Chapter 25

I glanced at Eru. The girl was still wrapped in a blanket, resting her head on Aislin’s lap. She cared for me? I knew we went along well together, but that she would have gone through all of this only to keep me safe?

“Can you tell her I’m not in danger?”, I told Aislin.

She nodded and signed to the girl, who signed back before closing her eyes.

“She says she knows. You are safe now.”

I sighed. I didn’t know how to tell her otherwise. How did you explain to a child that hiding away in a room wouldn’t solve what was on my mind? I sighed. I didn’t think leaving this room was an option, and I suspected Eru would just believe I was in danger if I did.

“What’s happening with your Mother?”, Aislin asked hesitantly.

I sighed. We hadn’t spoken much about what had happened between us, but they must have seen that something was wrong.

“She’s… trying to make me into a High Lady”

I hesitated.

“But… She’s quite worried…”

I stared at the ground, and it was Sami who continued,

“What is she worried about?”

I hesitated. I didn’t want to put my Mother’s concern on her.

“She… thinks your people will invade and bring the Dragon. My father and brother died in the last battle.”

Sami shook her head.

“That will never happen”

I looked at her, surprised, and she continued,

“King Nāmvar won’t dare to leave for a campaign so far away. The factions are growing stronger and he might not be King by the time he comes back”

She took a deep breath and concluded,

“He will never come this far North.”

I fell silent. Would that convince Mother?