Page 64 of The Arrow and the Alder

Seph sighed and started pacing.

“I know it isn’t what you’d hoped,” Abecka continued, “but at least this way, you have a choice as to whether or not you wish to assume your rightful role as Light’s heir. You may stay here as an honored guest as long as you like, or you may leave at first light with three of my best warriors.”

Abecka’s sacrifice and generosity was not lost on Seph, and while Seph felt an immense wave of gratitude, this still didn’t solve her immediate problem. She would be close to the Rift—yes—but she would still be onthisside of it. In Canna, waiting and praying to the saints that they’d design an opening safe enough for her to slip through and into mortal lands.

Assuming that opening ever came.

It was highly possible she’d be waiting till the war ended.

“I would prefer to see you stay, as my heir,” Abecka added quietly. “You are light to a people who haven’t dared dream to see their kingdom restored. They look at you and they see a way forward, Josephine. They see hope, though Alder doesn’t agree with me?—”

Seph stopped pacing and looked straight at the enchantress. “Alder wants me toleave?”

Abecka considered her before continuing. “Alder is the one who insisted that I give you the choice. That it’s unfair to demand this of you.”

Well.

Seph hadn’t expected that, and she did not have a response for it.

Abecka continued, “If you choose to go and wait it out, I will do everything in my power to keep you protected from the rest of Canna. My enchantments will not be perfectly invulnerable, of course, but it will be the best that I can give you.”

Seph studied the enchantress—her great-grandmother. “Why would you do that for me?”

“Because Alder is right.” Abecka’s gaze moved over Seph’s face, but Seph suspected she was remembering someone else. “And while I will not force you to stay, please understand that I want you here, with your kin. Withme. I believe our people need you and your…humanity.”

Seph did not miss Abecka’s choice of words. It was a lack of humanity that had plunged Canna into despair in the first place.

Seph inhaled deeply and looked to the window, at the waterfall beyond. “And…what happens if I stay here, in Velentis, with you?”

“Well, as I said, you may remain as my honored guest for as long as you like.”

“Which is complicated since everyone here already knows who I am.”

Abecka didn’t deny it. “Oryou claim your rightful position as Jakobián’s heir, learn to connect with and use youreloitto its full potential, and help us fight to end this war.”

Fight to end this war.

Wasn’t that what Seph had wanted? To fight on the front lines with her papa and brothers, and help them put an end to this war once and for all? To put an end to theirsuffering? So that men like the baron and Massie could not use it to keep taking?

Seph also hadn’t considered thatshemight possesseloit.The idea intrigued her. If it were true, she’d have supernatural power to help right the wrongs she’d been powerless to right before.

Seph resumed pacing again.

“I also hear you’re an excellent shot with a bow,” Abecka continued, “and that is no small praise coming from the prince of Weald.”

Seph loathed how Alder’s praise warmed her heart. She stopped pacing and looked to the enchantress. “He said that?”

“He did.” A beat. “He also said you’re a soothsayer.”

Seph’s jaw fell slack. So hedidtell them, but he’d waited until she was gone! That selfish piece of?—

“Don’t be alarmed,” Abecka continued. “He told me in complete confidence. No one else knows.”

“It’s still none of his business.”

“Then perhaps you shouldn’t have told him.” There was a knowing look in Abecka’s eyes that Seph decided she didn’t like very much. “Perhaps it might help you to know that theonlyreason he mentioned it was because I shared with him a dream I keep having.”

These words were water over the coals of Seph’s anger. She held the enchantress’s gaze as she said, with growing apprehension, “Go on.”

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