Page 73 of Immortal Sentry

“Lifted when I became king. But someone far wiser and better suited than I now wears the crown.” Eron practically vibrated with the need to share the news.

“Who?”

Eron couldn’t fight a smirk. “My sister.”

“But that means her oaf of a husband—”

“Her oaf of aformerhusband has no say. I dissolved her marriage before naming her queen. And Kene probably ended Selin’s miserable life.” Eron pulled Kerric in for another kiss.

Kerric stepped back. “But what of you? Where will you go? What will you do?”

Eron kept a hand on Kerric’s shoulder. “I’m Kene’s heir. I’ll return to Dillane and take my place there.”

Miisov cleared his throat loudly before Eron could resume his planned seduction. He must convince Kerric to stay with him.

Miisov, with exceptionally bad timing, approached, appearing far older and more worn than ever, leaning heavily on his staff. “I am glad I found the two of you. There’s not much time.” His breath came in labored wheezes.

“What now?” Wasn't everything set to rights? What had happened to the mage to make him look so exhausted?

“I’ve used too much magic, borne too many burdens, but I have now paid my debt for the death of my king and prince. King Lothan’s family line will continue, and the country has a fitting ruler. Prince Eron, you surprised me, but portents show that Queen Lessa will be a firm but fair ruler. All is as it should be. But now I must go.”

“Go where?” As long as it took to warm up to the old goat, now to see him leave?

“My debt is paid. My soul is released to follow Hyteus to the realm of magic.”

“What?” Eron shouted. “You’re going to end your life?”

Miisov chuckled. “My dear boy, my life ended when the castle fell. Hyteus merely kept me in this realm to complete my task. Now, please excuse me. I have one more obligation before I leave.” He placed his hands on Eron and Kerric’s heads once they complied. “Receive the blessings of Hyteus in all that you do.”

He turned and ambled away. Before Eron could call out to him, Kene stepped from the shadows, offering her arm, which Miisov took. Maybe Kene’s forgiveness had also been a requirement of Miisov’s penance.

Kerric swept Eron into his arms. “You need me in that new life as a bodyguard? To help you hunt?”

Eron shook his head. “I have an extensive list of what you can do to my body and high expectations of your success. But I just need you to be mine.”

Chapter Twenty-seven – One Season Later

Snow drifted down, dusting the covered markers on the graves of Eron’s father and brother. A Gertian priest droned on, reciting the names of all the Eritrescue rulers who’d come before, and offered blessings on the family. He stepped back after a lengthy eulogy, possibly because he’d run out of words.

Queen Lessa had chosen practical clothing that still spoke of her position but also kept her warm. She clutched a bouquet from the castle greenhouse. Her sons stood at her back. Eron stood by her side, giving her a reassuring smile.

She winked, keeping her expression solemn for the occasion.

Representatives of the neighboring kingdoms gathered around. The graves were shrouded in purple fabric, already kissed by the snow.

Lessa stepped away, turned, and addressed the assembly. “My dear friends and family. Thank you for joining me in paying tribute to my father and brother, left in unmarked graves all of these seasons.” She nodded to eight attendants, who each seizeda corner of the fabric over the graves—four at Father’s, four at Dafron’s.

They lifted the fabric at her next nod, stepping back to reveal the gravestones of King Lothan Eritrescue and Crown Prince Dafron Eritrescue. She handed flowers to her sons and to Eron, and they placed them on the graves.

Lessa stepped toward the stones last. “Thank you for all you’ve done, Father, Brother. You left us far too soon, but you will live on in our hearts and minds. I shall endeavor, as queen, to guide the people as you’ve done. May I be worthy of my family’s legacy.” She placed her flowers on the graves.

Eron would have liked to stay at the graveside for a while longer, but he had to attend his sister, showing his support for his new queen.

Two guards led the procession, followed by Eron and Lessa, with young Dafron and Eron behind them. Eron looked forward to getting to know his nephews better, though Simona had warned him not to play cards with them. Lessa apparently taught them well.

“I wish you’d accept Crau’s lands and title,” Lessa said to Eron. “As my brother, you should be a duke. I can give you another if you don’t want his title.”

Eron smiled, slowly shaking his head. “I appreciate the offer, but as I’ve done for the last roughly four hundred and sixty-one times you’ve offered, I must decline.”

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