Page 131 of A Warrior's Heart

“Silence.” Lorcan’s voice cut through the noise. “Without the king present, command falls to me. But I ask for the council’s wisdom on this matter. What would you suggest we do?”

“We need to gather all the supplies we can carry and leave. Find a new home.”

“No, we should rebuild here,” another suggested.

As the four men bickered back and forth, I looked at Lorcan. On the outside, he was composed as he listened to them. Yet, I saw the storm brewing in his eyes. The doubt.

“The meeting is adjourned,” Lorcan said, cutting them off. “I will consider your words and give you an answer by tomorrow morning.”

When he left the council chamber, I followed him down the long corridor. I stayed several feet back to give him space, but he occasionally glanced over his shoulder, as if to make sure I was still with him.

He went to the throne room.

The paintings the king had gazed upon days prior were ruined; the images smeared. Glass covered the floor from the window breaking when the water crashed down on the palace. It reminded me of the sunken city of Atlantis.

Poseidon had destroyed his own paradise, and now Triton had done the same. Out of anger. Out of heartbreak.

“What do I do, Malik?” Lorcan asked, staring at his father’s empty throne. “The people are afraid. Our kingdom is destroyed. My father left without a word to me and can’t be found. Please tell me what to do. I’m lost.”

In that moment, Lorcan reminded me of the young prince I had raised. He had fought against his responsibilities and rebelled, yet when he needed guidance, he came to me with that same pleading look he had in his eyes now.

“Victory will not come easily, and if he does succeed… he will need to sacrifice the one thing he’s fought for his entire life. His freedom.”

As Phantos’ words returned to me, the answer became clear. However, it was not an easy answer to give.

“Your people need a leader, my prince,” I said, then bowed my head. “Or should I say… my king.”

“Don’t.” Lorcan swam forward, trident in hand. “My father is still king. Not me.”

“Your father destroyed his own kingdom. These are not his people any longer. They are yours.”

He shook his head. “I can’t lead them. I’m not fit to rule.”

“Over the past three days, you’ve stayed by your people. They are frightened and worried about the future, yet your very presence has given them hope. They will follow you.”

“The council is divided on if we should stay here or leave.”

“Their place is to offer wisdom,” I told him. “It isyouwho makes the final decision.”

“What if I make the wrong one?” He cursed and lashed out with the trident, sending the kings throne backward with a powerful blast. The bones crashed into the wall, the shards joining the glass on the floor. “I want to go home to Emerald Cove! I don’t want to be here.”

“This is the path you must take.” I grabbed both his shoulders to calm him. “It’s not what you want, I know, but it’s your responsibility.”

He glared at the floor. “I was happy with my life, Malik. A life under the sun with my husband and Theron. It’s all I’ve ever wanted.”

“I know.” I tilted his chin up and met his sad eyes. “The right thing is not always the easiest, son. But you’re strong. You can do this. And you won’t do it alone. I’ll be beside you.”

His chin quivered. “What if I fail them all?”

“You won’t. They believe in you just as I do.”

The large door behind us creaked, and I looked to see Theron swimming toward us, his red and gold tail moving quickly through the water. The child was adorable in his human form, but he was even more precious in his merform. Wild, silver curls drifted around his smiling face before he latched onto my bicep.

“Theron.” Lorcan skewed a brow. “I thought I told you to stay with your Da. He still does not have his strength and needs someone to watch over him.”

The boy puffed out his chest, and his look of sudden determination brought a smile to my face. Alek was far stronger than Lorcan had implied. Eva had used healing magic to mend the worst of his injuries. But Lorcan wanted his son to stay by Alek’s side, so he knew where they were and that both were safe. I couldn’t blame him.

“There you are,” Seth said, entering the room, one arm in a sling. He had fought in the battle and injured his arm, but he’d fared better than most. “I turn my back for one moment and you disappear.”