Page 81 of Shattered Crown

“Brother,” he addressed Thomas, using the familial term deliberately.

Thomas stiffened, his mask slipping to reveal raw anger. “Nathaniel. You weren't scheduled until later.”

“Forgive the intrusion. I heard raised voices and thought...” Nathaniel spread his hands. “Old habits. I always tried to mediate your arguments with father.”

“Those days are long past.”

“Are they?” Nathaniel moved closer, studying Thomas with a physician's eye. “The corruption still fights you.”

“State your business,” Thomas demanded.

“My business is the same as it's always been. Protecting this family from itself.” Nathaniel's voice hardened. “You exiled me for practicing healing magic. Called it corruption, deviation from natural order. Now that same magic keeps your son alive.”

“Circumstances change. Principles remain.”

“Principles?” Nathaniel laughed bitterly. “Is that what we're calling it now?”

He turned to Silas. “Has he told you why he really banished me? The actual reason, not the official charges?”

Silas looked between them. “No.”

“I fell in love with a guardian,” Nathaniel said simply. “A healer from the Northern Grove. We planned to marry, to bridge our worlds. Thomas feared the political implications.”

“You threatened the stability of the realm,” Thomas argued, voice tight.

“I threatened your control. Your perfect vision of separation.” Nathaniel's laugh was bitter. “And now your son bonds with the Eldergrove's guardian himself. Irony has such sharp teeth.”

“Enough,” Lady Evangeline commanded. “This solves nothing. We face greater threats than old grievances.”

“Do we?” Nathaniel challenged. “Or do old grievances create new threats? Sebastian didn't emerge from nowhere. He grew from the seeds we planted. Division. Fear. Denial of truth.”

Thomas shifted uncomfortably. “What would you have me do? Public apology? Formal pardon?”

“I would have you learn,” Nathaniel said quietly. “Admit your mistakes so Silas doesn't repeat them. Break the cycle that's poisoned our family for generations.”

Silence stretched between them. Silas watched his father struggle with pride and calculation.

“Sebastian's power grows,” Thomas finally said, avoiding the personal challenge entirely. “The corruption spreads. We need unified defenses.” He looked at Silas. “Your... abilities with the guardian offer tactical advantages we cannot ignore.”

Not acceptance, Silas realized. Just pragmatism.

“That's your answer?” Nathaniel's voice carried disappointment. “More tactics? More calculation?”

“It's the only answer that matters,” Thomas replied. “Results, not sentiment.”

Lady Evangeline sighed. “This is a beginning, Nathaniel. Expecting more immediately is unrealistic.”

They spent the next hour in tense negotiation. Nathaniel pushed for specific protections for magic users. Thomas deflected with concerns about security and control. Silas found himself mediating between them, drawing on both perspectives.

Through it all, Silas felt Thorne's presence. His partner battled corruption in the Eldergrove while Silas fought political battles here. Different wars, same enemy.

“There's one more thing,” Thomas said as negotiations wound down. “Your relationship with the guardian.”

Silas tensed. “What about it?”

Thomas's expression betrayed nothing of his thoughts. “It complicates matters. A foreign entity with influence over the crown heir creates... vulnerabilities.”

“Thorne isn't a 'foreign entity.' He's my partner. And he's shown more loyalty to this kingdom than many who were born here.”

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