“What’s going on?” I ask, looking around at them all. The rest of the soldiers and Harman are down the other end of the hallway, conflicted.
“The mission was a success,” Damia says and steps aside so we can see into the kitchen. There, sitting at the breakfast table, is Sophos.
He looks extremely odd surrounded by normal household objects, his tall frame folded into a small chair. He turns to me, and I’m reminded of the last time I saw this man, back when I was locked up in the Temple’s prison. As quick as that, I feel Tira’s rage catch hold of me like a spark to tinder. I’ve seen this man cut down my friends in cold blood, all while doing his absolute best to killme.
And still, we need him. I exhale shakily, trying to adjust to this development.
“This is it, my love,”Leon reaches out across the mooring.“This is the start. As queen, you’ll have to deal with thousands of difficult encounters like this.”
He’s right. I’m about to become Trova’s leader; that means taking a stand for the greater good, whether I like it or not.
I turn to my friend.
“Tira…Take a breath.”
She stares at me, her eyes wide. “You can’t be serious. Ana, that man is the reason my family is dead!”
“I know,” I say heavily.
“And you’re really just going to let him sit there?” Her face twists into a violent expression. “He should suffer like I did. I’llmakehim suffer,” she growls.
“He’s proven he’s on our side,” Corrin says. “We wouldn’t have brought him here unless we were sure. He has a lot to lose by trusting us.”
“I believe you.” I nod at him before stepping up to my best friend. I gesture for Hyllus to let her go, laying a hand on her shoulder.
“I understand, Tira, I do,” I say, meeting her gaze. “Don’t you think I feel it, too? Don’t you know there’s a part of me that wants to tear him to shreds? Sophos had a hand in so many deaths. Your parents and mine, and Kit, as well.”
She doesn’t say anything but doesn’t immediately bolt for the kitchen either, so I take that as a win. She was angry with me in Agathyre when she realized I’d lost my magic because of how bad I felt about her brother’s death. I know she doesn’t doubt the strength of my grief for her family, even if it will never be as sharp as hers.
“But you were there when we agreed that Damia would make contact with Sophos. You knew this was a possibility, and you didn’t protest it,” I say gently but firmly.
“I guess I just didn’t really think…I mean…I know he can be useful…” Tira’s face crumples, the anger slipping into despair as her arguments fall out from under her. Her eyes brighten with tears, and she shakes her head as she wipes them away. “I just don’t understand how he can be here, after everything he’s done, and they’re not.”
I hug my friend, squeezing her tight. “I know this so fucking hard,” I murmur. “I know I’m asking too much. But if we use Sophos, then we’ll be closer to getting justice for them. He can help us kill the one who’s actually responsible.”
Tira pulls back, her gaze hardening beneath the tears.
“Alright. But don’t expect me to go near that worm in the meantime.” She sniffs. “And when we have Caledon down in the mud, I get to watch him die.”
“Fine by me,” I say.
Most of us filter through to the kitchen. Harman catches me on my way in, giving my arm a squeeze.
“Well done,” he says.
I shake my head. “I thought you as much as anyone would argue about joining forces with a Temple insider.”
“I’ve been playing this game a long time,” he reminds me. “You’d be surprised how often pieces change sides. You have to get used to it.”
I nod my understanding and move into the kitchen. Tira is true to her word and keeps her distance, watching from the doorway.
“Hello again, Princess Morgana,” Sophos says. “It’s good to see you looking better after the last time we met.”
“No thanks to you,” Leon growls.
Sophos inclines his head. “I wish I could have done more in Qimorna, Prince Leonidas. But my hands, so to speak, were tied.” He lifts his arm up, reminding us all of the injury Leon left him with, and Leon lapses into annoyed silence.
“I can’t say it’s good to see you again, Sophos, but I hope that together we can improve things for everyone. Now, Corrin and Damia say we can trust you.” I sit down opposite Sophos stiffly, still suspicious and slightly repulsed. “But I would prefer to be as certain as possible.”
