Page 247 of The Crown's Awakening
I reach inward with my intunar, letting it move toward him carefully. What answers me is genuine intent. And a depth of care I did not expect from something like him. A protectiveness so complete it has no agenda underneath it.
"You saved the children," I say. "Colsar trusts you." I look at him. "I cannot handle another kingdom or succession right now. But if they are ever unsafe you have our permission to take them there, provided you can show us how to reach it.”
He nods once.
"And in Veynar," I continue, "there is a role. Sometimes called anadjasar. A close friend or family member who has permission to care for the children should their parents not be available." I hold his eyes. "That can be you. For now."
The relief that moves through him is quiet and real.
"You do not take them anywhere without our permission unless there is danger," Colsar says from behind me, his voice carrying the particular finality of someone who is not asking.
"Understood," Kentan says.
I look back at the road ahead, turning it all over. I still do not fully understand his power or what Urasal is. But I know what my intunar told me and I know what he did on that mountain road with my children in his arms.
That is enough for now.
"Open your hand," he says.
I look at him. Then I open my palm.
The same faint tracing marks my skin.
I turn to Colsar. He opens his hand without being asked. The same.
"You need only think the words," Kentan says, "and its doors will open."
I close my eyes and think:Urasal.
Whispers find me immediately, soft and certain, sayingwelcome.I see light briefly. A silver chair. The smell of pine fills my lungs and then it is gone and I am back on my horse in the cold with the mountains around me.
Colsar looks at me. "Well?"
I nod.
Then I press my heels in and move ahead to where Trophi and Wyn ride at the front of the line. "Can we resume at lightpace?" I say. "This journey has lost its novelty."
Trophi laughs, low and genuine. "Yes, Queen Heir." He calls it out and the magic moves through the line of soldiers, a warmth moving through the air as the pace changes.
Colsar comes up beside me.
"How much longer?" I ask.
"Hours," he says. "Not days."
I exhale. "I think I will nap with the children. And then I wish to dress and wash properly." I glance at him. "As will you."
He looks at me. "Dressed and washed?"
"It has been a long time since Veynar has seen us," I say. "I plan on having quite an entrance." I pause. "I picked out what I wish for you to wear."
Something crosses his face that I was not expecting. He smiles.
"You don't mind?" I ask. "My desire for theatrics?"
"They walked all over you," he says, "and you return as queen." He looks at me steadily. "I wish to look even somewhat worthy of you."
Something in my chest does something unreasonable.
