Page 5 of An Archer's Redemption

The King and Queen were dead, Justin was dead, Jess was on the run, and Kendall was too young to rule. Bril and Marks were either dead or retreating with whatever was left of their army. The other Ministers were too weak to guide a nation.

What a disaster.

A sudden thought bloomed, and my feet stilled.

In the absence of the monarch, theHigh Chancellorreigns.

Until a new monarch could be installed,Iwas the de facto ruler of the Kingdom of Spires.

Given the disorderly state of the Kingdom’s government, a royal selection and coronation could take months—or longer.

Steward Danai Thorn. That sounds better than High Chancellor.

Then doubts crept in.

It has never been a Mage’s place to rule.

We advise and guide but never rule.

A voice deep within scolded me for my self-doubt. I counseled dozens of rulers throughout my long life.

Who could have more experience, knowledge, or wisdom?

I savored the sweetness of that thought for a long moment before swallowing it whole.

Yes, Ishouldlead.

As images ofmycoronation flooded my mind, I could not halt the vision of Irina striding through the Palace to wrest the crown from my grasp. I knew it was my mind playing tricks, making me doubt, but I could not stop the thrill of her touch.

In that moment, I knew the first thing I had to do.

With a thought, I vanished from the mountainside and appeared before two golden-bronze doors.

Chapter 3

Declan

Istared out at the island landscape, my feet dangling over the edge of the cliff. Ayden’s shoulder pressed into mine. His thumb rubbed the back of my hand as he held it.

His warmth offered comfort and peace.

The last time I sat on that ledge, Órla had been by my side, chiding me for my lack of progress in mastering the many facets of my magic. I smiled at the memory of her barbs, missing her perky voice more than I ever thought possible.

The island shone like a jewel.

Palm trees swayed in the wind.

The ocean crashed sapphire blue against white-gold shores.

Far below our mountain perch, villagers milled about on distant roads, hard at work, enjoying the day.

“The sunrise is incredible, isn’t it?” My mother’s voice startled me out of my musing.

Ayden’s hand squeezed mine as I turned. “This may be the most beautiful place in the world,” I replied.

“It really is,” Ayden added.

“Come back during storm season and say that.” She leaned down and kissed the top of my head, then repeated the gesture with Ayden’s fiery locks. I shot him a sideways glance, catching a smile creeping across his lips. “You may find yourself thinking something entirely different when the gods of the sea begin their fights.”

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