Page 61 of The Silent Mountain
“Yes, you told me once.”
“He was very young back then,” Favian says. “But he always had a sense for feeling foreboding threats and danger. He is a very good advisor, probably the best we ever had.”
“And?”
“He survived,” Favian says, and there is a hint of bitterness in his voice. “It’s not like he fought and survived or protected someone, like Maggie and Theodor did. It’s not even like he helped those around him, like Ludwig or Barbara. It’s just… weird.”
“I don’t think I understand,” I admit.
“He just hid and lived a pretty comfortable life,” Favian says. “Maybe it’s stupid to blame him for that, but within the whole clan, he is the only person who had it that easy. That’s why the other clan members are wary of him. As for me, I wish he would have tried to help in any way. It’s personal. I know as a king I should put my personal feelings aside, but I can’t forget the years I spent in captivity. Warriors came and died to help me, and Barbara sent spies here and there. Everyone tried to do what was possible, to protect other clan members. So, why didn’t he?”
“Did you ask him?” I ask.
“No, I never wanted to revisit that time again,” he admits. “Not even through a talk.”
“Maybe you should,” I say. “Maybe he actually had a reason.”
“What kind of reason?” Favian asks.
“I don’t know. Frankly, I don’t get it either. It’s not my style to hide and let my people suffer,” I admit. “So, I get you. I really do. But, from an outsider’s perspective, he looks genuine. He seems to genuinely care for you. Every single suggestion so far was to benefit you and the clan.”
“That’s true,” Favian says. “And it’s the reason I accepted him as my advisor. He truly is the best we’ve ever had.”
“A coward would not have returned to the clan,” I mutter. “Don’t you think? He would have disappeared for real and lived his comfortable life. Why did he return?”
“I don’t know.”
“It’s worth asking,” I say, frowning while I think about Stefan. I don’t know much about him, but I vividly remember the day he approached me to ask how serious I was about Favian, making it clear that he didn’t want him to get hurt. His king and his clan seem to be his priority, which makes Favian’s explanation even weirder. Why did he leave his clan behind and not help, when everyone who was important to him died?
Would he do the same today if history repeats itself?
I can’t say for sure, which isn’t surprising since I don’t know Stefan well. It’s more unsettling that Favian can’t seem to trust him.
“I have to resolve this in one way or another, don’t I?” he asks.
“I think so.”
“It’s a silly thought, but sometimes I wish certain problems would just go away by themselves. At least once.”
“I know what you mean,” I say quietly. “I wish we could have a break. A real break.”
“Maybe I could steal you away for an hour during one of the next couple of days,” he suggests, much to my surprise.
“Are you sure you have time for this? I have barely seen you since the birds attacked us.”
“I will have to make time for it,” Favian says. “Maggie told me to always remember that I am not just a king but also a brother and mate, and I want to make sure not to lean towards one direction too much. And, we all know I tend to overwork.”
“I am very similar,” I admit. “Maybe we could watch out for each other so that we won’t overdo it?”
His lips curl into a smile. “I told you, when you are around, I feel like I can do anything… even stop myself from overworking.”
Before I can answer, I can hear a sharp knock at the door. Both Favian and I exchange a surprised look and step away from the balcony and back into the room. “Come in,” Favian commands, his expression less open and more stoic again, as usual when he deals with something official.
“Your Highness,” Theodor rushes into the room, his expression one of sheer panic.
Favian is on alert immediately. “What happened? Are we under attack?”
“No, my king,” Theodor tries to catch his breath. “It’s the young prince, he’s disappeared.”
