Page 161 of The Starlight Savior
You need to be passionate about something, his father had demanded, or you’ll burn with the rest of the weaklings. How am I supposed to have a coward as a son on the council?
Well here Conor was, finally passionate.
“You’ve made wise points this evening, son,” the general said.
Sebastien met Conor with a small nod. He had said the right things, provided the right evidence. His father was cruel, but logical. The blood bond was the only thing that showed clear proof that Saige had not acted in the interest of herself, but Opela.
The only thing that drove Tiranos back with their tail between their legs.
“On behalf of King Vospella of Etrane, Saige Nerestel is pardoned of her crimes. Despite going against exact orders of the king and his council, she consistently sacrificed herself for the wellbeing of Opela.” His father took a step towards Conor. “But it is your duty, son, to make sure that nothing like this ever happens again. She will obey her orders, work peacefully with the court, and keep to herself as best as possible. We cannot risk war. Not now.”
Conor had no choice but to agree. The idea of Saige being his orders and duty left a metallic taste in his mouth.
“Do you accept?”
“Yes. You know I do.”
The crowd broke into cheers, as if the last handful of hours had never happened. As if they hadn’t been trying to kill her moments ago.
He wanted to slaughter every being who threatened her life.
He held Saige tight to his chest instead. She did not stir. No emotions came flooding through the spirit line. Her breath and heartbeat were finally regulated, and if that is what he could be grateful for, then so be it.
With Saige being pardoned, the armies worked furiously at the next steps. The mortals spoke of rations, how they could utilize the land closest to the river again, and whether there was risk of returning mist.
His father spoke to his wielders and Sebastien about sending out patrol parties to survey the uninhabitable land. Going as far as Tiranos to inspect any damage. To see if Saige’s magic had actually worked.
He hoped it did.
There was no way to be sure unless they directly inspected every corner of impacted Opela.
Niana knelt beside Conor. His legs had begun to fall asleep, but he didn’t mind. The heavy weight of her against his body was comforting. Knowing that she was okay and alive. There was no longer the risk of three kingdoms fighting over her, ripping her apart.
“We need to get her back to Etrane,” Niana said softly, “to see a more qualified healer.”
Conor nodded, knowing it was the most logical move. But he didn’t know how to begin the next step. He didn’t want to let go of her, didn’t want to leave the patch of flowers that grew from the very heart of her soul.
“I can carry her,” Baron said. “Althea will grab any stuff she has at Judith’s, and in the…” He paused. “She said she didn’t stay there…where was she staying?”
“There was a space behind her caregiver’s home,” Conor explained, hands shaking. He could not let go. “She said it’s hidden by trees.”
“I don’t mind digging around a bit,” Althea said with a shrug.
Baron reached his arms out to grab ahold of her, but Conor flinched. He felt empty as Saige’s body was lifted. Her head lolled to the side, but Baron adjusted her to where it rested on his shoulder. He ignored the plea in his brain that it should be him clutching her.
“Our horses are still there. We better get going,” Baron murmured.
“We?” Conor gaped.
“We’re not staying in Brevil,” Althea said with a shake of her head. “We’re coming with you to Etrane.”
He had no words. Conor expected them to go back to whatever life they lived in Brevil, healing ungrateful mortals and fighting for an ignorant king.
“I have no place in the army,” Baron continued. “They know where I stand now.”
“What will you do in Etrane?” Conor didn’t remember the last time he saw a mortal in the storm kingdom.
“We’ll figure it out,” Althea said with a shrug as they parted through the crowd. Blood rushed in his ears, drowning out the sound of schemes and plans building from both kingdoms.
