Page 121 of A Shattered Kingdom of Steel

But this time, I flat out refused.

“You need me here, helping you navigate this threat,” I told him, point blank. “If Tanyl has the ability to summon multiple crepulnai at once, then we’ll need to be ready for battle. As of right now, our only understanding of their weaknesses come from the wars against the Old Gods and their Banishment.”

Viridian stroked his chin. “And aside from their resistance to common magic and weaponry, there isn’t much written about them.”

“Precisely. The wars were suicide missions until the tide turned. Not enough soldiers survived long enough to write about them, never mind the crepulnai,” I said. “Besides, you’ll need my expertise to translate whatever we learn into a war strategy the Guard will understand. Knowing the crepulnai’s weaknesses are worthless if we can’t effectively weaponize them.”

“Very well,” Viridian finally agreed. “But if you’re going to stay and advise me, you’ll need to take on a position dedicated to your research and strategizing. As my military advisor and highest ranking official, with a seat on the High King’s council.”

“Sure, of course, whatever you want to call it,” I’d agreed, waving him off.

His idea had been to give me a fancy new title and position. More than simply a counselor on defense strategy, my new role as the High Commander would be two-fold: I’d have direct oversight of the High King’s Guard as its highest-ranking officer, while Sura carried on with her typical duties as captain, and I’d serve as Viridian’s military advisor, counseling him and the council on potential threats to the kingdom, and offering my advice on how best to defend against them.

All that, I was fine with.

What I was not fine with was Viridian’s suggestion to have an elaborate ceremony to officially grant me said position.

And much to my dismay, Asheros was pleased by the idea.

“Come now, Bladesinger,” he’d said. “This is an opportunity for Viridian, and the kingdom as a whole, to honor and recognize you for all you’ve done.” He’d given me that look, the one he makes when he thinks I’m being stubborn for no good reason. “Will you at least consider it?”

“Fine, I’ll consider it.” I waited a moment before shooting back at him, “The answer is still absolutely not.”

He’d laughed, and merely shook his head. “You really are something, Bladesinger.”

That was twelve days ago.

Now, he sits up in our bed, his hair falling in front of his eyes. “A shame you have to cover up for your meeting.”

“It is quite a shame for you,” I tease, making my way to the bed and pressing a kiss to his lips. “Don’t miss me too much while I’m gone.”

He flashes me that wicked grin. “I’m sure I’ll find a way to amuse myself.”

Shaking my head, I stride through the doorway and head for the throne room, where Viridian waits for me.

As I make my way through the halls, servants bow their heads to me, saying, “High Commander,” by way of greeting.

Though it’s been more than a week since Viridian created and appointed me to the position, I’m still not used to it.

When I reach the throne room, Viridian is standing with his arms crossed. The moment he sees me, he lets them fall to his sides.

“Lymseia,” he says. “Good. You’re here.”

“I’m here,” I say, with a nod.

“How has the crepulnai research progressed?” he asks.

“Not as well as I’d like,” I admit, shifting my weight. “But we’ve learned something. It seems the last Pelleveron queen was influential in weakening the crepulnai at the battle of Lothaes. It’s unclear what it was she did to turn the tide of the battle, but there must be a way we can recreate it.”

“That’s good to hear, then,” Viridian muses, though the tension working at his mouth doesn’t lessen. “How do you plan to move forward?”

Opening my mouth, I’m about to answer when the doors to the throne room open. Two figures stand in the entry.

My eyes widen, mouth agape. “Myrdin?”

Elation rises into my chest, and I don’t stop myself from crossing the room to greet him.

Myrdin grins at me, no doubt sharing my sentiment. “Lymseia. You have no idea how happy I am to see you.”

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