Of Whispers and Daggers ✓ [TLRQ #2]

Chapter 31.2 - Aster

I stare at the closing words. I can count on one hand the number of times he told me he was proud. The cynical part of me doesn't believe he means it here other than to try to boost my spirits, but the part desperate for any hope at this point embraces the words with warmth.

Agraund thought I could do it. Of course, this was before I ran off like a fool, but still... He thought he had already taught me what I need to know. Determination steels my soul. I'm not just doing these things because it's what I'm supposed to, because it's 'the best I can.'

It's what I've been bred for.

I rise, slipping the letter into my cloak and clicking the compartment shut. As I leave the office, I pull the door closed behind me.

"Alright, mages."

They all look up again, gazes solemn and intent. Instead of intimidating me, the watching eyes fill me with renewed confidence. They're looking to me to lead them. And I'll do it with the certainty that comes from knowing that no other option is acceptable.

I take the center of the room. "Our men did well for the path they were set on. The Kadranians took a beating. Somehow, they got their men behind us at the end of it and trapped us when we tried to retreat." I look at them, grieving but determined. "One soldier made it out. Our wizards did not." Most of them drop their gazes. "This is a tragedy, but one we're not going to let happen again. These men's deaths will not be in vain."

Their eyes come back up to mine, and they nod.

"Let's get to work then. The savages won't have it their way for long."

They stand and start to break up, but I catch Solus.

"Can we talk?"

He nods, and we slip back into my office. I cross the desk and turn to face him. He watches me, sharp face unreadable. I lean with my hands on the desk.

"My uncle chose you as his right-hand for a reason."

He doesn't move.

"Why?"

One eyebrow raises. "You always were very to-the-point."

I straighten, arms crossing. "At this moment, there are far more important things for us to be doing than verbal sparring. Lie to me if you must, but I want a concrete reason my uncle trusted you over all the other wizards." My eyes drill into his.

He regards me. "Don't you intend to arrange your own Corps? You seem to have taken a liking to Mage Liraena."

"I do intend to, and I will. This is me deciding where you'll stand in it. My uncle trusted you—to have Morineaux as your first priority at the least. But if you are going to proceed by viewing me as not in Morineaux's best interest, then the Corps will have a problem. The mages cannot have two leaders, or we'll fall into ruin." My arms unfold. "Now, if we weren't in a state of emergency, I might consider playing the usual games with you to figure out where you stand, but we don't have that luxury."