Page 64 of The Crimson Princess
“Yes,” he confirms grimly.
“Then why attack the holder of the Book of Life if it’s really her?”
“It’s said that Macklemore wished to escape her confinement, and he felt he could use the book to destroy her and replace her as the most powerful of all beings. But to do this he had to kill Lares.”
“And he did.”
“I doubt seriously that Macklemore could kill Lares but not your father. Lares had held that book for centuries. He was one with it and her magic.”
“Are you saying my father killed Lares?”
“I’m saying that I knew Lares, and he was a kind man, and a skilled fighter who wielded his magic with peace as his goal.”
“But not a druid? If she’s druid, why not choose a druid?”
“He found the book, but I suspect that was by design. To choose a druid to hold the book created by a druid sorceress would be acceptable and acceptable is not what a sorceress of chaos would want.”
“But if Lares was an honorable warrior, why would a source of evil choose him?”
“Evil loves to corrupt and ultimately the book led to his destruction. She seeks those vulnerable to greed and the hunger for war. To betray Lares would be the ultimate way to win her goodwill.”
“You think my father betrayed Lares.”
“I don’t know that for a fact, but yes, I think he betrayed Lares. I knew Lares. My father knew Lares. He was a humble, kind warrior who drew blood out of necessity not greed for power.”
“Then the book can’t be evil if it chose him.”
“Unless Crya saw his kindness as corruptible and when he was not, she created the chaos that became his ultimate demise.”
“My father is flawed, but I do not believe what you’re suggesting of him. I don’t believe that of my father.”
Toren cups my face and stares down at me. “I know and as a loyal daughter who loves her father, I would expect nothing more.”
“I don’t want to be your enemy.”
“Then choose another path.”
“How? How do I choose between you and my father?”
“With the conviction of a future queen who does what she feels is right for her gales.”
Chapter twenty-seven
Drivenbymyresponsibilityas the future queen of Ravengale, I settle into a chair by the fireplace to read the Codex myself. The air is chilly and I produce a fluffy blanket to pull over my legs, while Toren responds as well, his magic flaring in the hearth that’s now flickering with orange and blue hues.
“With less morning sun, it’s cool early in the day here in Bloodstone.”
“I like it. It’s cozy for reading.”
The books appear on a table next to me, as does my coffee and Toren kneels in front of me. “Princess Satima, I am at your service.”
My brows dip. “Why are you saying that?”
“Because I need you to know I respect your role as the future queen of Ravengale and the responsibility you have to your people.”
“As I do your role in Bloodstone.”
He kisses my hand. “I know you do.” He pushes to his feet. “I’ll be in the kitchen if you need me.”
