“They’re not my family. They disowned me.” The words came out flat and emotionless as if he’d repeated this to himself so many times that it no longer hurt to say it.

“There’s been a lot of changes. You’ve changed the most. Plus it’s a new era. And you’re no longer working for the prince, but for me.”

He laughed without humor. “I doubt they’d think that was an improvement.”

“Insult aside, let me ask you again. Do you really care what they think?”

He bent his head, and stared at their clasped hands. Shyla waited as he sorted through his emotions. But before he could reply, Mojag and Gurice poked their heads into the room.

“Are you ready, Rendor?” Gurice asked. “This little sand rat’s driving me crazy.”

“Sand rat? You’re just mad I disarmed you in five moves,” Mojag said.

“Disarmed?” Shyla asked Gurice.

“Yeah, we’re both learning how to fight with a sword.”

“And some of us are quicker to learn,” Mojag added with a smirk.

Shyla glanced at Rendor. He peered at the pair as if seeing them for the first time.

“Uh, Rendor, are you coming? Can’t have a lesson without the instructor,” Gurice said.

“I’ll meet you there in a couple angles. Try not to settle any sibling rivalries with the practice swords before I get there.”

“No promises. Come on, rat.” Gurice pulled Mojag from the room.

Shyla crossed her arms. “You have to answer my question about your family before you can leave.”

“They’re not my family.”

“You said that.”

“Yes, but this time I believe it. Why would I care what they think? They’re not my family.” He pulled her closer. “My family is you and the Invisible Swords.”

She leaned forward so her nose almost touched his. “What a coincidence, they’re my family, too.”

“And me?”

“You’re just mine.”

They assembled in the training room. It was the only space big enough for the one hundred and three protectors, thirty-five Invisible Swords, one monk, the Heliacal Priestess, and the interim Water Prince. If this didn’t work, they’d need to find another interim prince or princess.

Jayden stood in the front with Shyla. There was a bucket of sand between them. She’d explained to the crowd that Jayden had voluntarily agreed to give up his magic. And then added the disclaimer that this might not work. Gurice gave them both an encouraging thumbs-up. She was sitting in the front with Rendor and a number of the Invisible Swords who knew Jayden. Mojag was as far away as physically possible and his back was turned toward them. If Shyla hadn’t ordered him, he wouldn’t be here at all.

“Ready?” she asked Jayden.

“No, but I doubt I’ll ever be ready.” He took a deep breath. “Please continue.”

“Use your magic to move the sand.”