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His words came out hushed. “So many years ago…I used that very block and counterattack against Lord Gaius…in a demonstration.”
“Sabina and her guest begged to watch you train. And you indulged two girls who wished they had been born to the sword.”
“I always said, if they’d been boys…”
“You would have trained us. I had to travel far to learn the skills I need. Now my sword is ready, and I have returned.”
“My Queen?” Lord Hadrian’s voice broke.
Solia smiled. “You know me.”
He sank to one knee before her. “My Queen. How can this be?”
She reached out and laid a hand on his shoulder. “Your pleas on the night of the siege were not in vain, and neither were the deaths of your men. You bought me time to escape. I will never forget those sacrifices.”
He bowed his head, his shoulders relaxing, as if years of weight had been lifted from him. They seemed to lean into each other.
“You needn’t make any more sacrifices,” she said. “I will be the queen you always hoped I could become, if you are still willing to give me your loyalty.”
“My loyalty has always been yours.”
“You must be sure,” she said. “I will not rule from the weaving room. In Angara’s name, I will lead with my sword, and my fire will never serve the Orders. It will not be easy to follow me.”
“Will you let the lords of Tenebra take up arms against each other and slaughter their own brothers?”
“No,” Solia vowed. “I will not tolerate the feuds in my reign.”
“Will you ask me to choose between the good of this kingdom and my own honor?”
“Never, my lord. Your king has held your honor hostage for too long. Let me restore it to you.”
A light came to Lord Hadrian’s eyes. “Then show me where your enemies are. I will clear your path to the throne with my own blade.”
The circle of fire faded. Solia picked up his fallen sword and placed it in his hand. “Rise, Lord Hadrian.”
“I will stand with you, My Queen.” Clasping her arm, he let her pull him to his feet.
Cassia knew this was a victory for her sister. But she wondered what the consequences would be, now that they had unleashed two battle-hungry warriors upon the delicate balance of Tenebra.
When Solia looked up from her duel, her gaze met Lio’s over Pakhne’s cot. He saw no apology in his Grace-sister, only resolve.
He let her see the warning in his own eyes. They would have words about her choices during the battle.
“What happened?” Cassia asked, her tone low and urgent. “I heard you two shouting at each other, but—”
“There will be time to discuss the finer points later,” Lio said.
Cassia’s aura was sharp with frustration and hurt and worry, but she nodded in agreement.
With Lord Hadrian as their audience, now was not the time. Lio would not discredit Solia’s leadership in front of her newly restored ally. He would choose his moment carefully, and Solia had best be ready.
He turned away from her, resting a hand on Cassia’s back as she sat at Perita’s side. Solia and Kella joined Lord Hadrian in helping up his injured men.
“What happened here, My Queen?” Lord Hadrian asked.
Solia replied, “Can you keep the Aithourians disinterested in this tent long enough for me to tell you?”
“Ah, the guests from Corona whom King Lucis invited into my camp. My lady and her spiced wine are keeping them entertained.”
