Legacy (Keeper of the Lost Cities #8) - Shannon Messenger Page 0,51

as well.”

Sophie, Dex, Biana, Wylie, and Stina shared another long look, and Sophie could see the resolve in their eyes.

But before she agreed, she had to address one final concern.

“It sounds like this is going to involve a lot of classified information,” she told the Council. “And I don’t see how that’s not going to damage my Cognate connection with Fitz.”

“As Councillor Alina already said,” Emery told her, “if excluding Fitz from the team becomes a problem, we’re willing to add another member. But we’d like to try it without him first.”

“And keep in mind,” Oralie added, finally turning her azure eyes toward Sophie, “true trust does not require absolute transparency. There is incredible power in accepting that there are some things you cannot know—and being willing to maintain your commitment to that person despite the secrets.”

“She has a point,” Tiergan agreed. “I’ve always considered that to be the ultimate level of Cognatedom.”

Sophie frowned. “But you said—”

“I know what I’ve said in our lessons,” Tiergan interrupted. “And uninhibited sharing is still the most vital way to build and maintain the connection between Cognates. But once the connection exists—and once you reach a level of maturity with your partner—you can work your way to a new sort of relationship. One that acknowledges that there are pieces of yourself that you may occasionally have to hold back, and that doing so changes absolutely nothing between the two of you. In fact, accepting the other person’s limitations actually enhances your bond. Put simply, it’s reaching a point where you both know beyond any shadow of doubt that you trust each other no matter what. I doubt you and Fitz have achieved that level of commitment yet, given how young you both are. But working toward it can be the new focus for our training.”

“Does that satisfy your concern?” Emery asked as Sophie struggled to process what Tiergan was saying—and wondered why it made her palms feel so very sweaty.

One quick glance at each of her friends told her what she needed to say. “Okay. Count me in for Team Whatever-Our-Name-Is.”

EIGHT

YOU REALIZE I’M NEVER GOING to remember to call you guys lords and ladies, right?” Sophie whispered, trying to keep herself distracted as she, Dex, Biana, Stina, and Wylie followed a single-file line of all twelve Councillors down a very dark, very quiet hallway.

Every click of her heels against the jeweled floor might as well have been cymbals crashing—and her pulse felt even louder.

And there was no end to their journey in sight.

In fact, there was nothing in sight, except for the twelve intimidating figures marching stolidly ahead of them under their silvery spotlights—which was probably why Sophie kept dragging her feet a little more with every step, even though her brain was simultaneously screaming that they needed to hurry up and get to work on the actual problems.

They’d had to leave the rest of their group behind, despite Sandor’s vehement protests. The Councillors wouldn’t even tell anyone where they’d be heading within the palace, or what exactly would be involved with swearing the oaths. All they’d shared was that it would be a different process than what any other Regent had experienced before. And as they’d led Sophie and her friends away, they’d added, “We’ll return when the appointments are final.”

Which made what Sophie and her friends were about to do feel very… permanent.

“Yeah, I’m probably never going to remember to call you Lady Sophie either,” Biana whispered back. “Or wait—is it supposed to be something fancier because you’re our leader? Captain Sophie? Master Sophie?”

Sophie cringed. “I hope not.”

Dex leaned in. “Um, I’m pretty sure it’s your call, since you’re the one in charge—unless you want us to choose for you. How about Lady Sophie the Reluctant?”

“Very funny,” Sophie told him as Biana covered her mouth to muffle her giggle.

“I kinda like Foster the Great,” Dex went on, oblivious to her annoyance—or perhaps because of it. “But I still feel like we could do better. Hmmm. Wait! I’ve got it!” He paused for a beat, dragging out the suspense before he leaned in and whispered, “The Fos-Boss.”

“Ohhhhh, I like it!” Biana breathed.

“I vote for that too,” Wylie added as he leaned in.

“Then it’s settled,” Dex decided. “Unless you think Lady Fos-Boss is better.”

“Yes!” Biana said, fighting to hold back another giggle. “That’s the winner.”

Sophie gave them each her deadliest glare. “If you call me either of those things, I swear I’ll—”

“And she thought she was going to have a hard time bossing us