A chuckle drifted from the dark trees. Cassiel ignored Netanel as he came to stand beside him.
“I like her. She’s stubborn, as are you.”
“Did you see when she wielded her blade against me?”
His spy grinned. “I did. I feared for your life a few times there. She has my respect.”
“I was holding back.”
Netanel gave him a look. “Is that what you call it?”
“She may cut me all she wishes. I would rip myself apart if it would atone for what I’ve done.” Cassiel sighed heavily and pressed on his aching forehead. “She keeps me at arm’s length, and I know not what else to say to her.”
“You mean short of revealing the truth?”
Cassiel glanced at him sharply.
Netanel gave him a desolate smile. “I have come to learn that words can only do so much. Dyna is far too hurt to hear anything you have to say right now. The best thing you can do is be there for her and show how much she means to you.”
They looked at each other a moment, then Cassiel looked away. “How?”
“Your queen is made to quell your flames. Likewise, only you can quell hers.”
Cassiel sighed and turned to Yelrakel standing a few feet behind him. “If you are here, I assume you have something to report, General?”
She fleetingly glanced past his shoulder to Netanel, then dropped to one knee, bowing her head. “I have received word from Nazar. Lord Gadriel wishes to speak with you.”
Cassiel crossed his arms. “Does he? To lure me into another ambush, or to beg for his son’s life?”
“He did not say.”
Expelling another breath, Cassiel massaged the knots in his temples. He didn’t have time for this. “Kindly send word to Lord Gadriel that I will not be summoned at his whim. He will see me at the hour I deem it so.”
“As you command.” Yelrakel stood, but she didn’t leave.
“What is it?”
She hesitated. “Forgive me, but is it wise to delay this matter further? The Realms are unstable, and the Lords are revolting. Our people need their king?—”
“I am neededhere,” Cassiel cut her off. “I cannot rule until I can be assured my queen will not be murdered behind my back. You forget. I cannot live without her. If she dies, so do I. Any more counsel you wish to give, General?”
Yelrakel bowed her head. “No, sire.”
“Then do your duty.”
Backing up three steps, she flew away.
Cassiel glanced at Netanel. “And you do yours. I told you not to reveal yourself unless necessary.”
“It seemed you needed some encouragement.”
He glowered at him. “I’m not a child.”
“Certainly not.”
But Cassiel read the hesitation on his face, too. “You agree with Yelrakel.”
Netanel’s wings stretched out as he flexed them. “Only you can decide the future of your reign, Cassiel. But whatever your plan, it must be made quickly. For you have many enemies, and too few allies. The throne of Hilos will not sit empty for long.”
