The Kingdom of Vanora

Vespera 2

2 Rigel of the year 12984(218 years since Korbin's birth)

Avalon's Pov

Brielle leans into my arm as she chats with Idris. Her other arm is looped through his. Apparently, they've been friends since Idris was born.

On Idris' right side is Hadriel. On my left is Ignatius. Both have calmed down from learning of Korbin's move. He leaves the day Carys and Ignatius leave for Evanath. So do Hadriel and Aveyard but there heading for the port of Arcilea. From there they will take boats to Nuriel and Lucien.

As we walk around the outside of the arena Colt and Arthur pop into our field of view. It looks like Arthur is dragging Colt somewhere. Who knows why. It's a sight to see. Colt is exactly one inch shorter than Arthur. Plus he trained Arthur personally. So he should be able to get out of the young Lord's grasp.

Colt tries to wrench his arm out of Arthurs grip but the young Lord had a firm grip. When the duo notices us we wave and converge onto their path. Arthur lets go of Colt. The older of the pair rubs his arm.

"Avalon," Prince Aveyard deep voice calls after his older brother. I turn to watch Aveyard and Carys step out of the training arena. We stop to allow them to catch up. "we need to talk."

Brielle and I begin walking when my brothers catch up. The rest naturally follow. I peer over at Aveyard walking beside Ignatius. "What do you want to talk about?"

"Korbin," Carys cuts Aveyard off. The younger of the two glares down at our blonde sibling. Looks like Aveyard doesn't like to be cut off.

Carys rolls his eyes.

"And what do you want me to do about that?"

"Persuade father and uncle to reconsider,"

"Carys, Avalon purposed the idea," Aveyard says. Carys stops walking. I can feel him starring at me and Aveyard in disbelief as we continue to walk.

Is it so hard to believe that I'd purpose the idea? It's not like they won't be leaving soon for their respective kingdoms. It's almost time. A few more days. Spirits Vespera will feel empty without them.

Father talked it over with mother and she agreed. Carys, Ignatius, Aveyard and Hadriel will all leave in 9 days for their respective kingdoms. Whether or not they take the crown is up to our aunts and uncles.

"Why are you surprised?"

"I get that you're not changing your mind but it's Korbin. Our brother. And you're giving him to Aunt Tegwen," Carys says jogging to catch up with the rest of us.

"What of it?"

"She's gonna eat him alive,"

"Good for her," I smirk.

Carys gawks. He looks between Aveyard, Hadriel, Ignatius and me.

"You're not worried,"

I shake my head. "Nope. Korbin is a grown male. He can take care of himself. It's not like Aunt Tegwen will let him die,"

"I'll be glad I don't have to deal with him," Hadriel shrugs. He's calmed down a lot. More than I expected.

Ignatius nudges Aveyard. Or the best that he can. There are 6 inches between them...and close to 8 between me and Aveyard. Aveyard gives Ignatius a look.

The broad male sighs. "How are you coping without El?"

"It's different...like..like—" I try to voice what Elysia's death has left me with but I can't seem to find the words. I haven't always been the best at speaking my mind. I usually talk myself through a conversation several times before it happens.