Page 82 of Shattered Crown

Thomas studied him carefully. “I've lived long enough to know that loyalty shifts with circumstances. But I acknowledge his... contributions to our defense.”

Coming from Thomas, it was as close to acceptance as Silas could expect. Not approval, barely tolerance, but a crack in the wall of rejection.

The meeting ended without warmth but with grudging cooperation. No embraces or declarations of faith, but perhaps a foundation for something less hostile. As Silas rose to leave, Thomas spoke once more.

“Weekly councils. You'll attend.”

Silas paused. “In what capacity?”

“As my son. As someone with... unique perspectives on our current threat.” Thomas's voice remained neutral, giving nothing away. “Sebastian's actions necessitate reorganization of our defenses. Your experience could prove useful.”

Not heir apparent. Not yet. But no longer exiled and forgotten. It was a small step, measured in millimeters rather than miles.

“I'll be there,” Silas said.

* * *

Alone in his chambers afterward,Silas collapsed onto the bed. His mind spun with revelations and implications. Through their bond, he shared everything with Thorne, feeling his partner's mixture of caution and guarded hope.

He concedes nothing willingly,Thorne's thoughts whispered across the distance.Watch for hidden motives.

Everything he does has multiple purposes,Silas sent back.But the shadow corruption has genuinely frightened him. That fear might be our opening.

Fear makes dangerous allies,Thorne replied.Be wary of what he might sacrifice to preserve his power.

A knock interrupted their communion. Nathaniel entered, moving carefully but with purpose.

“Well?” he asked.

Silas recounted the meeting, watching his uncle's reactions closely. Nathaniel nodded at key points, as if confirming suspicions.

“Your father believes himself pragmatic above all else,” Nathaniel said when Silas finished. “He fears becoming his grandfather, yet follows the same patterns. King Aldric was... brutal in his suppression of magic. Thomas saw the damage that caused, but chose a different kind of suppression.”

“Grandfather killed magic users?”

“Hunted them like animals. Thomas chose denial over destruction, thinking it kinder. Neither path led anywhere good.”

“And now?”

“Now we use his fear of Sebastian to create space for change. Small steps, carefully taken.” Nathaniel's expression grew serious. “Don't expect warmth or approval, Silas. Thomas doesn't know how to give those things anymore. But he respects power and results. Give him those, and he'll grant you influence, if not affection.”

“Will you speak with him again?”

“I must. Not for his sake or mine, but for the kingdom's.” Nathaniel gripped Silas's shoulder. “You're building bridges between worlds. We need to ensure Thomas doesn't burn them from his end.”

“How do I get him to truly listen, not just calculate?”

Nathaniel smiled wryly. “That, nephew, may be beyond any of us. But your grandmother still has influence over him. She sees what's at stake better than he can.”

Diana arrived with documents requiring attention. News of potential cooperation between crown and forest spirits had already spread through court circles, generating speculation and concern in equal measure.

“We need to control the narrative,” she explained, spreading papers across Silas's desk. “Present this as strategic alliance, not fundamental change. Your father will retreat if he feels pushed too quickly.”

They worked through the afternoon, crafting statements that balanced traditional language with necessary evolution. Silas found himself drawing on both his noble education and guardian experiences, bridging worlds with words.

As sunset painted the sky in flames, Silas stood on his balcony. The city spread below, lights beginning to twinkle in growing darkness. Though, he felt the ongoing battle for the Eldergrove. His partner channeled enormous power, pushing back corruption at great personal cost.

Rest,Silas urged.You can't save everything alone.

---