Page 85 of Forged in Flame and Shadow

“I know,” he says, waving his hand dismissively. I examine his face, always so calm and stately. Somehow, he even made the process of dying look dignified. It still feels like a miracle to know that he’s well again. I only just got Fairon back—I can’t leave without talking to him first.

“Ana made her decision,” I say.

“She’s going after her aunt?”

I nod.

“Yes,” Fairon says, not sounding surprised at all, “she doesn’t seem the type to blindly do as she’s told.”

“You can say that again.” I’ve lost count of all the times that woman has infuriated me with her stubbornness.

“Does she know what she’s going to do after that?” he asks, his voice artificially casual. “Once Oclanna is dead, there’ll be no going back. Things will change in Tiearland, for better or for worse. Is she prepared to shape what comes next?”

I deliberately haven’t questioned Ana on the subject. I suspect she doesn’t have an answer yet, and I don’t want to push herto have one before she’s ready. I’ve already pushed her into too many things.

“I think she needs more time to decide what she wants,” I say.

I sit down beside Fairon, choosing my next words. Some might consider it a risk, telling him our plan. My grandfather likes him partly because Fairon has always been loyal to him, or at least managed to make it appear that way. He’s a bit like our father like that. He comes at problems sideways, never head-on, playing the diplomat as he does it. But I know I can trust him with this.

“But I can help her with that decision when the time comes. Because I’m going with her,” I say. “Tonight.”

“Before the king can get wind of it and order you to stay,” Fairon guesses.

“Yes. But I have to go. It was part of the deal I made with Ana in return for healing you. And even if I hadn’t agreed to it, she needs my help. Trova is a very dangerous place for her right now.”

“That makes sense,” Fairon says, neutrally.

“I don’t like leaving you so soon, not when you’ve only just gotten better, but you understand my hands are tied,” I say.

“You mustn’t worry about that, Leonidas. You’ve been carrying the weight of the heir title for the last few years all on your own, and I know what kind of burden that must’ve been. It’s time I take some of that weight off your shoulders. I’m strong enough. I must be, with the rate these healers are pouring all sorts of vile potions down my throat,” he adds with a smile.

“Thank the gods,” I say, following his lead and grinning back, trying to break some of the tension. “I was doing a terrible job of filling your shoes.”

“It couldn’t have been that bad,” Fairon says.

“That bad? Fairon, I went on a diplomatic mission to Trova that ended with two dead royals and a kidnapped princess.”

“I heard. These things happen,” he says wryly.

He’s being kind, but Fairon knows as well as I do that fighting and killing has always been my forte, not political maneuvering. It’s why Ana’s come so close to serious harm several times since we arrived at this damn court. A direct threat I can handle, but I’m useless against all the sneaky trickery of my grandfather and his minions.

“It makes sense for me to go with Ana,” I continue. “I can protect her out there, much better than I can here.”

There’s a pause, and I sense Fairon is building up to something.

“Leonidas, this thing between you and the princess…you know it must come to an end eventually.”

I stand, swallowing hard against the instant denial I feel in response to his words.

“You said you understood why I needed to go with her,” I say, trying to keep my voice even.

“I agree that helping her is the right thing to do. From what you’ve told me, Princess Morgana is a better ruler for Filusia’s interests than her aunt, and I believe you can guide her safely towards that path. But that’s precisely my point. Your focus should be on what’s best for your people and your nation.”

I should’ve known this would be Fairon’s view. He sees us as Filusia’s protectors before anything else.

“I know my responsibilities, Fairon. Or did I not just give Filusia back its heir?” I say.

He nods, conceding my point. “And no one is more grateful for that than me,” he says. “Still, both you and the princess must put your countries before your personal desires.”

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