“I ask not for your forgiveness, for this is not something I have yet earned. But I ask that you give me the opportunity to earn it from you. I never admitted the truth to you, even when you saw it with your own eyes.” My hands shake on his arm. “When Mother passed the Blessing of Spring on to me, the magic overwhelmed my body. I could not control it. And she was killed in the collateral.”
Still, Kairyn says nothing. I see now how long his hair is, black strands poking out from under his helm. It reminds me of the young boy, eyes so dark they were nearly black, a slightly crooked nose with a crooked smile to match.
I have not seen my brother’s face in decades. I wish more than anything I could see it now.
“You did what you felt you needed to do when you challenged me to the Rite,” I continue. “I had the choice to unhelm or kill you. I thought banishment to the monastery would give you purpose, meaning. In a way, perhaps it has. But I see now all it truly did was fracture us from what we both needed most: each other.”
I know in my heart this is what I need to do for both of us to heal. We might still have a chance at the brotherhood we never had in our youth.
I clasp the side of my brother’s helm and stare into his visor, imagining those dark eyes from his boyhood. “In my absence, you have accomplished great things in Spring. Though we may disagree on the method, I know our hearts beat toward a common goal. We have much work here. Our people are sick. Our enemy wields our greatest resource. Even Spring’s bounty turns against us, for a dangerous plant has grown in our most sacred space. But you and I can see our people through the tribulations.” I intake a deep breath. “Consider this my formal approval of your permanent position as my steward. Let us lead Spring into a time of peace and hope together.”
A heavy moment passes. Then Kairyn stumbles forward, helm falling to the crook of my shoulder. “Long have I desired to hear you speak these words to me,” he says shakily. “All the years in the monastery, I only wanted your approval and the truth of what happened.”
“I should have come sooner,” I admit. “My mind was so clouded with grief and anger.”
Kairyn straightens, his frame blocking out the sun, drenching me in shadow. “I see so clearly now what I must do. I’ve known it all this time, but I was too afraid to act. There is no other path forward for me now. I know now where my loyalty truly lies.”
“Then you accept the role of steward under my service?”
“I do,” he breathes. “And I shall see this realm elevated.”
72
Rosalina
“Couldn’t sleep a wink the night of the full moon,” Marigold cries as the three of us reconvene in my bedroom.
“I know,” Astrid grumbles. “I’m in the room beside you.”
Marigold puffs out her chest. “Well, what else were Eldy and I supposed to do? We had to trust that you’d all look after each other.”
“We did,” I say, smiling. And I’m happy to hear that some old wounds between her and Eldy seem to be mended … She’s got quite the twinkle in her eye and has laced her corset so tight, I think she might well pop out of it.
We’ve been huddled on my bed for an hour now as I’ve caught them up on everything that’s transpired: the assassination attempt, by the Nightingale, Sira’s appearance, and the letter I received from Dom and Billy.
I clutch it, the paper wet with my tears. My father has always been so strong, so determined. I can’t imagine him sick or bedridden. My only solace is knowing Farron’s family will look after him like he’s one of their own. Once I get word from Coppershire, I’ll travel straight to his side and see he makes it safely to Spring. Ezryn promised his realm’s best healers would look after him.
The door knocks and creaks open. Eldy pops his head in. “Apologies for interrupting, ladies.”
“I’m happy to see you, Eldy,” I tell him genuinely.
He looks to Marigold and the biggest smile appears beneath his mustache. She blushes and smooths her perfectly pressed skirt. Quite the difference from the two squabbling staff they were when we arrived. I wonder if Marigold is tempted to tell him about her curse. Probably not. She’s so loyal to Ezryn and the other princes. But hiding the truth from her love … It must be killing her inside.
Pain laces through my chest, and I rub my heart.
If only Ezryn could find his mate.
“Why are you here?” Astrid says sharply, bringing everyone back to focus.
“Oh! Hem. Yes.” Eldy straightens and places a wooden chest on the end of the bed. He clicks it open, revealing many small bags, vials filled with plants soaked in liquid, and dried herbs. “Ms. Marigold told me of your father’s illness, Lady Rosalina.”
Astrid gives her a glare, but she just shrugs. “It was when I was fetching us tea!”
“I’m sure he’ll have excellent care in Coppershire, but I thought I’d put together some of our most potent and rare treatments until he can be transferred to see us here in Spring. See, this one here is a powdered stardrop. They’re quite a plentiful resource, found up in our mountains. Sprinkle a little on his tongue to neutralize any toxin. A healer will know what to do with all of these,” Eldy continues. “Consider it a gift from the Spring Realm.”
I get up, placing the letter on my end table, and grab Eldy’s hand. He blushes but doesn’t pull away. “This is so thoughtful. Thank you for all the hospitality you’ve shown me.” I look back at Marigold and Astrid. “Thank you all for everything.”
“Whatever you need, Rosie, we’ll be here,” Astrid says, grabbing my arm.
