Page 69 of The Ballad of a Bard
W ithin the week, news of Altivar’s death had spread like wildfire, reaching even the lowest parts of the Bronze Gate. And with his passing, the announcement of the new heir followed. Cobalt could hardly believe it, and Crimson was right there alongside him. It made sense, but it was still astounding to think about. As was the fact that murdering their parents seemed to run in the family. Altivar had killed Osira, and Cobalt had killed him in return.
Which hadn’t bothered the boy yet and she highly doubted it would ever. Perhaps when he was older and could understand the full extent of his decision, but she wasn’t going to press it.
Black flags flew about the palace in honour of the Talon line, which Cobalt stated he wasn’t taking the name. He wanted to keep Bard, and no one had an issue with it. Not even the advisors that would help him lead one day when he came of age. Until then, a temporary ruler would be set in stone, acting for Tazali’s best interests. West turned it down, as did Connor and Crimson. And with those rejections, the advisors came to the decision that perhaps a full Saint shouldn’t rule, as they already obtained enough power without the title.
West asked them both to move into his rooms at the Spinning Compass, which they were in the process of doing. He’d transformed his third room into a space for Cobalt, purchasing a massive bed for him that Cobalt was utterly obsessed with. Azure assaulted it as well, and the boy insisted that West hang his portrait in there as well.
He’d happily done so.
Crimson filled the remaining drawers of his dresser and doors were put up as well to allow privacy. Something that they’d needed in the last week as they explored everything that lay between them. She was still reeling from it and expected to be for quite some time if he kept it up. He was immortal and so was she. She expected it for quite some time.
Connor sailed back to Belledon to collect the rest of his things, vowing that he would return and then they’d never be rid of him again. She’d only pulled out his talisman and threatened to hold him to that. With a brief hug and a few emotional words, he’d left two days ago for Valkrigge on a merchant ship. Thalias took over as Captain of the Watch in West’s stead as he hung his coat up for good, but not truly disposing of it. She understood why.
It was one of the last things he had from Muse.
And with the coming years ahead of them, without any worry of how they would pay for food or medicine or rent, Crimson felt as though she could freely breathe at last.