I told Mira that if any of my children were to survive the Rider's Quadrant, it would be Violet. I'm so terrified of being wrong, my love.
- RECOVERED, UNSENT CORRESPONDENCE OF GENERAL LILITH SORRENGAIL
Lilith
Melgren continues to argue, the majors at his side trying to follow his orders that aren't coming as the man talks in circles. Per usual. I lift my face to the storm and let the water soak further into my skin for a moment before turning my gaze back to my youngest and the Riorson boy as they stand at a distance talking close.
Amari knows the irony of a Sorrengail falling for a Riorson, but a Riorson falling for a Sorrengail? That Riorson with this Sorrengail? Zihnal was busy last year.
From the moment he carried her from the brig those months ago I saw a tether between them, and only now do I find it…right. My heart catches in my throat as he cups the back of her head and pulls her close, and though he only chances a glance toward leadership, I see it. Only a flash, and only for that. Single. Second.
Xaden Riorson is terrified.
It's easy to see and I have to say, it's the first time I've ever seen it. It pours ice on my soul. Regardless of my want, I've known him since he was seventeen years old. Before that, he was simply the son of a rebel leader, but I have never seen this boy afraid.
When he stood two steps in front of the other Rebellion children at their parent's execution, he was unafraid.
When he looked me in the eye and I traded him a favor for the responsibility of the 107 Rebellion children, he was unafraid.
When he turned those onyx eyes on me, tears streaming down both our faces while his back bled, his torn skin the contract between Navarre and Riorson, he was unafraid.
When he looks at my youngest daughter as our dragons tell us all about the arrival of their Maven, the terror that fills his eyes steals the breath from my lungs. Sharing equal space with that terror is an unyielding, unbreakable, undeniable adoration, and that kind of love I have only ever seen in the eyes of one other man.
When I stood before cream-colored robes sweeping the floor of my office trying to explain myself time and time again for decisions made above my head, he loved me.
When I told him we were going to raze Aretia and end the rebellion, he loved me.
When I told him we were going to execute the Rebellion leaders and that their children would be forced to watch - that I'd done everything I could to change that fact but lost, he loved me.
When the wounded look twisted his face time and time again as he tried to convince me that we were on the wrong side, he loved me.
When my Navarrian heart clashed with his Tyrrish one he loved me.
Only within the comfort and safety of our room would his hand cup the back of my neck and pull me close. Only there would he fix me with those hazel eyes and say, "hope for hope's sake, my love," before kissing me softly.
I can't stop the quiver of my chin, though the pelting rain hides it well enough. If the man that believes the most in my daughter fears he will lose her, then perhaps it is the will of Malek that his fears come true.
I would not wish Xaden Riorson on my greatest enemy, but I will unleash him upon the Gods if Malek touches a single silver hair on our Violet's head.
…