Page 183 of The Kingdom of Eternal Ice
“I know for certain that there is a presence there,” Endellion says. “And not just a presence. There is a shifter spirit in you. It’s just not awake yet.”
“Really?” Kilah asks him.
“You can actually tell that for certain?” the queen asks.
Endellion rests his hand against his chest. “With the ice wolf in me, it’s like there is a third presence next to me and Caspian,” he explains. “It has no voice, but it has an…awareness. And, said presence is aware of Kilah’s wolf.”
Tears of relief fill Kilah’s eyes.
“That said,” the king raises his glass. “I think we should all take this moment and make a toast. To those we lost, may they rest in peace. To the new allies we won, may they thrive. To our family, that sadly lost a member in our beloved Ita. We will always remember her.” He pauses and exchanges a gaze with Queen Sine. “And, to the future king and queen.” He turns to look at Endellion and Azadeh. I smile when I see the surprise in their expression. Everyone else has already guessed it though, because Flinn grins brightly and Caelan smiles at them.
“May they lead these lands to new prosperity and stability.”
fifty-seven
A Second Chance
*SHAYAN*
Iquietly enter the room at the infirmary where Royan is being attended to. When Simin notices my presence, she stands up, ready to make way for me. “No, stay,” I reassure her. “I don’t want to disturb you.”
During the last couple of days, we all took turns to stay with Royan. His father is here too, now, and barely leaves his side. Simin takes her task very seriously. She has started her training under Aylin and the queen, and it seems like she truly found her calling.
Whenever she is free, she comes to sit here and reads to Royan.
For a while, we both sit next to each other. I stay silent while Simin keeps reading a fairytale to him. The poor pup is recovering very slowly, though, at least his bones seem to be healing properly. Simin coughs slightly and looks around for a glass of water. I hurry to hand her one.
“Why…” Royan mumbles all of a sudden.
We both halt in our steps, exchanging a gaze. “Did you hear that?” Simin whispers. “I didn’t imagine it?”
“I heard him,” I confirm.
“What’s wrong, Royan?” Simin asks gently.
“Why… did you stop?”
Her eyes fly open, and she looks at me happily. She takes a sip of water and then takes the book again. “Let’s continue the story.”
I nod at her. “I will alert Aylin,” I announce before hurrying out of the room. I don’t find Aylin immediately, but Eibhlin takes me to her. The witch is taking a break and is not too thrilled to see me. Once I deliver the news, though, her eyes widen in surprise.
“Eibhlin,” she says. “Go and tell your parents, and inform Royan’s father. I will go with General Shayan!”
Together, we return to Royan’s room where Simin is currently reading the last lines of the book. She closes it, smiling at Royan.
Royan coughs slightly. “Is there… no more?”
“The story ended,” Simin says. “We can choose a new book, Royan,” she suggests.
“Yes.”
“Which one do you want? I have one about a dragon who kidnaps the princess, and a knight saves her. Or a tale about a wanderer going on adventures.”
“Which one…” he seems to struggle, but eventually blinks his eyes open. “The dragon.”
Simin jumps up, making a place for Aylin. “I will fetch the book right away.”
She hurries away, giving Aylin the chance to check on Royan properly. With every passing minute, he seems to be more alert, more present. “Aylin?” he asks suddenly.
