Even if, in this case, it made him that ruler.
Deckard placed his hands on Evylin’s arms and withdrew slightly. His green-blue eyes locked onto hers. He attempted to speak but initially found no words. After a deep inhale, he tried once more.
“From childhood,” he stated, his voice firm and heartfelt, “I aspired to be like Sergus. I yearned to be remembered for my excellence. I put in great effort to achieve that, Evie. I truly did.”
“And you are.”
“I’m not, “ Deckard maintained, shaking his head. “I’m a selfish failure, and I’ve disappointed countless people.”
Evylin offered him a reassuring smile. “You’re not the type to quit, Jonn. I understand you, and I know your desire to becomea legend goes beyond mere excitement. It may have begun that way, but that’s not the essence of who you are. Everything you are, you give to others. That isn’t selfish. Everything you undertake, you put in your best. That isn’t failure. To everyone you meet, you offer all that you are. You’ve never let anyone down.”
“I’m not good enough.”
“Yes, you are.”
“I will fail.”
“Maybe,” she conceded. “But you’ll never stop trying to make it right. You’ll take care of this nation better than anyone else could.”
Deckard lowered his head. “You think we should accept the position, then.”
Evylin took a deep breath, choosing her words wisely. “I believe,” she began, “you need to be certain you won’t regret turning it down.”
He pressed his lips into a thin line, remaining silent. The air was thick with disappointment as his hands went still on her.
Concerned she had put undue pressure on him, Evylin lifted his chin. “Jonn,” she said with kindness, “it doesn’t matter to me. No matter what you decide, I want you to be happy, and I want you to know we made the right decision. Whatever that may be—whether leading the Loclight Order, serving in the Allundan Army, traveling to the beaches of Audis, or tilling the fields in the Shire—I will stand with you.”
Deckard scanned her face. “No matter what?”
“No matter what.”
A deep, prolonged sigh escaped his lips, so thick and heavy that she wondered how long he might have been carrying it with him.
Deckard pressed his forehead to hers. “This...” he whispered, shaking his head. A bittersweet wave of relief andpain enveloped him. Yet, his voice emerged clear and firm. “This is who we were destined to be. This was the future Hewitt envisioned for us. This has always been our life: service and adventure.
“It’s who we are,” he said, straightening to smile with the light of hope in his eyes. “A Warrior and a Mage. It would be a mistake to try to be anything else.”
Evylin controlled her emotions, gripping them tightly as she sought clarity. “Are you certain? You’re not just saying this because you believe it’s what I want to hear?”
“No,” Deckard promised. “Idobelieve it’s what you want to hear, but I’m not saying it for that reason. It’s what I want as well.”
“Oh, thank Allore,” Evylin said, unable to contain her relief any longer.
Deckard chuckled as she threw her arms around him. “I thought you didn’t care.”
“Of course I care,” she exclaimed, pulling back to study his handsome face. “I don’t want to be a farmer’s wife. I married a captain with the intention of traveling the country, not living in a cottage and wasting my life cooking your dinners.”
“You’ve never made me dinner.”
“Pardon me, but I made your dinner the first night we met. Or at least, I made the vegetables.”
Deckard smirked playfully. “Did you? They were particularly fine vegetables.”
“Don’t mock me,” she said, draping her arms around his shoulders. “I helped prepare all the meals you enjoyed at my family’s house, and I’m an excellent cook.”
“I’ll take your word for it.”
Evylin allowed her laughter to fade. “Are you sure?” she asked again.
