Kingdom of Ash

drops fall into his mouth.
“Let the world know,” Aelin said, voice
breaking, “that you are a male of honor. That
you stood by your son, and this kingdom, and
helped to save it.” She kissed the cold brow.
“You are blood-sworn to me. And you shall be
buried here as such.” She pulled away,
stroking his cheek once. “Thank you.”
It was all there was left to say.
When she turned away, it was not Aedion
alone who had tears streaking down his face.
She left them there. The cadre, the
brotherhood, who now wished to say farewell
in their own way.
Fenrys, his bloodied face still untended,
sank to a knee beside the table. A heartbeat
later, Lorcan did the same.
She’d reached the door when Rowan knelt
as well. And began to sing the ancient words
—the words of mourning, as old and sacred as