Chapter 26

“They don’t want me.”

“And what about those who do?”

“They’ll be fine without me.”

“I don’t believe that and I know you don’t either.”

“What makes you think I don’t?”

“Because you’re a kind man, Deven. If you’re King, you’ll find a way to live in peace with those who don’t want you as their King, but I don’t think we can say the same thing about your brother or that General of his.”

“Valark and Gunther wouldn’t hurt one of their kind.”

“I may not know much about your rules and culture but I’m pretty sure that no kelorian would leave their beloved King’s body on a battlefield. And if that isn’t suspicious enough to change you’re mind then how about this. What will happen to A’el? Are you going to let one of those fools marry her? Though I doubt she’d willingly and peacefully agree to that arrangement. You’re people are safer with you as their King and A’el as their Queen.”

He stood there in silence looking at the sea.

“Go back a