Page 136 of The Keeper of the Kingdoms

“I like to help where I can.”

I shook my head. “I see now why Jaxus was so shocked by how things are run in the Twelve Kingdoms. Healers don’t have any outside help and are expected to do all of this work and treat an entire city of ills at the same time. Here everyone pitches in. It’s quite eye opening.”

“My brother always seems to see things that others don’t. It’s his special skill.”

“He does. He has a brilliant mind,” I said, unable to containthe feelings I had for Jaxus. “He saw me, even when I was unable to really see him. I have so many regrets over how I pushed him away at first, thinking that I could never be with a typical flyer. There is nothing typical about Jaxus. I will never underestimate him again. Nothing he does is without all due consideration, and every action is for the good of the whole. I judged him against other flyers I knew and misjudged him terribly.”

Drystan looked regretful and hung his head. “I owe you an apology, Kiera.”

I frowned. “Why so?”

“I fear I may have done the same to you.”

“Misjudged me?"

He nodded guiltily. “I was blaming you for Jaxus’ out-of-character behavior of late.”

I chuckled.

Drystan glanced over his shoulder.

“It’s safe to speak here, we have the wards in place,” I said.

“I knew he was going to try and distract the council by arguing for them to help the Twelve Kingdoms, but I never expected him to act so—not Jaxus-like. I thought it was your influence, but he has set me straight, and I wanted to apologize.”

“I appreciate that Drystan, but there is no need. The purpose of the behavior was to draw attention and shock, so you have reacted correctly. You should know it has been hard for him. Painful in fact. He loves his home and the last thing he wants is to be remembered this way, but it has served a purpose.”

“He told me you offered to stay.”

“I would. For his happiness, I would turn my back on everything that we left behind and all that still awaits us. But he would never be content knowing we could make a difference in this war and we never even tried. That’s not who he is.”

“No,” he offered me a small smile. “It’s not."

“Are you sure you wish to be a part of this? Maybe if you stayed, things would be easier for your parents?”

Drystan shook his head. “I may not be as altruistic as my brother, but I don’t sit by when I can help those who need it. I believe in him. In both of you. You can count on me. My biggest concern is how my parents will be treated after we leave.”

I nodded. “It has crossed my mind too. Do you think they will suffer for our actions?”

“I hope not. Jaxus is talking about leaving them a message for after we’ve gone. Perhaps we should make them understand that their best course of action is to denounce us. If they show they are ashamed, then they should be left alone to live quietly.”

“I pray they do.”

“Is there anyone else you will regret leaving behind?” I asked, trying to not so subtly find out if he was leaving behind anyone special.

Drystan smirked. “No one. I’m hoping you might have some friends on the outside you’ll introduce me to.”

I laughed. “How do you feel about healers? Because I’ll be honest with you, I don’t get out much. I actually live in the healer’s wing at the palace.”

“Goddess, Kiera, that will never do! Jaxus lives there with you?”

“No, he has a room in the barracks with the flyers.”

He furrowed his brow in confusion.

“When we left the capital, our relationship had not progressed to the point of cohabitation. We’ve had—let’s just say, a somewhat intense few weeks!”

“I’ll say,” he laughed. “Well, I’m happy for you both, but take my advice and find yourself a new place to live. Everyone needs some distance from their work.”

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