“In truth, I had not meant to stay this long,” Solara admitted, her eyes sweeping the library with confusion. “On the morrow I must leave for Ledoga. Another commission awaits me there, on behalf of the Archmage.” Her gaze returned to Alora. “King Laurent has explained your plan in great detail. It is bold, princess, if not rash. I will help with what you have asked, but I will take no part in the bloodshed.”
Alora respected that. “May I ask,” she said carefully, “why did you agree to help us?”
Argyle could not afford the commission of a Grand Magus. They had no coin to tempt her.
Solara’s lips curved thoughtfully. “I suppose it is due to my House. My family has a saying.‘The sun rises for all.’It means our gifts were never meant for only ourselves, but for the betterment of everyone.”
Alora smiled. “What is the name of your House?”
“Fuego.” Solara’s answering smile was brief but warm before she bowed and swept through the doors, the crimson hems of her robes trailing like firelight.
When she was gone, Alora turned back to her father.
“Find what you were looking for?” Laurent asked, glancing at the pile of books on the table.
“I did.”
He looked up at the streams of sunlight and nodded. “Then this is quite frankly our last hope. If you say making a deal withthe shadows will save us, then the last of our army will march. Either to victory or to our doom.”
Alora took another breath, something shaking in her chest. It had taken her exactly three days to prepare, and now everything was set. Commander Basile and Admiral Alder entered the library and stayed by the doors, dressed for war. Both had immediately agreed to lead the resistance. Admiral Alder especially had been eager to reclaim his home.
They had been waiting for their king to see reason.
A hive of nerves settled in Alora’s chest. She prayed this would work.
“Then everyone is in position?” she asked her father.
He nodded. “They lay in wait for my command. At sundown, we take the fight to Calveron.” Laurent turned to go, but she caught the edge of his sleeve.
“Father…thank you for trusting me with this.” She swallowed, lowering her gaze. “I know I’m not Rihan, and the lords question you for taking a chance on my plan, but I… have only ever wanted to make you proud of me.”
King Laurent paused for a breath, then he turned. Gently, he took her hand in both of his. They were calloused by the use of a sword, but warm. The corners of his mouth softened, his brow easing with the affection in his gaze. For a moment, in the glow of the afternoon light, he almost looked as he had in her childhood.
“You have always made me proud, Alora,” he said softly. “I simply failed to show it. When this is over, I would like to find our way back to those days where I knew how to be a father to my little girl.”
Her chest tightened.
She hadn’t expected him to say that. Not in those words.
“I was beside myself when your mother died,” he went on, his voice rougher now. “I didn’t know how to raise you without her,how to protect you without…” He trailed off, shaking his head. “Sending you to the Midlands … it was best for you.”
“It made me feel like I didn’t matter,” she admitted faintly. “As though you wished to start your life over without me.”
He sighed, pain creasing the corners of his eyes. “I’m sorry for that. I know you thought it unjust, but there was a reason why it had to be so.”
She searched his eyes and found honesty. “Can you tell me why?”
Her father fell quiet for a moment, looking pensive. Worry creased his face but also admiration. “You have shown great resilience in these past few days. I suppose you are ready to understand.” In a rare show of affection, he brushed the golden-brown locks from her temple.
It meant a great deal to Alora, that her father was hearing her now and allowing her to lead. And that was more than anyone had ever given her.
Alora hesitated, then said, “I’m still a child of Argyle, father. Your child. I will fight for our people with you. And one day, perhaps… I could be worthy enough to be your heir.”
Laurent froze, then his hand slowly drew away.
“Unless, of course, you have plans for another son.” She cringed, the words tumbling before she could hold them back.
Truthfully, she didn’t care about ruling Argyle. All she wanted was tobelong. To matter, instead of tumbling around with no true purpose.
