Kingdom of Ash

to say, You were going to tell me this when?
Dorian winked at his friend and turned
back to Manon. “Go to the Wastes. Rebuild.
But consider it—coming back. If not to be my
crowned rider, then to train them.” He added a
bit softly, “And to say hello every now and
then.”
Manon stared at him.
He tried not to look like he was holding his
breath, like this idea he’d had mere minutes
ago in the khaganate royals’ chamber wasn’t
coursing through him, bright and fresh.
Then Manon said, “It is only a few days by
wyvern from the Wastes to Rifthold.” Her
eyes were wary, and yet—yet that was a slight
smile. “I think Bronwen and Petrah will be
able to lead if I occasionally slip away. To
help the rukhin.”
He saw the promise in her eyes, in that hint
of a smile. Both of them still grieving, still