Page 68 of Warrior Princess
“He always protected her as kids, but I wouldn’t go so far as to say he cares for her deeply.” I gasped and grabbed his shoulder. “By the goddess, in all the excitement, I forgot to tell you what I realized!”
“What?”
“I think I know who my mother’s first born child is!” I kept my voice hushed, looking around the park to make sure no one was around.
Ronan frowned. “Who?”
I gulped nervously, aware that once I said it out loud, I would have to face the consequences. “Caelan. At least I think so. My mother has always loved Caelan like he was one of her own. Maybe…”
Ronan’s frown deepened. “No. It’s not possible. Everyone knows Caelan’s mother is King Alwyn’s third concubine. Also, why would your mother push you to marry your own brother if that’s the case?”
“I… I don’t know. But I remember hearing rumors about the concubine Willemina when I was younger. That she was… sterile. Apparently, her pregnancy with Caelan took everyone by surprise. Also it’s strange that King Alwyn was in Valoria when my mother went into labor.”
Ronan shook his head. “I don’t know, Leila. If this is true… this would upend Asteriaandgive credence to Caelan’s claim on the throne.”
“We need proof.” I tried to think logically, though my mind raced with a million what-if scenarios. “Is there any way to trace lineages?”
Ronan bit his lip in contemplation. “The oldest person we know has been asleep for centuries. I can’t imagine anyone else knowing… unless we found someone from Ellyndor. Those fae live exceptionally long lives and we don’t know what they’re hiding in their lands.”
I scoffed and ran a hand through my hair. “Orion would know. I think he knows more than he lets on.”
“He probably does, but he can’t broadcast secrets about his people.” Ronan took my hand and gave a comforting squeeze.
“You’re right. He wouldn’t.”
He sighed. “We should head to the inn where my father is waiting. Shiro can find us there.”
We left the park hand in hand, looking over our shoulders to make sure no one followed us.
27
“Where have the two of you been?” Chief Aryan demanded as we entered our room. The chief of the Crimson Clan had obviously been waiting for us inside for quite a long time. “Marsten is crawling with Eldwain soldiers!”
I cleared my throat. “They’re looking for me.”
Chief Aryan scoffed and rolled his eyes. “Of course they are. Why am I not surprised?”
“We can’t let them have her, Father!” Ronan took a menacing step forward, but I pulled him back and shook my head to stop him.
Chief Aryan gritted his teeth. “Thisgirlis no longer our concern!”
“I love her!” Ronan’s voice boomed in the otherwise silent inn. Taking a calming breath, he said softer, “She is every concern of mine.”
Chief Aryan stood, running a hand through his long, dark hair. “Listen, son. There are many girls just like her. She is nothing special.” He squeezed his son’s shoulder in what I wassure he thought was a reassuring manner. “Move on. She’s been nothing but trouble.”
Ronan's jaw clenched. He shook off his father's hands and stepped back to stand firmly by my side. “She's not just any girl.” His voice was thick with emotion. “She'severything. And this isn't just about her. Leila is caught in something much bigger. We can't simply abandon her to Caelan's whims! His plans will affectallof Asteria.”
“I'm not risking my clan for one girl, no matter how much you care for her!” Chief Aryan declared, his voice booming with finality.
Before Ronan could say another word, the door swung open and Shiro stepped in, his presence commanding silence. “Aryan, I couldn't help but overhear,” he began, his tone even but firm. “I understand your concerns, but you seem to forget the debt the Crimson Clan owes Leila.”
Chief Aryan raised an eyebrow and defiantly crossed his arms. “What debt?”
Shiro moved further into the room, his gaze locked on the burly chieftain. “Leila's actions in the past have directly saved many lives within the Crimson Clan. Her intervention during the skirmish in Keldara turned the tide in our favor. Without her, we might have faced a significant loss. Also, let’s not forget that without her,Iwouldn’t be here.”
“All the good that’s done us,” Chief Aryan grumbled.
The room fell silent as the weight of Shiro's words settled among us. Ronan nodded, supporting Shiro’s reminder of my past deeds.
