Kingdom of Ash

“It would have been an honor,” Ren said.
“To serve in this court. With you.”
Aedion shut his eyes, swallowing hard. “It
would have been an honor indeed.”
Ren clapped him on the shoulder. Then his
departing footsteps scuffed through the hall.
Aedion remained alone in the guttering
firelight for another few minutes before he
made his way toward bed and whatever sleep
he might find.
He’d nearly reached the entrance to the
eastern tower when he spied her.
Lysandra halted, a cup of what seemed to
be steaming milk in her hands. “For
Evangeline,” she said. “She can’t sleep.”
The girl had been shaking all day. Had
looked like she’d vomit right at the table.
Aedion only asked, “Can I speak to her?”
Lysandra opened her mouth as if she’d say
no, and he was willing to let it drop, but she