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“They do matter if I need to come get you.”
Despite the edge in his eyes, a subtle grin appeared on his lips. “My job is to love you and protect you unconditionally—and your job is to allow me. Under no circumstances would I ever want you to risk your life for mine. When you have your own children, these words will resonate with you in a different way than they do now.”
I gave a subtle shake of my head. “You’re scaring me—”
“There’s nothing to fear. I’ll return within a week.”
Now I avoided his gaze, my stomach in knots.
“Harlow.”
I stared at the grass.
“Sweetheart.”
My eyes shifted back to his.
“I’ll be back before you know it.”
“You promise?”
Silence stretched as he stared. “You’re old enough to know I can’t make that kind of promise.”
“I don’t like this—”
“In the event that I don’t return and your mother is unfit to rule, chooses to step away, or…is no longer here…I’ve chosen you to succeed me.”
“What?” All I cared about was his leaving, not receiving his crown. “What about Atticus?”
“You’re my firstborn.”
“I’m a woman—”
“A bullshit reason to be excluded from the title. I’m proud of the man Atticus has become, but you’re the one who’s meant to rule. I see myself in Atticus, but with you, we’re identical.”
“I couldn’t do that to Atticus—”
“I’ve already spoken to him, and he’s agreed that you’re the better option.”
“He did?”
“It’s his kingdom too, Harlow. He wants the best for it—and that’s you.”
I couldn’t picture myself running the Kingdoms the way my father did, with quiet authority, with the kind of respect he’d earned through a lifetime of dedication. He was the greatest hero in our history—and I just happened to be his daughter. “Father, I don’t care about this right now. I just want you home.”
“I know, sweetheart.” His hand moved to my shoulder, and he squeezed it the way he did with Atticus. “I nearly gave my life for freedom, and I will give my life to keep it. That’s my sacrifice—because this is the only world I ever want you to know.” He released my shoulder and pulled me in for a hug, along with a kiss on the temple. “I’ll do everything I can to make it back to you two and your mother—always.”
* * *
We stared into the distance until Pyre was just a speck against the blue sky. Delacroix was now without a king, and the instant his presence was gone, the kingdom felt empty. My mother probably wanted to linger even longer, but she had to pretend she was unperturbed by his absence, so she returned to the castle.
I looked at my brother beside me. “The last thing I’d ever want is something to come between us.”
He dragged his eyes from the horizon and looked at me.
“Our relationship means more to me than a crown.”
To my surprise, the corner of his mouth quirked up in a smile, just the way Father’s did. “You know I’m not a sore loser.”
