The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and..

things, I gave him a quick rundown. “She said that the
Atlantian armies were preparing to enter Solis. Did your
father tell you that?”
“He did.” That muscle flexed in his jaw again. “I knew he
was planning this. However, I didn’t know how advanced
those plans had become. From what I could gather from
speaking with him, half of the Elders are in agreement. It’s
not that he wants to go to war. It’s that he sees no other
choice.”
Crossing my arms, I stared out the terrace doors. “And
you still do?”
“I believe it’s worth a shot. I believe it is more than
that.”
I was relieved to hear that. “Your mother wanted me to
take the next couple of days to travel to Evaemon and see
the city before I made my choice about the Crown. She told
me that her generation is incapable of giving the Ascended
a chance because of what they’ve lived through. That it
would have to be us who took that risk. She seemed…
supportive of me taking the Crown. That it would be what is
best for the kingdom,” I said, looking back at him. He
watched me closely, and I registered no shock from him.
“This doesn’t surprise you?”
“No.” A lock of wavy hair fell over his forehead. “She
has always put the kingdom first, over her own needs.”
“And you truly believe that isn’t what makes a good King
and Queen?”
“My parents have ruled Atlantia fairly and have done the
best they can—better than anyone else could have. Maybe
I’m biased in believing that, but whatever. Personally, I don’t
believe that an unhappy or distracted King or Queen makes
for a good ruler,” he told me. “And you wouldn’t have been
able to enjoy any of your time spent exploring Atlantia if you
chose not to go to your brother. It would be the same for me
if I learned that Malik was near. I would have to go to him.”