I believe we can reach a settlement that will appease both of our clans, face-to-face. I will await you tomorrow at first light.

Respectfully yours,

Adaira Tamerlaine

Laird of the East

Torin sighed. “What is the settlement?”

“I’m not sure yet,” Adaira replied. “I need to see how angry Innes is going to be upon discovering that her son and heir is imprisoned and guilty of stealing children, or relieved upon learning that her lost daughter is indeed very much alive and well.”

Torin studied her face. She was staring at her written words, held in his hands. He whispered, “Look at me, Adi.”

She did. And he saw the fear in her eyes, as if she was waiting for him to reject her.

“I don’t care whose blood you belong to,” he said. “You’re a Tamerlaine, and that’s the end of it.”

She nodded, but he could tell she was struggling to find comfort in his statement. “Whatever comes tomorrow, I think we need to prepare for conflict at the clan line.”

“I’ll send the auxiliary forces,” Torin said, handing her the letter. “And yes, of course I approve your letter.”

Adaira folded and sealed it. She pressed her signet ring into the wax, marking the Tamerlaine crest.

Torin’s breath caught when he saw that Adaira was removing the ring from her hand, still warm from the wax. He felt the blood drain from his face when she approached him, the golden ring cupped in her palm. She extended it out to him, waiting for him to accept.

“What are you doing?” he growled at her. “I don’t want this.”

“I cannot lead this clan in good faith,” she said. “Not knowing who I truly am.”

“You’re a Tamerlaine, Adi. One wild story from the enemy doesn’t change that.”

“No, it doesn’t,” she agreed sadly. “But it has pierced the hearts of the clan, and I no longer have their trust. They will listen to you, Torin. You saw what happened outside. You are their protector. You are of their blood. After I meet with Innes and the settlement is made tomorrow, I will announce that you have replaced me as laird, and hopefully the east will be at peace again.”

Torin glared at her. Her edges were blurring; he blinked away his tears before they could fall. What was this settlement she continued to speak of? Why did the notion of it terrify him?

“Please, Torin,” she whispered. “Take the ring.”

He knew she was right. And he hated it.

He hated that their lives were breaking apart, and he was powerless to stop it.

He hated that she was stepping down.

He hated that he now had to carry this weight.

But he did as she asked. He followed her last order; he slipped the ring onto his finger.