Page 100 of Crown of Iron
Borin stands and hugs me. “May the Statera heal your broken heart and grant you the wisdom to lead our people.”
“Thank you,” I say, basking in his warmth. “I know I don't always act as if your instruction has impacted me, but it has. There were countless moments when your teachings guided me. I don't think I would be standing here if it weren't for you.”
“It is my honor to serve you,” Borin says, stepping away and bowing his head.
Micah takes his place and cups my cheeks, tilting my face toward his. “May the Statera protect you in your travels and bring you safely home.”
I throw my arms around his neck and grip him to me. “Thank you for letting me do this. I promise to return to you and Lucent and be the ruler you hope I will be.”
“You already are, my queen.”
I pull Nortus' reins and study the fork in the dirt road. One direction leads to Basecamp, my friends, the familiar. The other way will take me beyond the Pliris border to a neutral land where the people feel like an enigma to me. One place will remind me of lost love and a bond that leaves a gaping hole in my soul. The other will busy me with prophecies and the history of my people. Both hold an equal promise and fear.
Nortus bristles and stomps his hoof.
I pat the side of his neck and say, “I know, but what if I choose the wrong way?”
He kicks his back leg, and the saddlebag resting against his thigh shakes.
Recalling what I packed in the bag, I say, “You really creep me out sometimes.”
The horse snorts.
“Okay. Okay. Let's see what great wisdom our king has to bestow upon me.” I reach into the saddlebag and pull out a journal. It’s new, the cover in pristine condition. I randomly turn to a page in the back and read what Micah wrote.
For the first time since selecting Raelle to be my heir, I question my decision. Today, she returned to us after setting out to rally her father's soldiers on a rescue mission for him. I admire her knowledge of what is right, her unwavering convictions. But the moment she walked into the room flanked by her betrothed and my nephew, I knew I had a problem.
Raelle and Leif are the best of friends. They’re a healthy match. TwoCyffreds who our people can turn to for guidance. Their romantic interest in each other is lacking, but they are pliable and will find ways to work around this and create their own happiness while serving our kingdom. Together they will show the five kingdoms that those whose powers lie dormant are also a force to be reckoned with.
I was set on edge watching her interact with Kyron. They are drawn to one another in the way I am undeniably drawn to Borin. I've tried to ignore the unease their relationship stirs in me, but I fear they are parahs. As much as I love my nephew and believe in him, I don't believe he is strong enough to turn away from the promise of a crown if he should ever discover who he is.
Raelle passionately loves those around her. If she is Kyron's parah and he were to take up his crown, I question if she can stand strong against the bond. She will need guidance beyond what I can offer to fortify her walls when faced with an all-consuming love.
I read the paragraphs again, slam the book shut, and cram it back into the saddlebag. With the answer so clearly written, I spur Nortus forward.
As the crisp wind rushes over me, it catches the tail of my cloak and rustles my hair around my face. I tell myself this will be the last time I cry for what I lost. I won’t pine for a bond I never truly got to experience in its fullest. With each tear streaking down my face, I let go of who I could have been with the one the Statera gifted me at my side.
I’ll do what’s right for my people, especially those fighting for equality. I will find a way to break the parah bond, and once I do, I’ll deliver the Cyffreds trapped in Stigian. Even if that means I have to kill the Stigian queen and the future king.
“Please, Statera, help me… and let there be a parah bond loophole,” I say into the ether.
