Page 14 of Song of the Heart Scale
“Agreed.” A heavy weight settled over me. The emperor’s death complicated things, adding layers to an already treacherous situation. Yet, beneath my reluctance, determination sparked within me. I needed answers—not for power or vengeance, but for clarity. For closure.
Uncle Bai placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “Whatever you decide, nephew, I’ll stand by you.”
“Thank you,” I murmured, still feeling unsure. “I spent time with Cat.”
“I’m glad you were able to see her. Last night was a prime time to do so, with everyone in Dragon Valley. Is she okay?” Uncle Bai asked.
I snorted. “She’s more than okay. She was throwing a party, for the Immortals’ sake.”
Uncle Bai chuckled. “Sounds about right. She is… different. Of course she’s not from our world, so it makes sense. Now the question is whether this party was in celebration of her upcoming marriage, or to mourn the demise of her future?”
I rolled my eyes. “With Cat, who knows? She mentioned something aboutstrippers. Half the time, I don’t even know what she’s talking about.”
Uncle Bai let out a boisterous laugh and patted me on the back. “Seems like things are relatively well between the two of you, eh?”
I nervously bit my lower lip. “She, uh… asked me to leave with her.”
“Oh? Where?” My uncle raised a bushy brow.
I cleared my throat. “To her world.”
His eyes widened. “What?”
I winced. “I know. It sounds absurd. I didn’t tell her yes or no, but…”
“But you’re thinking about it,” Uncle Bai finished for me. “Perhaps it’s not so absurd, Damien. Elaria has never been a safe haven for you. You’ve spent the majority of your life in exile, teetering at the precipice of being killed at the drop of a hat, depending on my brother’s mercurial mood. That is no way to live. I don’t know anything about the world Cat is from, but… it could be a fresh start for you.”
I frowned. “But I don’t know anything about it!”
“Cat didn’t know anything about Elaria when she arrived here, either,” he countered knowingly. “But she managed. By the Immortals, she learned quickly and adapted, managing to fool just about everyone in the process.”
That shut me up. How could I expect Cat to move to my world, but not do the same for her? It was hypocritical.
“Damien, let me ask you something,” he started. “Do you want to be emperor?”
I scoffed. “By the Immortals, no!”
“Then what keeps you in Elaria?” he asked. “The only thing I would imagine was if you had a sense of responsibility to the people of Elaria, but if you do not wish to take the throne, then what is keeping you here?”
What was keeping me? Familiarity? My uncle? He was right. Other than fear of the unknown, there was nothing here other than danger and bad memories.
“I can’t just leave you here to deal with this mess, Uncle,” I said by way of excuse.
Uncle Bai sighed. “Are you worried about Thorne?”
I nodded. “What if Thorne killed his father? What if he’s actually a usurper? He shouldn’t stay on the throne.”
“Then what? The only Drakonar left would be Julian. Would he be any better?” Uncle Bai questioned.
I chuckled and raised a knowing brow. “Is he theonlyDrakonar left?”
Uncle Bai frowned. “Pardon?”
“Uncle…youwere the legitimate heir before my father usurped the throne. Wouldn’t you just be taking your rightful place?” I asked, hoping he’d agree.
His eyes widened in shock as if the idea had never crossed his mind. “Damien! That was centuries ago!”
“So what? Your brother is gone and now Thorne is ready to steal the throne.”
