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I hoped it was enough. She would still be useful in the fight but she would not go anywhere near the front lines. Surely, she could see it was reasonable?
She pursed her lips and her jaw muscles tightened.
“Okay?” I said.
She shrugged her shoulders.
I crossed to her and wrapped my arms around her. I kissed her on the nape of the neck. I loved the sweet smell and taste of this woman.
“We’ll retake the palace,” I said. “And when we do, I’ll show the empire I’m still alive. They’ll fight with greater fervor than you can believe. The Changelings won’t stand a chance. But first, we must take the palace. And I can only do that if you’re somewhere safe.”
Hazel placed her hand on my arm and we rocked gently side to side.
“I love you, Hazel,” I said.
“I love you too, Fiath,” she said. “Lord Of A Thousand Suns.”
I blinked in surprise.
“Where did you learn that?” I said.
“From the guards assigned to me,” she said. “Which is another thing. Do you know how uncomfortable it is to have someone follow you everywhere you go?”
“You get used to it.”
“I’m not sure I want to get used to it.”
“You going to have to if you want to be with me.”
Thump!
We froze, pausing for a moment to peer at the wall. The paintings hopped half an inch before settling back down again.
“What was that?” Hazel said.
“I’m not sure,” I said.
But I had a serious sinking feeling in my stomach.
“Wait here,” I said.
I approached the door and found my honor guard blocking a messenger from entering. Upon seeing me, the boy dropped to his knees.
“A message, for you, Sire!” he said.
“Stand down,” I told my guards. “Let him pass. What is it, boy?”
The messenger wasn’t sure if he should stand in my presence or not.
“You can stand,” I said. “What’s the message?”
The boy got to his feet and kept his eyes down at all times.
“It’s the Changelings, uh, Sire,” the boy said. “They’re attacking us! They’ve found our base! We’re under attack!”
Thump!
The lamps danced on their strings and tapped against the craggy walls.
