A whispered wave spread through the imperial court: speculation, amusement, anticipation.

Maybe she was a cruel person after all.

“I’m sorry,” I told Zara. Then I hugged myself and addressed the others, tapping and tapping my elbow. “I’m sorry, but you have to go.”

Hristo started forward again, but Aaru put his hand on his shoulder. “We go.” Aaru wasn’t looking at Hristo, though; his gaze was locked on my tapping.

The others stared at Aaru, their faces twisted with confusion. How could he—who claimed to love me—be the first to say to go? How could he abandon me?

But Aaru always respected my wishes. Always.

“No.” Zara clutched her fists to her chest as she met my eyes; hers were shiny with unshed tears as Ilina wrapped her arms around her. “I don’t want to leave you.”

“It’s all right,” I said softly. “Find Mother.”

“Go.” Apolla waved them away.

And with that, my people were escorted out of the throne room.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

FOR AN HOUR AFTER MY PEOPLE LEFT, APOLLA CONTINUED holding court.

Through the petitions and concerns, I stood beside her: a prize won in some indirect battle she believed was the war. Finally, the imperial court began to file out, their gowns sweeping and their suits shimmering in the sigil light.

When they were gone, leaving only the guards and statues and dragon bones, a team of servants hurried in to clean bits of paper and dirt off the floor. They were fast, nearly noiseless as they worked, and then Apolla and I were alone—except for the statue-like guards.

“You made the right decision.” She turned to me. “I know it wasn’t easy for you to send them away, but it was for the best.”

“I made the only decision that ensured their freedom. It wasn’t a fair choice.” My back was starting to hurt from standing, but I wouldn’t let down my guard, even if it was only by sitting.

“Most choices aren’t fair to someone.” She regarded me with a sad smile. “Tell me, Hopebearer, would you do anything for your people?”

“I came here, didn’t I?” Even as the words snapped out of me, I knew that getting on a ship and sailing to the relative safety of the mainland was hardly anything. The presence of the first dragon pulsed in my chest, like a second heartbeat, and I couldn’t help but remember the words from The Book of Destruction: it is sacrifice that enables change.

That was anything. Sacrificing my human soul so the dragon soul could reign. Sacrificing my future with my friends so they could have a home.

Would I do anything?

Anything?

“Are you afraid?” Apolla’s pale eyes missed nothing. “You seem nervous.”

“I’m worried my friends will drift across the ocean for months and die, because the gods will be gone and there will be nowhere for them to make land.” I turned to her, but even as I spoke, I knew it was pointless. “You’ve sent them out to die. Thousands of people.”