Had Caspian spared him that fate?
I squeeze my eyes shut and grab the bedposts, trying to weather the pangs of grief as I’ve weathered blows of a sword. Finally, I’m able to take the last few steps over to the cabinet. Its dark wood looms over me, imposing yet familiar, carved with vines and blossoms. I reach for the handles, feeling the cold metal bite against my skin, and with a deep breath, I pull open the doors.
Inside, his armor waits.
The plates gleam even in the dim light, as if they were not so distantly polished. Did Kairyn tend to Father’s armor as I used to when I was high prince?
This is not his usual set, the one he would wear day in and day out. This is his wartime armor. It is a brilliant gold, the color of coins. Every piece—pauldrons, gauntlets, greaves—carries the marks of countless battles. I remember the story for every scratch and dent. Though he could have had the finest metalworkers make the armor appear like new, my father wore each scar with pride. I can almost see him standing here with me, tall and unyielding, his presence as unwavering as the armor itself.
Hands shaking, I pick up the helm, running my hand along the flowing red plume, made of horsehair. The air feels too heavy, and Isink to my knees, holding his helm in both hands.
“Are you happy to be with her again?” I whisper. “Did he free you where I could not?”
Two shadows drift over me, and then Dayton and Farron are on either side. I didn’t even hear them come into the room.
“We thought we might find you here,” Farron mumbles. “The city is secure.”
“Thank you,” I say, “for freeing my people.”
Dayton wraps his arms around me and pulls me against his chest, resting his chin atop my head. “You helped save my city. I help save yours. That’s what brothers do.”
My voice is barely a breath. “My realm is in ruin. The Green Rule has ravaged Florendel, and a tyrant possesses Spring’s blessing. Where do I go from here?”
Farron grabs my hand and squeezes it. His golden eyes flicker. “Listen to me, Ez. Sometimes, you have to burn it all down, turn everything to ash, before anything good and true can grow again.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“Of course he’s right!” Dayton exclaims. “He’s Farron. He’salwaysright.”
I manage a laugh. “Alright, I’ll try to believe you.”
Dayton stands and yanks me to my feet. “As fun as this has been, shall we go find our mate?”
“You go ahead. I’ll be right there.”
Farron and Dayton shuffle out of the room, tossing sympathetic looks over their shoulders before they’re out of sight. I turn to follow but stop in the doorway.
Tell me what to do, I plead. To whom? My father? My mother? Kairyn?
Myself?
For once, all the voices in my head are silent.
3
Rosalina
Keldarion.
I belong to him. Iamhis. Warmth spreads through my body. He’slookingat me. But there’s a frown on his face, his handsome brows creased, white strands of hair falling free from the knot at the nape of his neck. I don’t want him to be unhappy.
I’m in his chambers. Everything smells like him. He’s alone. All mine.
“Keldarion,” I say, “I belong to you.”
He still doesn’t move. The cloak around my shoulders falls to the ground as I crawl closer to him. An icy breeze from the open window sends goose bumps skittering across my skin.
Now I’m naked, but what does it matter?
