The Fall of the Keepers

Chapter 36 Fiery Hearts

"Ranen is not your enemy. He is my friend, and his sister is only an innocent little girl."
I responded, with as much ice in my own tone.

"I would have thought Angelica Coften would have given you our history and established clearly who our enemies are."
Ren snapped.

"Valdimar Amir was my enemy. He is dead now, along with his Queen and elder daughter. Ranen, is nothing like his father. In fact, should things have gone another way, he had hoped to assist the rebels in overthrowing his father's cruel reign."

"Amir's are all cut from the same stalk."
Ren disagreed.

"If that were true, then explain why I haven't burned all of you to a crisp yet?"
Ranen asked placing his hands on the table.

"You wouldn't have the strength to defeat Wind Wielders like us."

"I would, but I try not to make a habit of roasting people I've just met. Particularly when those people are the family members of the woman I love."

I winced and wished very strongly he hadn't chosen to bring that subject up.

"Your friend you said."
Kai repeated with a chuckle.

"Good heavens Ren, she was destined to kill the Amir's and instead she's come home with one that's infatuated with her."

He seemed to find this quite amusing, though the others 'round the table clearly were missing the humor.

"Love? What does a boy like you know about love?"
Niyah questioned, her eyes narrowed into slits.

Ranen didn't seem phased by her question in the slightest.

"I know love is a choice, and I made mine many months ago, though I couldn't have foreseen the consequences. I know real love comes with loyalty, and your daughter has mine."

His dark eyes flickered to mine and all I could manage was a little shake of my head. No matter how many times I pushed him away, he kept coming back. He was something remarkable, I had never met anyone like him.

"Loyalty."
Niyah scoffed.

"Amir's are only loyal to themselves and their power."

"My family doesn't have the greatest track record. I am not proud of the name I carry, but it's mine nevertheless. I don't claim to be any saint, but I strive every day to be different from those who have come before me."

"I saw the village you burned young Prince, ashes, and skeletons, that was all that was left."
Ren bit out.

I saw the pain of the memory flash in Ranen's eyes.

"That was the day I lost control, and I'll never forgive myself for it."

"I ought to hang you in the presence of the assembly, end your foul family line once and for all."
Ren threatened.

I was up and out of my seat in an instant, Judicium singing as I drew it from its sheath.

"If any of you touches him or Navia, I'll slit your throat before you've drawn your next breath."

There was a tense moment of silence, broken by Kaylen's laughter.

"Well, she has your blood, no doubt about it. Haven't I always said you're a stubborn lot?"

"Tell me, sister, you are so quick to threaten your relations over a mere friend? What does he really mean to you?"
Kai leaned forward in anticipation of my answer.

"Speak the truth and speak it now."
Ren ordered.

The answer was simple, but I took a moment to respond.