Journey of a Girl

Secrets We Keep: Chapter Sixteen

Credence returned to the field with John.

Ajo was waiting, concern painted on his face, like he was steeling himself for the brunt of Credence's anger.

"The wolf has a way with words," Credence said curtly. "It's time to hear yours."

She looked at John and the wolf turned to depart. Credence watched him leave, and it was only when John became a dot in the distance that she looked back at Ajo.

"I never meant—" Ajo began but Credence held her hand up.

"I don't need an explanation. What do you intend to do about it?"

Ajo's eyes narrowed.

"I've seen enough blood," she continued. "I will have peace. It will take time to earn the love and trust of your subjects. But that is what you will do."

He studied her face, calculating his answer.

"And you will admit that mercy is not always the correct path," he countered. "Dark and light are mutual. You cannot have one, but must have both. You will cease clinging to this notion of complete innocence. Even Galeia did not adhere to it."

"All right. Balance then."

"You accept it?"

"I understand it. Do you?"

"More than you may ever know."  His tone shifted into calmer territory. "How will I earn the love of my subjects?"

"Treat them the way you treat me," she replied. "With patience and civility."

"I treat you that way because I love you."

"You must love them, too."

"They believe I am a villain."

"And what reason have you given them to think otherwise? Show them you aren't. What Lilith did—"

"It doesn't matter what she did. She's dead."

"Let her death be the end of the Collector then," Credence pressed. "You should release the Queen from her imprisonment as a show of good intent." Ajo raised an eyebrow but gave no argument. "Let her live in her kingdom. Not as its queen, but as someone who can help you. As your mother."

"And what of treason in my kingdom? How should those who wish me harm be dealt with? Tell me how a queen would do it."

"Cease these needless killings. Even if they are traitors. I don't care if they arrive before you filled with fire and hatred. John should bring them to you and you should listen to their concerns."

"Bring them to me? Or to us?" Credence would not answer him, would not give him the satisfaction of hope. "And if they still seek rebellion after I hear them, what then?"

"Then they will be dealt with accordingly."

"Not a single day spent in lessons on ruling," he said, "but you already know the language of a sovereign."

Before she could stop herself Credence answered, "Some say I was born to it."

Ajo nodded, a mischievous glint in his eyes. It was the kind of look that could make Credence weak in the knees, but she stood her ground.

"But I also know what marriage should look like. I saw it with my parents. They were equals. You told me that was you wanted, too." She paused. "I need to learn proper magic. Not flowers and sparks."

"I could teach you how to call storms and—"

"No. I don't want the pretty, simple things. I want to learn how to fight. How to understand the magic within me. I want to know what I did that night in the woods when I brought you down."