“Wait. When is this war happening?”
“I don't know, but I want all of you out of here before it begins.”
“I hear that,” Ellas muttered and grabbed the handles of a small trunk.
“Ellas, I think your clothes will be safe out here for a few minutes,” I drawled.
“This does not contain clothes, Your Majesty.” Ellas set the case back on the trunk it had been resting on and opened it to reveal gold coins packed neatly in trays. A lot of them.
“Well, I see you've been saving more than spending.”
“You know me. I'm always prepared for the worst.”
“You and me both, my friend.”
Chapter Sixteen
“Are you insane?” my father asked.
My mother had already started to tell the staff which items to pack and the trunks were piling up. To speed things up, Ellas offered to help, and Aras did as well. It was the perfect time to tell my parents about the mating. In particular, to explain why I hadn't told my mate. My father's reaction to that explanation was fair.
“Father, Ensarena's Eye could save us,” I said. “It can give me the power to decimate a Dragon army. I need Aras to help me attain it.”
“And you don't think he will do all in his power to help you after he discovers who he is?” my mother asked. “You're not thinking straight, Son. He's a good man. He fought for you.”
I started to waver. She was right. Aras would be even more inclined to help once he knew that we were mates.
No, he won't,the Eye said.You know I don't lie to you, Lyrandir. I have seen it. You will not claim me if you tell Aras that he's your mate. It's not that he won't want to do all in his power to help you. Something else impedes him. Something I can't see. And if I can't see it, it must be magical.
Magical?
That's my assumption. It doesn't matter. I see the result and it's not in your favor. Once you tell Aras you love him, it all takes a turn against you. You tell him he's your mate next, and then you lose me. To be completely honest, I didn't want to tell you that I have limitations, but now I find that I must confess the whole truth. So, there it is. I am not all-seeing. I can't warn you of every misstep along the way. But what I do see is accurate. I swear it. You cannot tell Aras that he's your mate.
Damn it all!
“Lyrandir!” my father shouted.
I blinked and refocused on him. “Sorry, Father.”
“What is going on with you?” My father drew close and peered into my face.
“I'm just distracted by the prospect of war.”
“No. It's more than that. You looked as if you were arguing with yourself. Tell me.”
I sighed. “You will truly think I'm mad.”
“I am your father. Whatever I think, I will stand beside you.”
“Thank you, Father. I've missed you. And you, Mother. It's been hard to rule alone.”
“Son, I told you this would be a perilous road to walk.” He laid a hand on my shoulder, his dark eyes going sympathetic. “But I'm proud of you for undertaking the journey.”
Neither of my parents had my hair coloring. It was rare in our dread. My father and mother were both brunettes. Butmy eyes were nearly identical to my mother's. And her eyes narrowed at me.
“Tell us, Lyrandir,” my mother commanded.
There's something about a mother's command. It was impossible for me to ignore.
