tried to breathe through the tension, lest he bring on another fit. “You know who I am. Who I used to be.” He gazed directly at Dari, wishing she would give him some hint now of her emotions. “And do not wish to be again.”
Dari didn’t look up, and Nic detected nothing at all from her mind or heart. It was as if she went Quiet the moment Stormbreaker came near her.
“It is not common knowledge,” Stormbreaker said. “But in rescuing you, Aron revealed his own identity and mind-talents to anyone in Eyrie who might have been listening. Many now know that one of the old legacies has resurfaced. We do not yet know what will happen as a result, but we suspect envoys if not contingents of Brailing and Altar forces are on their way, and possibly envoys or soldiers from Mab as well. We do not know how long Stone will be able to keep its many secrets.” He gave Dari a meaningful look, but she kept her face turned from him. “Any of them.”
Nic wanted to grab Dari and shake her so she would look at him, but she seemed oblivious to his needs now.
“Aron and Snakekiller shared the information about you with Dari.” Stormbreaker placed his hand on Dari’s shoulder, showing an obvious familiarity that made Nic envious. “They also told me, and they told Lord Baldric. We have, in turn, summoned Lord Cobb and Lord Ross to assist Stone in preparing for what might come of Aron’s revelation of his abilities—and to assist you. They are discreet men, both of them, so I wouldn’t worry they will expose you until we are all certain how to proceed.”
Stormbreaker checked the nearest window, possibly estimating the time of day, or taking the exact measure of the waning winter. “It will take them many weeks to arrive, however, and I cannot guarantee trouble will not reach our gates before they do.”
“Why Cobb and Ross?” Nic asked, bereft, but somehow keeping himself upright. “Won’t calling on them incite the other dynasts against you?”
Stormbreaker nodded, his expression grim. “Perhaps. Lord Brailing, Lord Altar, and Lady Mab—your mother—are attempting to force Stone to pronounce loyalty and join in this conflict. This we cannot do, but we can select who will advise us and support us if we are attacked. Only Cobb and Ross possess the strength and proximity to assist in the defense of Triune—and in your protection.” Stormbreaker squeezed Dari’s shoulder. “And Lord Ross has his own to protect within these walls.”
He let Dari go just as she shrugged off his touch and at last let Nic see her eyes again. Now he thought he understood more of the depth of her distress. She had mentioned a relationship to the dynast lord, and clearly Lord Ross’s journey to Triune was not something she welcomed. Would he insist that she return with him? Would she be forced to abandon her twin to whatever fate had claimed Kate?
“I don’t wish to be protected.” Nic crushed his fist into the blanket beneath his trembling legs. “I wish to be useful.”
Dari finally spoke. “You’re the heir to Eyrie’s throne, Nic. Your very existence could end this war. How could you serve this land any better than that?”
Nic turned his face until he could see nothing but the row of beds next to his and the flames dancing in the nearest fireplace. “I do not have the disposition to rule. You must know that. You must remember what was said about me before I—before I died.”
“The changes from your trauma and your journey—” Stormbreaker began, but Dari cut him off.
“Hush,” she said, and Stormbreaker fell silent as if she had slapped him.
Nic heard the rustle of her robes as she moved. Moments later, her spicy scent overtook Nic’s mind, and he felt her warmth as she sat beside him on the bed. Her hand covered his when she reached out, much the same as he had reached out to her earlier, when her heart had been so heavy.
He felt her touch like a balm on his pain and confusion and shame.
“I know little of your history, Nic,” she said, and her voice drew his gaze like nectar attracted birds and butterflies in the trees of Can Rowan. He studied her face and eyes, seeking any insincerity, but found nothing but kindness. “I have heard the cruel jibes and nicknames, but none of those match the truth of the man beside me.”
Nic wanted to argue that