“Not a chance,” Molun said with certainty.
They pulled apart enough that Trill could look at the two of them and gauge their sincerity.
Arvus said, “I would have said there’s not much that can get in Cormal’s way when he’s determined, but I agree with Molun. In this particular instance, I cannot imagine that the Prince will be swayed. He was adamant. And since Cormal can’t do anything without the assistance of Yannoma, you, and Perian, I don’t believe he will force the matter.”
Trill made a face. “Well, there’s one way he could force it.”
Molun shook his head. “I’ve never seen that look on the Prince’s face before. Even if Cormal did what you’re worrying about, I don’t believe the Prince would take advantage of it. And I’m certain he’ll make sure Cormal understands that.”
“I hope so,” Trill said, still uneasy.
He couldn’t help but feel guilty about the situation in which they now found themselves.
“Come on,” Molun said firmly. “You need a distraction.”
They took him to bed, which Trill was definitely never going to object to.
They all reconvened at dinner. Trill was extremely relieved to see Cormal and the Prince come in together and sit next to one another.
“Before we eat,” Cormal said, expression serious, “please allow me to clarify that my idea is definitely not going ahead. I considered what it would mean for me, but I failed to consider what it would mean for Kinan. I would never willingly hurt him like that, and I apologize for any additional stress I might have caused today.”
The Prince coughed something that sounded a lot like, “idiot,” and Cormal’s expression went so incrediblyfond.It made Trill duck his head and smile at his plate.
It was Perian who said, “Honestly, we probably needed some sort of shock, or we would have been arguing all day. But I know I speak for everyone here when I say I’m glad that idea is off the table.”
There was a chorus of nods and sounds of agreement around the table, and Cormal looked a little surprised but gratified.
They managed to eat dinner without any more stunning revelations. Before Trill could say that he’d like to talk to Yannoma, she announced that it had been a very long day and bid them goodnight.
Given that she hadn’t met his eyes as she said it, he thought it was safe to assume she was avoiding him.
“What is it?” Arvus asked.
He sighed. “I need to talk to Yannoma about something it seems she doesn’t want to talk about.”
“We have rather a lot of that going around at the moment,” Cormal pointed out with a wry smile.
Trill laughed. “Well, that’s true enough.” To everyone who was left around the table, he said, “Molun and Arvus have spent the afternoon reminding me this isn’t my fault, but I did want to say that I’m sorry the revelations today have been so, uh… explosive.”
“It’s not your fault,” Perian and the Prince said in unison.
Trill’s lips tipped up as the others laughed.
“Seriously, though,” Perian continued, smiling. “You’re right; it was a lot that we didn’t expect or necessarily want to hear. But being in ignorance doesn’t ultimately help us, and there was no easy way to hear a lot of it. I’d much rather have found out the truth so I could deal with it and move on.”
Brannal offered his hand, and Perian twined their fingers together. Trill was so,soglad that they were still happy together.
The Prince was nodding. “Of course I was hoping for a solution—aviablesolution,” he clarified with a look at Cormal that was scolding and fond at the same time. “I didn’t learn what I’d hoped about me, but the information we did learn was important.” He sat even straighter, his gaze intent and serious. “Because I’m not all right with the situation as it is. When I go back to the castle, I intend to convince my mother to change her policy towards carnalions and children of two worlds.”
They all stared at him. He looked resolute and entirely certain about what he was saying. Trill had… not seen that coming.
The Prince looked at Perian. “We’ve all said that it wasn’t right what my mother and Cormal did to you. But Yannoma wasn’t wrong; we haven’t done enough to rectify the situation. Our understanding of carnalions has changed. We now know that children of two worlds exist. Thanks to Yannoma, we also understand that it wasn’t an accident or disaster that robbed the world of Life Mages. Perian, you’re not some sort of… of fluke.You’re a Life Mage, and you exist because of carnalions and humans.”
The Prince’s voice was vibrating with passion. “I’m not willing to allow stupid, harmful choices of the past to dictate my future. I will advocate for carnalions and children of two worlds to have the same rights as anyone else. If they harm others, they can be punished for it. Killing others has the expected penalties. But harming no one? Choosing to live their lives amongst humans and doing no harm? They should never be killed on sight again.”
Trill was stunned. Everyone was staring at the Prince. Since Trill had learned about his heritage, he’d known that he needed to hide, that if he revealed the truth, he’d be killed. Finding this small group that supported him anyway had felt like a dream. The idea that the next in line to the throne wanted to give them protection and freedom?
Trill could only hope it wasn’t too good to be true.
