Page 125 of War Queen
“Thank you,” she said softly as they stepped inside.
Mikael waved out Serene and closed the door behind her.
She pushed out another breath. “I just… I can’t even think about the regency right now.”
He pulled her close and gently smoothed her hair back over her shoulder. Hesitation sat on his lips. “Salara,” he said softly, “I don’t think the North needs a regent.”
It was true the collective council could look after Mercia. She could take her time to make a decision. That made her feel a little better.
“Not if her queen is here,” he added.
She stopped. “What?” What was that supposed to mean?
He clasped her hands in his and held them to his chest. “Salara. Your place is here now.”
She shook her head. Was he serious? “No, it’s not. My place is in Kharav.”
“You’re the North Queen.”
“I’m salara!” She pulled her hands from his. “I’m going back to Kharav with you.”
Pain etched across his brow. His lips parted, but he paused before saying, “I’m not going back to Kharav again.”
The finality of his words shook her. She couldn’t speak.
His eyes were heavy with his own emotion. “You and I both know my fate. You must be prepared… to rule alone. And you should be here. Whatever is left of the Kharavian army, if Kharav still stands at the end of all this—”
“Stop.” She shook her head.
“Listen to me—”
“No.”
“Salara,” he pressed.
“No!”
He clutched her firmly by the arms. “Listen!”
Tears streamed down her cheeks as she quieted.
Mikael brought his hand up to her face and held her to look at him. “When I fall, it’s likely Kharav will as well. Even if it doesn’t, it won’t be safe for you there.”
“I’m not marrying Soren—”
“I’m not asking you to again.”
He dropped his head for a moment and then looked back at her. “Soren will stay in the North. With you. What’s left of the army will follow him and add to your defenses. With Soren and Adrian and Caspian, and this king of Aleon, you’ll have most of what you need.”
But that wasn’t what she needed.
“But you have to stay in the North,” he said. “Do you understand?”
No.
“I know you’re a strong queen, the strongest there’s ever been. And you’ll stay strong. Here.” He clutched her tighter. “Promise me.”
She wouldn’t.
