Page 51 of Shadows of Light
“Good day, Queen Banba,” Lexi greeted. “What has brought you to Dragonia today?”
When Banba glanced at her dragons, Lexi stiffened a little, and a powerful wave of protective urges descended over her. She was connected to these dragons, cared for them, and wouldn’t let anyone attack them, even if they did play a role in the demise of the giant king.
The dragons had only done what the Lord ordered them to do, but she could understand if the queen still possessed animosity for them. It would be nearly impossible for the woman not to hate the creatures that helped bring about the death of her husband and her own tortured imprisonment.
“They no longer obey the Lord’s commands,” Lexi said.
“Do they obey yours?”
“They do, but I would never order them to be unnecessarily cruel to others. The throne won’t corrupt me like that. I’m sorry for your loss and can understand if you’re angry with them, but they had no choice. They were as chained by the Lord as you.”
Banba winced a little before bowing her head. “He was a good man and an outstanding husband.” Then she met Lexi’s gaze again. “You say the throne won’t corrupt you like it did the others who ruled before you, but you don’t know what power and the throne will do to you as the years pass.”
“I am an arach; the throne won’t make me crazy like it did those who didn’t belong on it.”
“But a thirst for power drove your ancestors to kill each other; isn’t that a form of crazy?”
Lexi gave a small, humorless laugh. “I’ve thought the same thing about them and worried about it too, but Iwon’tbe like them. Of course, I can’t guarantee anything in this world, and neither can you.
“Icanpromise always to do my best as a ruler, be fair, and I won’t force the dragons to enslave, torture, and kill those who don’t deserve it. They won’t ever have to do anything they don’t agree to again. I expect disagreements, and I hope others disagree with me, as long as they’re peaceful about it and don’t threaten my loved ones or me.
“I will listen to all those who disagree with me, and if I find they’re right and I’m wrong, I’ll acknowledge it. I won’t terrorize or torture any who live in the realms; Icanpromise that.”
“For now.”
“For now and the foreseeable future.”
“I hope you’re correct. I hope these thingsdohappen as you claim, but if they don’t, youwillhave an enemy in the giants.”
“I wouldn’t expect anything else, but the same goes for you. If I discover that you’re plotting to take over the throne and this realm, you’ll have an enemy of the dragons and me.”
“Agreed,” Banba said. “And what of the Reaver?”
When Lexi stiffened a little, a couple of the dragons behind her crept closer. “What of him?”
“What do you plan to do about him?”
“Unlike the dragons, I havenocontrol over the Reaver.”
Well, she might, but she had no idea how to exert it. This wasn’t the time to let herself fall down that rabbit hole of doubt.
“Do you plan to continue to let him wander free? He is taking out your enemies, but what if he turns on the realms like he’s prophesized to do?”
“Only if I die, and I plan to be here for many more years.”
“There is no guarantee of that, and after seeing what the Reaver can do, I believe he could kill us all if incensed enough. Your death would ensure it.”
“Then, perhaps, you should help ensure I live.”
The queen smiled as she bowed her head. “That would be a wise choice, Your Highness. And one the giants will take.”
Lexi didn’t reply as she studied the woman. The queen sounded sincere, but there were few she trusted anymore.
“Now that we’ve finished with the niceties, I thank you for allowing Gibborim to free me. You had no way of knowing if you would unleash an enemy upon your realm when you did so. I also came to speak with you and, if I liked what I heard, to swear fealty to you and Dragonia.”
“Have you liked what you heard?”
“I approve of your actions and words. Only a fool would promise never to change and not become corrupted by time, circumstances, losses, and greed. You’re not a fool… at least not yet.”
