“This is going to end very badly,” he says, giving me a warning look.
“Then, we’d better come up with a plan once we get to that step.”
“I can’t wait to see the look on his face,” Silas chuckles.
Silas and I both take drinks of our ale, taking a moment to let our thoughts swirl in our heads.
“I thought that went well,” I say, breaking the silence.
“Oh, it definitely went well, but Cyrus is unpredictable. His choice will come just moments before we need them. He may assist us in a few days, but he can’t be relied upon.”
I take another sip of the ale. “Why doesn’t Warrick speak to his father?”
Silas takes a long breath.
“Warrick is second in command of the Andorwood army. He is a rule follower, loyal, and has always been. How he came from Cyrus Pierce, I’ll never know.” Silas sets his cup down. “If your father led a group of rebels, would you join him? Even if it went against everything you fought for and believed in?”
“I don’t know,” I respond.
“Their relationship is complicated,” Silas says. “Always has been.”
“And his mother?”
Silas shifts in his chair. “Died shortly after he was born.”
I don’t respond; instead, I think of everything that’s happened.
My heart races, and I feel like it hasn’t slowed since we arrived here. Nothing about this has been easy, and I fear the challenging parts have yet to arrive. I enjoy the silence for a moment and continue to sip my drink. The strong scent of hops fills my nose with each sip, and I think back to us on the ship before we arrived. The night of my birthday was so normal and fun. Things have changed significantly since then, but I always knew it would.
“Silas,” I say, as I glance toward him to find he is already staring at me. “You are the king and Commander of the Andorwood army. Why don’t you make them fight? You could do that, you know.”
He exhales. “Yes, I could. But my father forced them to do so many things for years. The pain I see in their eyes haunts me. And yes, I could compel them, but I want my kingdom to stand behind me willingly. I want them to choose to be a united force of chaos. I want them to accept me, and if I force their loyalty and we fail, what future would I have as their king then?”
“They would see you no differently than Malachi,” I whisper.
“Exactly, and that is my biggest fear.” His eyes drop. “So, when the day comes that I must stand and fight against the resurrected, I will do so, even if I stand alone on that pier. I will prove to them that I will protect them or die trying.”
I turn in my chair to face him fully, cupping his strong jaw. “Look at me, Silas.”
I apply pressure, forcing his eyes to find mine.
“You will not be alone on that pier. We will be beside you—we will fight—and when the day comes that peace has filled these lands once more, I will stand beside you until the darkest realms take us.”
He tries to avert his gaze, but I hold firm and continue.
“You, Silas Nastronde, will earn their trust and rule Andorwood as it should always have been. You are destined to be great. The people of Andorwood will bow to you, only with acceptance and grace.”
His hand travels to my face and tucks a fallen strand of hair behind my ears.
“They will bow to you because you are good and deserving.”
“And I will bow only to you, my love.”
Silas’s eyes burn into mine, and he leans forward, planting a soft kiss on my lips. I place both hands on his muscular thighs, running my hands up his legs. Silas pulls away, and his hard stare is replaced with a look of pure darkness.
I slowly stand and walk toward the exit, flicking the lock across the wooden door, and smile. Silas stands, watching me slowly turn to face him once more.
I narrow my eyes and bore my gaze into his.
