Kingdom of Ash

look to her abdomen.
She waved him off, as easily as she’d
waved off the titles of Savior, and Hero of
Erilea. As easily as she waved off the awed
stares, the tears, when she strode by.
So Chaol would be proud for both of them.
Would tell their child of her bravery, her
brilliance.
“What’s that letter?” she asked, washing
her hands, then her face, in the ewer by the
window. Beyond the glass, the city was silent
—sleeping, after a long day of rebuilding. The
wild men of the Fangs had even remained to
help, an act of kindness that Chaol would
ensure did not go unrewarded. Already, he had
looked into where he might expand their
territory—and the peace between them and
Anielle.
Chaol swallowed. “It’s from my mother.”
Yrene paused, her face still dripping.