new voice sounded as Ezra and Cressida came running through the bushes. Ho‘ohuli also followed, along with several guards.
I looked from Ezra to Cressida, a wave of insecurity passing over me. Why were they together?
“Listen,” said Tavo, now turning to Ezra. “It would besosimple if you just gave me the throne. It was rightfully mine–”
“Until you faked your death,” Ezra interrupted.
Tavo’s nostrils flared and his eyes darted towards a figure that moved in the shadows, her steps hesitant.
Kalei?
“Kalei told me everything,” Tavo laughed.
“I didn’t want to,” Kalei quickly replied, her face red. “He forced me to–”
“That’s enough.” Tavo grabbed her and held the knife to her throat. We all gasped, and I braced myself to call the birds.
But Ezra intervened, as if he read my thoughts. Probably did.
“Don’t,” he said softly to me.
But Ezra!
His attention was on his brother. “She’s ourcousin,Tavo. She’sfamily,” said Ezra. “The people here. This island. Don’t just turn against it all.” He stepped forward, and my insides tightened. What was he doing? Now was not the time for diplomacy! But Ezra was sure of himself, more so than he’d ever been.
“Tavo. We canstillwork together. You’re my brother–”
“Your half brother,” Tavo spit. “If anything, Kalei should’ve taken the throne before you, Ezra. You’re just a mutt–a half blood. You don’t deserve the throne. Youneverdid!”
Ezra’s face paled, but only for a moment.
I reached out with my mind.What is he talking about?
My mother was a foreigner. Father married her after Tavo’s mother passed away. My mother disappeared…
My heart ached for him. For Tavo. For their father. So much loss!
“I’m so sorry,” Kalei whimpered. “I didn’t want to tell him, but he told me if I didn’t, he’d kill you Ezra…”
“Let. Her. Go.” Ezra took a step and Tavo pressed his knife again. Kalei screamed.
“Give me the crown. Now.” Tavo then turned to Ho‘ohuli. “And you. Do the coronation words now.”
The old man hesitated, and, with his hesitation, everyone seemed to hold their breaths. Tavo’s expression hardened.“What are you waiting for old man?” He motioned to one of his men. “You! Get him to say the words!”
But even Tavo’s crew was still.
Silent.
All eyes turned to Ezra, and there was nothing but respect. He had not forced his brother to do anything. Hadn’t even physically fought him.
And they respected him for that.
I finally realized that Ezra’s gentlenesswashis greatest strength. That no, he did not have to use brute force or power to influence his people or his kingdom. By giving people the power to choose–and yet still offering compassion–he had won this war.
It had never been a physical battle, despite what I’d believed.
