Page 61 of The Sins of Silas

We walked along the cobblestone roads, passing many smiling faces, and I found myself liking this place. I’d never traveled outside of Ames…not in my entire life. Despite everything, it was fascinating to see how other groups of people lived.

The people here beamed at Leroy, their expressions displaying no fear. Respect shone in their eyes, and he walked with humility. A far cry from the terror ruling Otacia.

How I wished my people could experience this one day. The freedom to be themselves, travel, and find homes in more than one little place.

“You mentioned you had a wife,” Silas said as we walked opposite the girls.

“I do. She doesn’t come out for the Show often.” He tilted his head back, blue eyes set on the Prince. “We have four children. Quin is the oldest, and our youngest just turned one.”

“You both have got your hands full,” Edmund commented, a pleasant smile growing on his face. “How’d you two meet?”

Leroy’s eyes sparkled as we continued onward. “She’s my childhood love. I had a crush on her when we were six years old.” He chuckled. “I didn’t admit my feelings until we were fifteen. Thank the Gods she felt the same.”

We were approaching a tailor's shop, where fine suits were exhibited in the windows. I’d never worn a suit in my life, either.

“Now, fifteen years and four children later, we are happier than ever.”

“You’re only thirty?” Silas asked, surprised.

“Yeah…why? Do I look older?”

“No,” Silas remarked. “You’re just very well established for being so young.”

Leroy gave him a grin. “I am a King, am I not?”

“A young King,” I added. “How did that happen?”

We stopped just outside the door of T & L Tailors. “We don’t grant the title of King to just anyone, but we also don’t follow the rules of keeping our leader in a royal bloodline…just a certain bloodline.”

Warlock bloodline.

“The people here have a voice. Our council picks different candidates, and the people decide who they want to rule. I’ve been King for five years now, and every three years, we vote.” He shrugged. “The same goes for the council. It’s the only way we can ensure our safety…staying within the bloodline. I hope one day it won’t be so.”

He pushed open the windowed door, a bell chiming from above as we strolled in.

“Ah, Leroy! What brings you in?” a male voice called out.

A dark-skinned man with wine-red hair appeared, striding up and giving a brotherly hug to the Warlock. His warm brown eyes skimmed over our group as he pulled away.

It was so bizarre how comfortable everyone was with their King. Even our villagers were a little nervous around our Supreme from time to time.

“I need some suits for my guys here for tonight’s show.”

A woman with qualities similar to the man before us popped out from the back somewhere. Her big blue eyes skimmed over all of us in surprise. She appeared to be around our age.

“Sure thing. Let me measure you guys, and I’ll see what I can find that fits. Taira here—” The man nodded his head toward the woman. “She can make small alterations if needed.”

Taira tucked her long, silky hair behind her ear. Not pointed…but perhaps she was another Warlock hiding. “I’d be happy to help.”

Leroy grinned at her. “Taira, meet Merrick.” He pointed his thumb to me. “He’s a Mage like you.”

My eyes shot open, flitting between her and Leroy. The whites of her eyes were visible as she gaped at him, then at me.

“Leroy,” she hissed, her eyes going to Silas. “What are you—”

“We have a lot to catch up on,” he said, chuckling at her panic.

“You have a Mage here?” The red-haired man asked incredulously, his eyes darting around to make sure no one heard.

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