Page 74 of Immortal Sentry

Lessa sighed. “Still the same stubborn Eron.” She graced him with a smile. “I’m glad some things haven’t changed. But know if you need anything, you have but to ask.”

“I know.” Eron took his sister’s elbow, steering her around a particularly icy-looking cobblestone patch.

“What became of Miisov’s body?” she asked.

“Ke… Lady Elzabai had her father cremated, and his ashes spread around the kingdom he’d served.”

“I wish she’d have let me attend. I wanted to show my gratitude for all he did for us.”

“I think she needed to do this alone.” Kene, no doubt, still had conflicting feelings about her father. Eron didn’t envy her, but he’d be there for her.

Lessa nodded, the rubies in her crown winking in the weak sunlight. “Like I said, stubbornness never changes.”

“I would ask a favor, though.”

“Anything.”

“If it hadn’t been for Master Anthone saving me, I’d be dead now.” Eron’s hard swallow didn’t clear the lump from his throat. “I’m told he’s buried behind the chapel. I’d like for him to receive a stone as well. I’d also like the same to be done for stablemaster Hentri. If his remains can’t be found, I’d like to build a memorial near the stables.” Both men deserved recognition for their sacrifices.

Lessa gave a curt nod. “It will be done. Would you like to know what we did to Bain and Crau?”

“No, I wouldn’t. I just regret that you’ll be separated from Dafron the Younger since Selin abdicated, and my nephew now rules Anilitk.” Hard to believe a boy scarcely older than Eron had been when Father died now ruled in his own right.

“It breaks my heart not to be with him, but we have trusted advisors, and two of Kerric’s men are serving in his personal guard.” Unshed tears glittered in her eyes. “I will miss him. But I plan to see him as often as possible.”

“I’m sure you will, and both monarchies will thrive with their newfound cooperation.”

Eron rode Rhedos down the winding road leading to the woods, gazing up at the castle in the moonlight and pulling his cloak tighter. The heavy clouds would soon drop more snow over the ramparts. He imagined a line of gargoyles covered in snow, shivering at the thought.

At least the snow wasn’t as bad as in Dillane, where some in the higher elevations were homebound for days on end, unable to travel roads buried thigh-deep or deeper under snow.

An owl hooted nearby while the wind sighed through the trees, the perfect night for hunting.

Only now, thanks to Queen Lessa’s decree, Eron no longer hunted wealth to take away from pompous lordlings. Now, he rode the paths he’d learned from Kene, watching for those who shouldn’t be here. So far, he’d thwarted two bands of outlaws intent on the castle. Seemed word got around about the new queen, and some believed a queen couldn’t be nearly as effective as a king at keeping the peace.

She’d show them. Already she’d set her house in order, though she didn’t kill off all suspected of being loyal to Bain. If they begged for crumbs at the former king’s table, they had no power of their own. While Lessa didn’t exactly shun them, all at court knew who’d fallen from favor.

A few who’d failed to repent had been dealt with. She’d not allow malcontents to ruin what her family worked so hard to build. Eron had made the right choice.

The thud of a horse’s hooves sounded behind Eron a few moments before Kerric pulled up alongside. The moonlight kissed his features, turning his hair to burnished silver.

Though dressed as a royal guard, Kerric wore an Ibrus talisman from a cord around his neck—a gift from Queen Lessa herself to replace the one stolen after the battle that killed Eron’s father and brother.

“Quiet night,” Kerric said. “It seems word has spread that Queen Lessa is no easy conquest. Speaking of conquests, how many marriage proposals did she receive today?”

“Six by the time we met for midday meal.” Eron shrugged. “She’s probably received more since then.”

“Think she’ll ever remarry?”

“Doubtful.” Lessa's experience with marriage left her with no desire to repeat the ritual, and she had allies aplenty without tying herself to another.

Kerric and Eron sat on their horses for a few moments before Kerric asked, “What now?”

Eron had been afraid he’d ask, for this conversation could change the course of a future he hoped they’d spend together. No going back now. “I’m no longer needed here. As Kene is renewing her study of magic to prepare for becoming a royal mage, I’ll spend more time running the affairs of her estate. I’m told that as long as she makes no soul debts, magic won’t age her as it did Miisov.”

“Oh, I see,” Kerric said flatly.

“What are your plans?”

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