Page 73 of Shattered Crown

Silas sank back into his chair, the weight of leadership pressing down harder than ever. They were trapped between an growing threat and an impatient ally, with time running out on all fronts.

The meeting dissolved into tense silence. Silas felt the weight of expectation pressing down on him. Everyone looked to him for answers he didn't have.

“I should answer my father's summons,” Silas said quietly, breaking the silence.

Thorne's arm tightened around him. “Are you sure?”

“No. But we need allies, resources. If there's a chance he'll provide them...”

“Then we take it,” Thorne finished. “I'll come with you.”

“You need more time to recover.”

“I recover better with you nearby.” Thorne tilted Silas's chin up. “We face this together, remember?”

Silas nodded, decision made.

* * *

Silas foundhis uncle already fully dressed, strapping on a travel cloak while Lyra tried to talk him down.

“Father, you're not required for this part,” Lyra said, clearly exasperated.

“I'm coming,” Nathaniel replied, voice calm but resolute. “I’ve spent enough time in exile. It’s time I returned to the capital as more than a name whispered in caution.”

“You really want to ride into the middle of a power struggle?” Silas asked, both surprised and impressed by the older man's resolve.

Nathaniel turned to him, eyes sharp. “Thomas needs to see my face. The court needs to know that not every Ashworth gave in to corruption. My presence alone sends a message, but my knowledge might be more important than that.”

“The risks are high,” Thorne warned.

“So is the cost of staying behind,” Nathaniel answered. “There are questions we’ve avoided for too long. The timing of your father's so-called awakening troubles me. The Shadowblight's reach may extend deeper than we think.”

“You believe my father might still be compromised?” Silas asked.

“I believe it’s possible,” Nathaniel said. “Sebastian was wounded by that same force. If we understand how it corrupted him, we might prevent others from falling the same way. I’ve spent years studying shadow corruption from afar. It’s time to use what I’ve learned.”

Lyra let out a long breath. “If you’re determined to go, I’ll make sure your supplies are in order. At least let me organize the protective wards for your carriage.”

“Thank you, daughter,” Nathaniel said, briefly softening before his gaze grew thoughtful again. “Sebastian’s transformation was no accident. The way the Shadowblight integrated into him—so smoothly, so completely—it speaks of preparation. This wasn’t just ambition. It was design.”

“What do you mean?” Silas asked.

“I mean Sebastian may have been shaped for this for years,” Nathaniel said. “Perhaps even before your exile to Thornhaven. If that’s true, we have to ask who helped him—and how far that influence spreads.”

If Sebastian's corruption had been part of a plan, then the rot in the court might go far deeper than any of them suspected.

“That makes your presence essential,” Thorne said, his voice low and steady. “You know how these games are played. You may see threats we cannot.”

“Exactly,” Nathaniel replied, retrieving a leather-bound journal from his satchel. “I’ve recorded every theory, every observation about the Shadowblight’s behavior. We can review them as we travel.”

As they modified their travel plans to include Nathaniel, Silas felt a blend of reassurance and concern. His uncle’s insight would be invaluable, but the path ahead was growing more treacherous by the hour.

Before climbing into the waiting carriage, Nathaniel pulled Silas aside. “Are you prepared for what’s coming?”

Silas nodded slowly. “As much as I can be.”

Nathaniel placed a hand on his shoulder. “Good. Because preparation is the responsibility of those who claim wisdom. I claimed much in my youth and delivered too little. That ends now.”

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