Page 70 of Crown of Iron
“Don't. Don't say it. I know. I should have a limit to what I would do for him.” I shake my head, walking away from the fireplace to the double doors leading to the balcony. Wrapping my arms around my waist, I concentrate on the orange, pink, and purple of the early morning sky. I wish I was like the sun, my path clear no matter the clouds or the wind or the tilt of the earth. I'd rise and fall every day and no one would fault me.
My voice of reason doesn't see an ounce of practicality in my plan. And my champion—the man who will stop at nothing to save my father—has met his limit. Not even the knowledge that the very stonedraining my father is the same one that caused Kyron so much pain can make him budge. I have no choice but to stand idle and bear the guilt that I couldn’t save my father without risking my people.
Running the back of my hand over my eyes, I say, “I'm sentencing him to death.”
I catch Kyron's reflection in the glass as he shoves his hands in his pockets and paces the length of my sitting room. “We will find another way,” he says.
It's clear by the tone of his voice that he believes his words are true, but I can't stop the scoff from escaping my lips. “I don't see how. Her army is stronger, and she holds all the cards in this game. It feels like we have to fold before we've ever placed a bet.”
Leif and Kyron exchange mumbled words, and Leif walks to the door. Before he walks out, he says, “Just get some sleep, Elle. You've had a long night. We can figure it out later when we all have clear heads.”
Keeping my eyes on the horizon, I purse my lips and nod.
The door closes and slow footsteps move in my direction. “I'm sorry I raised my voice. It was uncalled for, and I let my emotions get the better of me. I understand how important Abrum is to you, but you’re just as important. And not just to this kingdom, but to him and to me. I won't let you risk yourself. And I know Abrum wouldn't want that either, Raelle.”
“Thank you for your input, General. I'll take it into consideration.”
He places his hand on my shoulder and guides me around to face him. “Don't do that. Don't put on the queen facade with me.”
“It's not a facade; it's who I am. And I'm always going to fight for what is right, and this is a just cause. She has taken enough from our people; she can't have him too.”
Kyron watches our fingers as he laces them together and runs his thumb over my betrothal ring. I hate the hurt in his eyes and the way his throat bobs as he swallows past the pain. If it’s not a war keeping us apart, it will be duty. And duty will give way to sacrifice. Every sacrifice will take a piece of him and me until nothing is left. It's hopeless. Everything between us is so fucking hopeless.
He clears his throat and says, “I see you. I believe in your cause, and I'll fight for it, fight for you to the death.” He raises his gaze to mine. “I may not be able to place a symbol of my adoration for you on your finger, but I can make you a promise. I'll stop at nothing to bring Abrum home. Youwon't go alone; I'll always follow.”
“Kyron, if you are caught?—”
“I know what I'm risking, and the sacrifice I’ll make is insignificant compared to the one you make every day.” He cups my cheeks and wipes away my tears before they trail down my face. “I'll need a couple of days to put a solid plan together. We'll do this together in a way that ensures you don't have to give away another piece of your soul.”
“Kyron.”
He holds my cheeks with steady hands and my eyes with a dark searing gaze. “My mind is made up, princess. You're not the only one who can be stubborn.”
“All right.” That's all it takes to let in cool, refreshing relief. I've never been in this fight alone, but I always felt the responsibility of leading it. The burden is no longer mine to bear alone. I have a partner, a general to lead my war.
“Now it's time to sleep,” he says, taking my hand and leading me to my room.
As he pulls back the sheets on my elevated four-poster bed, I remove my robe and settle under the plush blankets. He leans in, gently kisses me, and steps away. I grab his hand before he can leave.
After everything I've learned about the Sacred Gifts of the Statera, Esmeray, and myself, I can't stand the thought of being alone. I fear all those thoughts consuming me before I fall asleep. Not only is my body exhausted, so is my heart and spirit. I need Kyron to ground me with his strength and let me find comfort in his arms. Only his presence can refuel me.
“Please stay,” I say.
He glances around my room, and when his eyes return to me, he nods and removes his jacket and boots. I lift the blankets, and he crawls under and pulls me against him. Our arms and legs tangle, and I nestle my face against his chest. I take a deep breath and bask in his scent. His warmth and power engulf me and help me surrender to my fatigue, knowing when I wake, there will be new challenges to overcome.
Twenty-Five
“Your Grace,” says a muffled voice behind my bedroom door, followed by firm knocking.
I furrow my brow and huff, ready to tell the maid to go away when images from early this morning flash in my mind. My eyes spring open and I roll around in my bed. “Kyron?” I touch the cold sheets next to me and look around the room.
He is gone, and a folded note sits on the pillow.
Sorry to leave without saying goodbye, but you were sleeping soundly, and I didn't think it wise for the king to find me in bed with his charming goddaughter. I happen to like my bits and pieces just as they are.
Perhaps later today, I can take you up on your offer to “help me find a wife.”
Kyron
