“Can I ask you something?”
“Of course. Anything,” Fen responds.
“Since being in Andorwood, all I’ve seen are different variations of serpents. What do they mean?”
She smiles. “Ah, yes. All over the castle and streets. I’m surprised it’s taken you this long to ask.”
I huff a laugh, “Been a bit busy.”
“For as long as I can remember, serpents have been everywhere in Andorwood. They symbolize so much to all of us here. She pauses before continuing, “Andorwood is known for housing rebels—the forgotten, the criminals—but truly, Andorwood is a place where you can be who you want without judgment. Serpents are celebrated here because they not only represent our kingdom but also embody all of us.”
I narrow my eyes, waiting for her to continue.
“The snakes symbolize many different things: healing, rebirth, temptation, life, wisdom, evil, and unity. We use serpents as our symbol because it allows everyone to feel included, regardless of their reasons.”
I nod.
“When you leave here, I hope you recognize that the people here aren’t the monsters you should fear.” She points a trembling hand toward the mainland, where all our problems began. “Those monsters reside over there.”
“I plan to get rid of those monsters,” I respond.
“I like to think about the positive aspects the serpent represents.” Fen smiles but hesitates to continue, and I assume it’s because her mind goes dark.
“Legend has it that a creature larger than the mountain once lived on the isle of Andorwood, long before the Great Wiitches roamed this realm. Legend states that the God of Darkness, Raddnoke, created this beast.”
“Silas mentioned something about that long ago,” I reply. “We’ve heard those stories on the mainland. Do you believe it?”
“I don’t know.” She shrugs. “Aren’t legends created by drunk men sitting around a fire? I don’t pay them much attention.”
I laugh, and silence falls over us.
“Things are going to change with Silas in charge,” she says, as she looks at me.
“Yes, they are, but it’s going to be for the better.”
“Can I ask you something now?” she asks, hesitantly.
“Anything.”
“Have you thought about when this is over, and you have to rule Daramveer, and Silas must rule Andorwood, what you are going to do?”
Her question surprises me.
No, I’ve never considered that, because honestly, I’m not sure we will ever reach that point. A wave of emotions washes over me, and I struggle to maintain a calm expression.
Why the fuck would she ask that?
“If it’s worth anything, I think you should come here,” Fenmore whispers. “Permanently, when all this is over.”
I feel my chest tighten. “You know I can’t leave Daramveer, Fen.”
“You can,” she argues. “If the reason was enough.”
I blink at her, unable to process what she’s saying.
Give up my reign over Daramveer and return to Andorwood to rule alongside Silas?
“I guess we’ll see what happens,” I reply, sharply.
