Page 77 of Emylia

He took a threatening step forward. “It’syourlife we’re talking about.”

“Then next time, be transparent with me. And let me help instead of sending guard dogs to protect me.”

“You li-” Suddenly, my uncle stopped. He stared at me with shock and then let out a low chuckle, rubbing a massive hand down his face, a breath of exasperation escaping him.

“You are so much like my brother, Gods rest his soul. And instead of teaching it out of you, he encouraged you to see yourself as invincible. But mark my words, lass, someday your recklessness will get someone hurt, or worse.” He opened his palms as if deciding to move on from a teenager’s angst and poor choices. “Fine, I’ll keep you informed, if you promise to do as you're told.”

I nodded, finally feeling comfortable with the agreement. But before I could utter the words, my uncle continued.

“But listen well; you want the responsibility of a warrior, aye?”

I nodded again, wondering where he was going with this. Uncle Thrainn stepped closer and stopped trying to soften his words or make himself more gentle. He leaned down so that his face was inches from mine, and he spoke without inflection, the strength in his words no longer that of a loving uncle but of a brutal commander.

“If you want to be a warrior, then you will be punished for insubordination like a warrior. You pull a stunt like that again, and disrespect my order, I will brand you myself and make sure you never touch another weapon as long as you live. Do I make myself clear?”

I swallowed, fear coating my tongue. He had never spoken to me like that. Ever. For the first time in my life, I saw him as the commander he was—the chief he was. And I realized how gentle he had been with me my entire life.

I glanced at Sebastian.

“Don’t look at him. He cannot save you.” He moved closer, stealing my air without apology. “Do I make myself clear?” he asked again.

My uncle was giving me the opportunity to be respected, if not by the town as a warrior, then by him.

I cleared my throat and met his gaze head-on, my emerald eyes unwavering, burning with sheer resolve. “Yes, you are clear.”

He took a moment to watch me closely, then nodded, stepping back. “Fine. We have scouts patrolling our perimeter tonight. I have already sent men to Mera to gather information. They should arrive back with word by morning.”

I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding. He was going to keep his end of the bargain as long as I kept mine. I could be respectful and follow the rules.

I could.

I knew I could.

“Okay, what do you want me to do?”

“Where is your bow?”

Confusion shadowed my face, but I didn’t question him. “It’s broken.”

“Can you make one yourself?”

I shook my head. My father had never taught me. He had gone over the basics, but I was more interested in the active training that involved fighting and hunting than sitting and carving.

“Fine. Once I know it’s safe, Sebastian and Maalikai will train you. They will teach you to make a bow in case you are ever separated from anyone. Until then, you will remain here, in the safety of my home or with armed guards while inside Ophelia.” A smile hitched my lips but the look on his face made it falter. “You must promise.”

I nodded enthusiastically. “What about everyone else? If anyone finds out I’ve been touching weapons and training, they’ll want retribution. I’ll be banished and branded.”

“Only guards that have sworn their fealty to me directly and have my complete trust will be allowed to watch over you. They will take this secret to their grave. Not a single word to anyone else.”

I nodded.

An exasperated sigh escaped him as he ran a hand over his face. “Times like this call for desperate measures. Let me deal with anyone who would demand your punishment.”

My heart swelled at the sentiment. Uncle Thrainn would defy every single rule to protect me—this was the uncle I knew and loved.

“Off to bed, you’ll need rest if you want to become a ‘badass warrior.’” A twitch of a smile lifted the side of his lips.

Only a second passed before I was in my uncle’s embrace, his behemoth arms wrapping around me, squeezing me in a giant hug.

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