The council members nod, their body language seeming to agree with Hector’s words. Though, I wonder if they inwardly smolder at the thought of a woman on their council. Especially a Kyanite woman.
My thoughts shift to Kassandra and everything she had suffered. If only I had a voice, then. If only I had been able to stop what happened to her. Then, I think about all those women in Kyanite land, the ones shunned by their husbands and cast aside.
“Cenric,” Hector turns to his cousin. “I am appointing you as guardian of Karra. It’s your duty to know every guard and every position they patrol.”
“I will,” Cenric says with determination.
Somehow, I don’t doubt his words.
Hector looks at Luc. “You will continue overseeing the army. Not a single legion will be deployed without your consent.”
Luc nods.
“Kheldar, you have done an excellent job with Karra. I want you to continue being the face of leadership and authority here. The people respect you.”
“Thank you. I will,” Kheldar says, the esteem for Hector evident in his voice.
It still surprises me that Hector has a brother. I study him, noticing the hint of a smile on his lips, and his eyes gleaming with intelligence.
As Hector continues to talk, I think about the role he wants me to play. A part of me rebels at the thought of sitting here. The other part knows I can help women in a way I have never been able to before.
But I wonder if I am qualified for this position. I am not a warrior like Cenric, nor am I a strategist like Luc.
I am just a woman who has survived and endured.Then again, perhaps that is exactly what is needed. Someone who understands the struggles of the common people, particularly the women, who are often overlooked and mistreated.
After everyone leaves, and I am alone with Hector, my mind races with doubt. What if I’m not capable enough to help the women? What if they prefer a Bloodstone woman to speak to?
“Would Everly not be a better choice?”
Hector stands and moves to a nearby shelf with a jar of wine and goblets. He pours two, brings them to the table, and sets them down near me.
He settles in his chair and meets my stare. “For what?”
“The council.”
“She wouldn’t. You are the right choice, Sol.”
“How can you be certain?” Doubt festers inside me. “I’m Kyanite.”And I don’t plan to stay.The thought pierces my chest like a hot knife.
Every day I spend with Hector, that reality hurts a little more. That truth I cannot escape.
“Yes, and you’re my wife. The people need to see you in an active role.”
A thousand excuses assault me. A thousand reasons why it shouldn’t be me. Yet, every time I think of telling Hector I cannot do this, I see Kassandra. I feel her pain.
She just wanted to be happy.
“Will I need to confer with you after every meeting with the women?”
Hector shakes his head. “No. Use your wisdom and judgement. And anytime you feel the need to include me, then come to me.”
Hector must really trust me, or he wouldn’t have placed me in this role. The thought both scares and intimidates me.
Needing a change of subject, I shift the topic to Edvard. “Yesterday I went to visit Edvard, but the nursemaid didn’t answer her door.”
“Edvard is with Praxis.”
My heart leaps for joy at those words. “That’s wonderful.”
