Kivrin nodded slowly. “You had just turned five years old, and word reached me of a giant man in Lillington village. You were out riding, and I met you. I tried to remain calm and show you that everything would be okay. But then I bundled you up and ran. I told Helly that you were in danger, and we left you with the House of Dragons. You were far safer there than with me.”

Kerrigan held her breath. “Did he ever find you?”

Kivrin swallowed. “Yes. He came to Waisley shortly after I returned. It was why I’d spread the rumor that you’d disappeared. So, by the time he came calling, everyone already believed you were gone. I had to bury you or else he would keep looking.”

“But… but why? Why would he want to kill me?”

“Vulsan cares about one thing and one thing alone: power. The fact that you existed at all was anathema to him. I did what I could to protect you.” He put his hand out and covered Kerrigan’s. “I am so sorry that I made you believe you were not wanted all those years. I’ve always wanted you, but I wanted you to live more than my selfish desire for you to be my daughter.”

Kerrigan looked up into his eyes and saw the sincerity there for the first time. The act of playboy prince that he continued to wear to this day to keep her safe. To keep a crazed man from slaughtering her because of her very existence.

Tears welled in her eyes, and for the first time in twelve years, she stepped into her father’s embrace. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders and held her tight. They couldn’t make up for the twelve years they’d lost, but they could at least start today on a new foundation.

41

The Village

“I don’t believe this is the best use of our time,” Fordham said.

“Well, I already promised that I’d go.”

Fordham crossed his arms over the black silk of his shirt. “What is this really about?”

“I haven’t been to the village in twelve years, and they want me to join them, Fordham,” she said quietly. “I didn’t hate everything about Bryonica. I loved this house and my lands and my people. I don’t want to disappoint them. Surely, you can understand that.”

He nodded and sighed. “I can.”

“Good. Then, grab your coat, and let’s go.”

He muttered something under his breath but followed her out anyway. Warby had horses saddled for them, and she hoisted herself up into the saddle. The beast felt strangely small after riding Tieran all week. He was the smallest of the lot of dragons but still significantly bigger than a horse. She took up the reins and directed her horse out onto the road.

“If it were only this easy,” she grumbled.