YOU ARE ALL IDIOTS
Itry to flee.
He refuses to allow it.
Prince Renaud herds me, forces me to remain on the field with those I've condemned to die by flame. The cries sicken me but I steel myself, realizing it's only right and honorable I bear witness. I've made this decision; the death and pain are on my head.
A blast of fire catches me in the arm and I scream, part pain, part keening war cry, as it scorches flesh not covered by armor. Strong arms whirl me out of the way, throwing up a shield that breaks the inferno.
The Prince tosses me to the ground at his feet, his eyes black. “If you rise,I will kill you.”?1
I understand obedience, I’ve simply never found a male other than my father worthy of it. Who could enforce it. This male’s worth—in terms of power—is not in question.?i
My lip peels up anyway as my fingers flex. He holds my gaze a beat, as if to be certain I won’t move. I’ll bide my time. I suppose I don't want to die gloriously after all. Or maybe it's more truthful to say I simply don't have the strength left to push to my feet. Not after hours duelinghim.
Everenne's ruler strides forward and deals with the wyverns. Watching him from my knees, whatever moisture is left in my mouth evaporates as my anger cools.
One male vanquishes two wyverns and cuts through the remaining battle like a scythe, ending it in minutes. I won't tell my House I told you so.
He, indeed, could have done this at any time. Instead he's let us rage, like a parent waiting out a toddler's tantrum then yanking the rug away when patience expires.
Lifting my hand, I gesture.
“Stand down,” Édouard bellows in the distance. “Retreat.”?2
We miscalculated,I muse.
And this,Darkan scoffs,is why none of you are Prince of Everenne. Because you are all idiots.
I’d close my eyes but I force myself to witness. This is a lesson I need to learn if my House is going to survive.
In this is also another lesson; why wedo not allow our affection for others to sway us from our purpose. There is a time to listen to counsel, and a time to keep your own. You must learn this, Aerinne. A ruler's vision must be deeper, and longer, than the cries and petty complaints of the rabble. Even,he continues in a much softer voice, his voice fading as I struggle to stay awake,if the rabble are those you value above all others.
The wild creature in me claws to the surface, fighting burnout and blood loss, but fatigue drags me under.
As soon as I close my eyes, I sink into the misty place.
I blink, turning in a slow circle. For the first time ever it isn't. . .misty. Bright sand warms my soles, my lungs inhaling the brine of a brilliant sea. My gaze catches on a tall male standing several feet away, his bare back to me.
I stiffen and step forward. A lurching step. His skin is tanned as dark as mine, but his hair is a long fall of true gold, interspersed with braids woven with shells and gold cuffs. He wears a knee length white pleated garment. . .a shendyt? I know better than to label it a skirt.
He turns. I almost go to my knees, but then I'm running towards him. Eyes the deep blue-green of calm ocean waters, flecked with driftwood brown, widen. I hurtle into my brother's arms and he catches me.
“Aerinne!”
I'm strangling him, the years since he was ripped from me a vortex yanking me right back into my 16-year-old self. In this moment I don’t want to be Lady Aerinne. I don’t want to be the unacknowledged Lord of my House in my older brother's absence. I only want to be his little sister again, the thorn in his side he refuses to dig out. I want to claw back all the time fatalimmortal politics stole along with every chance for a normal adolescence.
“Rinne, by Psion.” He detangles himself from me and stares, looking me up and down. I remember him being so tall, but. . .I'm tall now too. “Have so many years passed,” he says softly.
“Where are you, Danon? Where are you? I'll come for you. Who do I have to kill?”
There is no doubt in my mind my brother is alive. But I don't know this place. At least I don't think I do.
Something flashes across his face. “No. Don't come find me, little thorn. Stay away.”
“Have you lost your mind! Of course I'm going to come find you! Where are you? Tell me where you're at.” I'm begging. “I need you to come home. Please let me bring you home.”
He closes his eyes tight, and a sigh leaves his lips. “I can't return right now and I don't want you to come looking for me. That is an order from your Lord.”
