Page 8 of Kingdoms of Shadow and Ash

'Fyia, I'm …'

'Debrief me,' she said, cutting him off. Fyia wasn't in the mood to discuss how he'd betrayed her.

'I just …'

'Debrief me or leave. I have no wish to hear more of your apologies.'

He looked into her eyes, and she found a softness there she hadn't seen before. 'I missed you, and I'm glad to be back by your side.'

'It might not be for long if you make me ask a third time.'

Adigos held Fyia's gaze for a beat, then looked down at his hands. 'It's not what you want to hear.'

Fyia frowned. 'Did you even make it to the Fae'ch?'

'Please … give me some credit. I made it, they let me in, they even threw a party in my honor.'

'Insufferable hedonists.'

'That they are,' said Adigos, flashing a roguish smile.

'I don't need details of your debauchery.'

'Why?'

Her features set like stone. 'What did they say?'

'They said, if you want to know about their dragon egg, you should ask them yourself.'

'Did you snoop around?'

'I didn't get a chance. They watched me every tick I was there, which was all of a day before they kicked me out.'

'That's it?'

'I didn't see your brother, if that's what you mean.'

'Did you ask for him?'

'Should I have?'

'He was your best friend ...'

'He abandoned you.'

Fyia turned her gaze out of the window once more. 'He did what he needed to do.'

'You forgive him?'

'There's nothing to forgive.'

'Do you forgive me?' His words were a plea.

She closed her eyes, refusing to look at him. 'What you did will cast doubt on my legitimacy forever. It will add fuel to the arguments of my enemies …'

'Fyia, I …'

'You're sorry … you regret it. You've said all the things you're supposed to say. But you defied a direct order. You made a kill that should have been mine.'

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