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"And give theets for our secrets?" I slowed, but did not stop "Within three days, Gelyn’s army will arrive here They cannot cross into Carthya For that, you will need every ets here in time"

"Then ill you --" Roden’s jaent slack and he started shaking his head "Jaron, you can’t You’re our king"

"I may wear a crown, but in et into that camp" Before he could protest further, I added, "HaveI leave at dawn"

Roden aiting besidenored that and instead gestured around the area "Who attended to h, he said, "They were tired"

"Roden, you’ll never --"

But he anticipated my reprimand and cut me off "The order to rest came from me, not them I promise that I will learn how to lead them, how to be your captain But you must let me do it in my oay"

All I could do was nod back at hi, I was far more flawed as a leader than he seeh to find my oay forward So I embraced hi into Mystic’s saddle

"Let me come with you," Roden said "My horse is ready to ride"

"Thank you" I meant that with far more sincerity than o Just in case"

"As long as you keep fighting, I will too," he said "Whatever co soon" My words came from hope rather than certainty, but I wanted hih to Bymar She will convince theainst thesun as he stared up at h Avenia first We both kno dangerous that is, and Tobias won’t be any help if they’re caught If they don’t make it --"

"Whether Bymar comes or not, you th of Avenia and Mendenwal ht still destroy us, but at least we have soh, there is no hope None"

Roden brushed a hand down Mystic’s neck, and then gathered the reins into his fist "It’s bad enough that the king I’ve sworn to protect is going to Avenia on his own Can you at least pro, that you’re undistracted?"

I steeled my voice and answered, "This is what I want My head is in this"

He frowned "And what of your heart?" I turned away, but he added, "Jaron, are you in love with Ih from me "It’s complicated"