Page 39 of Kiss of Death
Instead of his looking aggrieved by the suggestion, a small smile stretched across his face. “No. But that’s a very different situation. I would have let everyone die for the chance that my daughter would live—and that’s my burden as a parent. One day, you will know this burden, the most difficult, emotionally taxing, wonderful burden you will ever carry.”
I watched the smile on his face, feeling like I was staring at a ghost. “I can’t believe this is real. I’ve wanted to talk to you for so long…and now you’re here.”
“I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you. But you proved you don’t need me, Lily.”
I gave a painful chuckle. “You’re so wrong about that. You have no idea.”
“That’s not Khazmuda’s perspective. Or your mother’s. Or your brother’s.”
My eyes dropped because I couldn’t accept such a deep compliment. “I’m relieved to shed my responsibility as queen. I think we would have lost fewer people and better decisions would have been made if you were the one leading us.”
He was quiet, his eyes still hard on my face.
I eventually lifted my gaze to look at him.
“I disagree,” he said. “Perhaps when you’ve had a moment to breathe, you’ll be able to reflect, to accept your own heroism, leadership, and valor. To accept the fact that you saved the Southern Isles entirely on your own.”
Another twinge of guilt flooded my body. I didn’t do it entirely on my own.
I wouldn’t have succeeded without Callum.
Either my father had forgotten about the army of the dead in Riviana Star, or it didn’t seem important to him right now.
“Khazmuda told me that the vampiric general came here to our aid with three hundred ships. That he was the one who found the platinum and escorted you there to retrieve it. That he did all of this in defiance of his own king—and out of loyalty to you.”
I wanted to swallow. Wanted to pull my hand from his because it started to sweat from the stress of the question he never asked. “We would have lost the battle if it weren’t for him. And I would have had to search the world for months or years to find the element to cure you. It can’t be overstated…that he’s the hero in this story.”
He gave a slight nod in agreement. “He wouldn’t have come if it hadn’t been for you, Lily. So, in my book, you’re the hero. But I need to express my gratitude face-to-face, so once I’ve recovered, we’ll fly to his kingdom together.”
“He’s actually still here. He wanted to wait until you were awake before he left.”
He watched me with sharp eyes before he gave a slight nod. “Perfect. Then I’ll speak with him imminently. I’m sure his army is eager to return home.”
“There’s no rush, Dad. I’m sure he can wait another day.”
“He waits for no one—we wait for him. Please retrieve him for me.”
“Now?”
He nodded. “Please.”
“Alright.” I left the table and crossed the castle to Viper’s chambers. After I knocked, it took him a few minutes to answer the door, like he’d been unclothed when I arrived. When he opened the door, he looked ready for battle.
There was a pause as he stared at me, a foot taller than me. “How’s your father?”
“He’s good. Wants to speak to you, actually.”
“I’m ready.” He came to my side, wearing everything except the double-handed sword across his back.
“He’s still pretty weak, so don’t expect him to get up when you approach him at the table. Just take a seat.”
He nodded in understanding.
I took the lead and guided him back across the castle to where the royal chambers were located. I escorted us both inside and to the dining table, where my father remained, dressed in his casual trousers.
My heart was racing at their meeting, and I wasn’t entirely sure why.
My dad turned his gaze to Viper beside me, and the expression of surprise in his gaze suggested he didn’t expect what he saw.
