"You're home," he murmurs in my hair, and I melt into him. "I missed you,Strenlys."
"I'm home," I pull back and kiss him.
Thrane clears his throat as he passes us by to greet the delegation. "Definitely your Sol side."
A laugh escapes me. He just can't help himself.
"Welcome, King Thrane, to Tronovia," one of the attendants dressed in vibrant deep green steps forward. He bows at the waist, paying my cousin respect. "King Soren has sent carriages for us to escort you to Starnborough. He is eager to meet with you."
Thrane offers what would be considered a full-blown smile by his standard, but in actuality, it's little more than a smirk. "Lead the way."
Fifteen
Shaye
Everything happens so quickly I don't have a moment to catch Atlas up on my newly discovered Basilius magic or the portal shard I found or how I saved Thrane's life. I suppose all of that will have to wait until we aren't surrounded by King Soren's welcoming committee. But stars, holding his hand – just being in his presence – has reset a weary part of my soul. It sounds insane since we were only parted for a few days, but I really missed Atlas. His smile rejuvenates me and suddenly I'm no longer exhausted from the flight.
Starnborough is buzzing when our carriages pull up to the front. Frost Elves haven't graced Tronovian shores in years so I'm sure all the workers are dying to get a glimpse of the new Frost King. And Thrane is more than happy to oblige.
My cousin steps out of the carriage and trots up the front steps with a poise I envy. Dozens of eyes are fixated on him, but instead of being uncomfortable, Thrane rolls his shoulders back and tips his chin up. Whispers circulate as we enter the castle.
"Your belongings will be taken to your lodgings as King Soren requested," the lead attendant informs us as we hike up the grand staircase. "We do hope your stay is pleasant and if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."
"Thank you," my mother acknowledges him when Thrane doesn't.
"Is he all right?" Atlas whispers.
"Who, Thrane?"
He bobs his head and we both stare at the back of my cousin's head. I shrug. "Seems normal to me."
"He seems different."
My brow furrows and I once again fixate on my cousin's frame. Atlas is right. There is a slight difference in his gait. Although, I'm not sure his question was in regards to his physicality and more so in the line of his attitude.
Thrane is favoring his healed side. We checked his abdomen before we flew out this morning and apart from a scar and slight bruising, he was in good health and spirits. It's possible the long flight caused him discomfort and is attributing to a slight limp.
"Shaye," Atlas' voice nabs my attention. "Is everything ok?"
I bob my head and smile. "A lot happened on the trip."
"All good I hope." A hint of concern halos his eyes.
I glance around our party but no one is paying us any mind so I quickly spit, "We were attacked by Giant Frost Spiders."
"You were what?" Atlas' voice booms down the hallway and I shush him, pushing him through an open door and into an abandoned room. It appears to be a guest bedroom but for now, it's going to be occupied while I fill Atlas in on my time at the Northern Crest.
"Listen, we're all fine," I keep my voice low. "I'll give you the quick version and we'll catch up to the others before they realize we're missing."
"All right," he nods, though there's a tinge of irritation in how he says it. "What happened?"
"Like I said, we were attacked by Giant Frost Spiders. Thrane was badly injured and fell from the mountain," I recount and Atlas' eyes go wide as saucers. "Artax dove to catch him and brought him up to us but Thrane was dying. There was so much blood."
"Clearly he didn't die," Atlas urges me to speak faster. "How is that possible?"
"I healed him."
"You what?"
