I thought about what my mother had said in the dream, and the way the entity had addressed me.
False king.
It was a label I did not like. Was this some higher power proving my inadequacy against those who were better suited to rule? Memenion and Hadalix were the only kings left. Memenion would do a good job—he was a righteous and honorable man, but I knew he didn’t want the position as some might. His kingdom had always remained so isolated and removed from the politics of Nevertide, would he truly have the ability to rule all the kingdoms? Hadalix I believed to be inadequate for the position—he lacked the courage and the foresight…which would then leave Queen Trina. A vicious and ruthless ruler, who would not be around long enough to enjoy the spoils of emperorship if I discovered that she was involved in Varga’s death.
I had felt that the crown was mine for the taking.
Yet my own dead mother had disagreed with me. What had she said? That there was a different path open to me…that I could follow my true destiny.
I had a difficult time envisioning what that could possibly be. Though even Hazel had told me that I had a choice—that I could forge a different path for myself than the one I had already mapped out. Yet I had no idea if I even wanted to. I had no idea what such a thing might even look like…
Don’t you?
Hazel’s face, calm and clear, appeared in my consciousness.
But she was out of my reach. She would never wish to stay here, to rule by my side as queen in a land that she detested, far removed from her family and friends—and I would never allow her to make that choice to become a sentry. Not when there was a chance that she would regret it forever, and come to loathe me. I could not stand it.
With a sigh, I walked away from the pavilion. Pausing by the arch where my friend had breathed his last, I placed my hand on the cold stone in memory. What I wouldn’t give for his advice now—now, when no road looked clear to me, and I had impossible choices to make.
Hazel
He hadn’t returned.
I paced up and down the living room, watching the sun sinking deeper and wondering where on earth he could be. I’d seen both Lithan and Qentos arrive by bird, but no Tejus. I’d gone down to find them, to ask where he was, but they had vanished completely, and so I’d ended up returning to my room, frustrated and worried. I had seen a few ministers in the hallways, but none of them knew where their king was, and dismissed me quickly—hurrying off in the opposite direction.
I leaned against the window, trying to spot his bird approaching from the direction of the Fells. Eventually I saw something flying toward the castle, and hastily wiped away the condensation that I’d caused on the window. It was a vulture. And as it became larger, I could recognize the posture of Tejus, and sighed with relief. He was home.
Wanting to meet him in the courtyard, I turned to leave the tower.
I raced down the staircase and along the main corridor.
“Hazel!”
An achingly familiar voice stopped me in my tracks.
Ruby?
I spun around, and saw the familiar blonde hair and blue eyes of my friend. I started to run toward her, disbelieving and overjoyed at the same time. She hugged me, and I felt a lump form in the back of my throat.
“I missed you,” I whispered hoarsely.
“Me too,” she replied. I waved at Ash, who was standing behind her. He smiled back in greeting, but took a step back, giving us some space.
“We’ve got some good news!” Ruby exclaimed. “It’s a long story, but Julian’s safe! He’s in the human quarters right now recovering.”
I stared at Ruby in astonishment, and then I exhaled. I felt as if I’d been carrying around a huge hiker’s backpack without realizing it, and suddenly someone had come along and removed about half of its contents. Only then was I aware just how heavy that load had been, and just how freeing it was to have it removed.
“Oh, thank God,” I whispered.
Ruby nodded. She knew how I felt—I could see the same relief in her eyes.
“We dropped him off in the human quarters and then came to find you. Is everything okay? You looked like you were in a hurry.”
“It’s far from okay, but let’s go and see him now.” I grimaced.
I glanced briefly behind me, hoping I would catch sight of Tejus entering the castle. He wasn’t anywhere to be seen, but I would find him later.
Julian was in his and Benedict’s room, sitting up in bed with Jenney by his side. Yelena was sitting on Benedict’s bed, hugging one of his pillows to her chest.
“Hey.” I smiled at Julian.
He returned the smile, and my heart constricted. He looked so ill. He was severely malnourished and the bones of his face jutted out painfully.