Page 39 of The Promise Born
“Get her out of here, now.” Eivek directed Uradis. “It’s no longer safe for her here.”
I looked at Asante, and as much as I wanted to stay, I knew his uncle was right. It wasn’t safe for me there. Domin would have his people after me and he would do everything in his power to convince the others of my guilt.
With no goodbye, I followed Uradis out of the room. She led me directly outside the building. I couldn’t help but look over my shoulder to see if we were being followed, but there was no one. Apparently, Domin hadn’t had time to get anyone on his side before he approached me.
“You don’t believe him?” I asked Uradis as we stepped outside.
“Of course not.” She scoffed. “Domin hasn’t liked you since the moment you met. And if you ask me, he’s the one with something to hide.”
“What?”
Uradis looked like she had let too much slip. “Look, regardless of how I feel. It's best you leave.”
“Seriously?”
“Yes, Domin has a powerful voice around here. If we want to keep the peace, you need to go while we figure out what really happened here.”
“Okay, I will.”
“Kiala?”
“Mom?” I turned to the woman who shared my features and couldn’t help the smile that lifted the corners of my lips. I’d missed her more than I thought.
“We’re leaving. Please, come home with us.” My father spoke up, his voice trembling with nervousness.
“What? I thought you would hate me. How can you ask me to come home now?”
My mother ran to me and wrapped me in a hug so tight I could barely breathe. “Oh, my sweet baby.”
Confused thoughts flooded my mind. This wasn’t the reaction I expected. “How can you hug me after what I did?”
“You’re my child. What else would I do?” she tightened her hold. “I’m just so glad you’re okay.”
“I’m sorry.” I buried my face in her shoulder and sobbed.
“We’ll talk about this later. For now, let's just go home.”
I took one last look back at the door where Uradis stood. She smiled, happy for me even when I wasn’t sure I was. After a small wave, I turned away from her and followed my parents to the stagnant dragons that would carry us home. I forced the thoughts of Asante out of my head as I prepared to face the people I’d betrayed when I ran away.
Chapter 13
Frostspirewelcomedmehomewith open arms. Instead of shame, they met me with fanfare. Just days after my arrival a celebration was thrown to honor my return. Quickly, I realized my mother had spun the story of my absence. I wasn’t the daughter who ran away. I was the daughter who lost her way. Part of me wanted to correct the narrative, but I understood why it was necessary. Our internal family issues didn’t need to be shared with the world. The royal family needed to look strong.
Especially with the growing threat from the trolls. During the days since I had returned home, my parents filled me in on everything. Trolls were making an impact, threatening both sides. My father clarified that I could never continue my relationship with Asante. Not if I wanted there to be peace between the sides. And we needed the treaty to work if we wanted to survive the onslaught the trolls were clearly planning.
“Are you sure about this?” my father asked. “Once we announce it, we cannot take it back.”
“I don’t want to be queen.” Once again, I declared my true desires. “I didn’t before, and nothing has changed. It’s not my intention to return and step back into a life I never wanted.”
“Are you sure?” My sister entered the room behind me. “This is your birthright as the Promise Born.”
I recognized that look on her face. She was poised to say the right thing, but the tightness around her full lips told the truth. My sister wanted me home, but she didn’t want me to take over. How hard has she worked to fill my place since I left? How difficult was it to do, mourning a sister while being thrust into that responsibility? Regardless, she’d handled it with grace, like a true queen. Like the queen she was meant to be.
“Leah, be honest with me.” I turned to my sister, because the conversation affected not only me. “You’ve always wanted this, right?”
My sister took a deep breath, collecting herself before responding. She glanced at our parent then back at me. “Yes.” The smile lifted the corner of her lips. “I’ve always wanted this but I was okay with it being you. I trusted you. And even after what you did, I still do. If you want to take your place, I will step aside and allow it. But if you’re asking me what I want, it is to rule.”
“And you look amazing in this role.” I walked over to her and grabbed her hands in mine, tears ready to fall from my eyes. My voice choked as I continued. “Far better than I ever did. Besides, you’re going to be married soon. Focus on that, focus on your plans. I’m here, but this is your destiny, not mine.”
