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“It’s not my place, and we both know my argument would not change his mind.”
He’s right, of course, but the lack of support is still agitating. “You could have said something.”
Lacrae dips his head in understanding. “Allow me to make it up to you.”
“What about Bowman? Did he give you his permission?”
“I do not serve the King of Navalis while the Queen of the Third Realm is standing before me.”
“You haven’t told him.”
“No. And I do not plan to.”
“When will you leave?”
“Tonight, if you will permit me to take Shadow with me.”
I stiffen. “What?”
“He can get me back to the elves in half a day while walking will take me weeks.”
“Walking?”
“Bowman has no horses. Have you not noticed?”
“Actually, I hadn’t. I’ve been a bit preoccupied with other things.”
“Of course.” Lacrae dips his head in understanding.
I swallow hard. Losing Shadow means losing what little feeling of freedom I have, but I’m already potentially sacrificing my future for the fate of the realm. What’s one more thing?
“You’ll bring him back regardless of what they say?”
“Of course,” he repeats. “He is yours. Even if I cannot return right away, I will send him back to you the moment we land."
“Why would you not be able to return right away?”
“It may take some convincing to get them to join us now.” He smiles then reaches out to touch my shoulder. “You have my word, Carleah.”
“Then you may take him. If he chooses to go with you.”
Lacrae smiles. “He and I are old friends.”
“Then be safe, Lacrae.”
“You care for my well-being?” he questions, arching a brow.
“I care for Shadow.” But even as angry as I am at the elf, I offer a slight smile as well. “And perhaps I would like to see you again.”
“Then I shall return.” He turns on his heel and walks away. I stare after him long after he’s disappeared, letting that fresh hope seed into my soul.
That makes three possibilities where I can save Navalis, unite the realm, and still spend my life with the one person who makes me want to live it.
Chapter 4
Fort
I refused to speak for decades, but not using my voice now feels like cutting off one of my arms and still being expected to march into war. How am I supposed to fight for the only person who truly matters if I cannot use my voice to vocalize just how wrong Bowman’s requirements of her are?
