Page 73 of Lost Heir
“If you kill him,” I looked straight into his evil hazel eyes, “you’re dead to me. And if any of you—” I addressed the Valorian army and cadre of mages, pointing my clawed hands at them, “touch this little boy, I will kill three generations of your family …” My voice dropped to a guttural roar. “As the lost heir, you should heed my warning.”
The gasps that circulated the Valorian army reached allthe way to where we stood behind the Keldaran border, and I knew I’d gotten their attention. I never wanted to name myself the lost heir, but for Henry’s sake, I would. Hopefully Marcellus could forgive me.
“No worries, Your Highness!” one of the mages called out. “We will protect the boy!”
“Leila?” Mykal spoke behind me. “It’s best if we go.”
Without another word, Ronan and I stepped deeper into Keldara’s territory, leaving Henry’s fate in the hands of the mage warriors who I hoped were more afraid of me than they were of Caelan.
23
As we ventured deeper into Keldara on horseback, the landscape transformed from the lush forests of Valoria to an austere terrain marked by its stark beauty. Keldara was a nation carved out of necessity and survival, its people as resilient as the land itself. Every village and town we passed was a testament to its military foundation—a nation perpetually prepared for the possibility of conflict.
The streets of each settlement were orderly, with soldiers patrolling in regular intervals. Despite the military presence, a sense of calm and efficiency permeated the air. The people of Keldara went about their daily lives with purpose, their respect for the soldiers evident in the way they greeted them with nods of acknowledgment.
Mykal led us through the heart of Keldara, passing training grounds where young warriors honed their skills. The sounds of clashing swords and shouting instructors coupled with the determined faces of the trainees provided a glimpse into the disciplined life of a Keldaran soldier.
“Discipline and duty are the cornerstones of life here,”Mykal explained as we rode. “Every citizen has a role to play in the defense of our nation. From a young age, they are taught the importance of serving Keldara.”
“Sounds more like brainwashing to me,” Ronan muttered beside me.
The stark, utilitarian architecture of the buildings reflected the nation's pragmatic approach to life. There was beauty in their simplicity, in the way they blended into the landscape, as if acknowledging that the true splendor of Keldara lay in its people and their unyielding spirit.
We’d been riding for a full day with Mykal telling us about the places we passed and the culture of Keldara before he asked about our purpose.
“I’m assuming you’re trying to reach the Grasslands.” Mykal finally broached the subject as he led the way. “I heard about the so-called assassination attempt, but I knew Ronan would never be capable of doing such a thing,” he smirked.
Ronan rolled his eyes.
“Do you really have spies in the palace?” I asked. It was the only way for him to learn what he did so quickly.
Mykal nodded. “I told you, Leila. I have eyes and ears everywhere.”
“I don’t know if I find that reassuring or not,” I mumbled.
Mykal laughed. “In this case, you should. I expected you to cross the border. When I got your letter, I was already on my way.”
I cleared my throat. “Thank you.”
“But Iamcurious…” Mykal peered over his shoulder at us. “Are you really going to acknowledge yourself as the lost heir?”
My brows shot up to my hairline. “You know about that?”
He snorted. “I told you – nothing goes on in Asteria that I don’t know about.”
“Nosy bastard,” Ronan grumbled.
I glared at Ronan before addressing Mykal. “Honestly, I didn’t want to, but I was desperate back there.”
Mykal nodded slowly. “Caelan has been waiting a long time for you to return. If you’re named the Crown Princess, he won’t let you go easily.”
I frowned. “Why do you say that?”
“It’s all part of his plan,” he said slowly. “To unite all of Asteria under one nation—Eldwain’s.”
Shocked, I pulled on my horse’s reins to stop it. “What?” I gasped. “What do you mean?”
Ronan stopped beside me, and Mykal turned his horse around to face us. “Don’t you know? I figured your fae friend would have mentioned it.”
