Page 119 of The Crown’s Temptation

My mother had not abandoned me. She had placed me in the only hands she trusted and those hands had not made it.

And even then, she had written me a letter and somehow made sure that one day the Witchward would find a way to get it to me.

CHAPTER 27

Awake

Iwasn't sure how much time had passed before I opened my eyes. My legs were curled beneath me in the oversized chair inside Eravic's hut.

The memory was still there. My mother's voice. Her handwriting. Her promise.

A promise was made. When it is offered, accept it.

I sat up.

"Eravic."

He looked over immediately.

"I want it."

His brow furrowed. "The Arrolyn?"

I nodded. "My mother told me to accept what was offered." I swallowed. "She spent years trying to protect me. I am done letting things she fought for sit untouched because I am afraid."

His expression changed.

He reached inside his cloak and pulled out a small wrapped object.

"You just... carry it around?"

He shrugged. "Safest place for it."

"Your cloak is the safest place for one of the most important objects in existence?"

"At the moment, yes."

I stared at him.

He sighed. "I understand how that sounds."

"It sounds like something a person says before losing something incredibly important."

A faint smile touched his mouth. "Come here."

I immediately narrowed my eyes. "That sounded suspiciously like an order."

"It was not."

"Good. Because I am royalty."

"Yes. A very tired, poisoned royalty who just woke up from a memory stone."

I ignored that.

He unwrapped the Arrolyn. "I need you to understand something. I can place it. It will strengthen you somewhat, perhaps allow you to cross the wards a small amount like we discussed before. But I won’t activate it tonight.”

"Why?"