Page 135 of Song of the Heart Scale
Julian strode in confidently, stopping just beside Royal Prince Bai. “There is no one more qualified. Not me, and certainly no one from the other houses. He kept this realm from falling apart even when he had no power to command. Imagine what he could do if hedid.”
Royal Prince Bai opened his mouth, but Julian raised a hand. “You once told me to find the path of most honor. This is yours.”
“Didn’t you always want the throne?” Royal Prince Bai questioned with a raised brow.
Julian sighed as he ran a hand through his messy hair. “Yes, I did. But after spending the past few days under house arrest andthreat because of Thorne, I think I’ve come to my senses, thank you very much,” he grinned dryly.
Damien snorted and rolled his eyes. “Scared that easily, brother?”
“Not scared, brother, just know when to do the right thing.”
The older man looked between us all, then slowly bowed his head.
“Then I will accept. But only if you stay to help me, Julian.”
Julian smiled faintly. “Of course.”
Julian must have been scared shitless of his brother these past few days to have been scared straight. Damn.
“Send word to the council. I want everyone assembled in the throne room in one hour,” Royal Prince Bai commanded Julian.
Julian nodded and left.
Malachar cleared his throat to catch our attention. “Since you want to leave, now is prime time.” He pointed up. The rain pelting the roof and thunder cracking the skies was evident. “The storm will last twelve hours.”
I sighed. “Thank god.”
“Make the most of it,” Malachar said as he bowed to Damien. “Until we meet again, Your Highness.”
“Until next time, Malachar.”
As the seer walked out of the throne room, I wondered what would happen to him. Would he stay with Royal Prince Bai or seek his fortunes elsewhere?
I turned to Royal Prince Bai. “Your Highness... there’s one more thing. Maeve died because of me.”
Royal Prince Bai’s eyes flickered, pain flashing in them.
I stood, steady despite the tremble in my voice. “Please give her a proper burial. She was brave. She never once left my side.”
Royal Prince Bai solemnly nodded. “She will be buried in the royal garden, beside the magnolia tree. Where heroes rest.”
I wiped the tears from my eyes. Damien took my hand and squeezed it. I squeezed back.
A knock sounded at the door.
Garrick stepped in, looking as roguish as ever with his cloak draped over one shoulder, his armor bloody, and a smirk barely veiling the concern in his single eye. “You called for me?”
Damien stepped forward. “I need a favor.”
He arched a brow. “Don’t I always deliver?”
Damien didn’t smile. “I want you to bind my life to Cat’s.”
The room went still.
I spun toward him. “Damien—what?!”
Royal Prince Bai stared, his mouth agape. “That’s not something to joke about.”
