Book 2: Just Like Us

Kane

I try not to focus on the worst case scenarios of my brother being held as a political hostage by Scarlett Thunder. I need to hope that King Peter will keep his word not to harm Lex, and I have to trust Lex not to get himself killed before this conflict with Scarlett Thunder is over. This is a test of honor for both King Peter and I, to show we can be trusted to keep our promises. The stakes are dire; a monarch whose word has no weight makes diplomacy with other kingdoms a near impossibility.

I feel helpless, which is not an emotion I’ve ever cared for. Shame colors my view of everything, and I can’t help comparing myself to my father. King Michael never had to send away any of his family to become hostages. He wouldn’t have given in to King Peter’s demands no matter what the consequences were. He would have resolved things by now.

What have I done? I have just sent my only brother off alone to fight for his survival in a den of vipers. My lit