“And would a war not be just?” he asked. “After the crimes the King has perpetrated?”
Her head fell back against the wall. “One man’s crime is another man’s just cause.”
“Then you don’t want my help—”
She leaned forward. “Didn’t you hear me? It’s not about what I want anymore. I need you. It’s not as though I’m likely to find any other willing Princes, no matter how many dungeons I get myself thrown into. And Iamgoing to vie for Radiant.”
“But not because you want to?”
“That girl inside of me, the Rae, wants it, as much as she always did, but me? I just want a feta cheese, green olive, and pineapple pizza.”
“You talk about pizza a lot.”
“I like to eat.”
“It must be very good.”
“The best.”
“And what about him?”
She wasn’t thrown by his abrupt change in topic, only saddened. “His name is Endreas.”
Kaelan’s eyes narrowed. “What willhedo?”
“Kirk didn’t tell you about the other prophecy?”
“About uniting the Lands in peace? It will never happen. The King will never rule equally with the Crown.”
Although she tended to agree, she asked, “You don’t think you might be biased?”
“You mean because the King tried to kill me, his own son? Yes, I’m biased.”
“I’m glad you see that.”
“It doesn’t change my opinion. You don’t intend on allowing it, do you?”
“You mean, joining with the King? Should I somehow manage to take the Crown?”
“Would you?”
She clenched and unclenched her hands, feeling their strength and their weakness. “If I were the Crown, I would do whatever I thought best for my Lands and for everyone in them.”
He leaned forward. “I know your heart, Magda. I’ve felt it. You’re not like Lavana, and I’m guessing that you’re not like the other Raes either. That’s what Alfheim needs now, something different. Things have to change or there will only be more death.”
“Isn’t death what you want? Don’t you agree with Python that there needs to be war?”
“Do you think the King will stop hunting me if I ask nicely? What does Endreas say? Is he ready to welcome me into the family if I promise not to fulfill the prophecy they so dread?”
She chewed her lip, her heart sinking.
“What other choice do I have?” he asked. “Please, tell me. I’m not a warrior. I was raised an imp. But you can’t ask me not to defend myself or my family or my home. I have to try.”
“I know, but I’m not sure you’re prepared for what that means.”
His brow furrowed, his head hung. “You’re worried that you will have to protect me again?”
“Iwillhave to protect you again,” she said, “but that doesn’t worry me. What worries me is that I might fail.”
