Aedion ruffled her hair once more and walked to the door, pausing on the threshold. He met Lysandra’s stare, her eyes emerald-bright. “I lost my family ten years ago. Tomorrow I will fight for the new one I’ve made.” Not only for Terrasen and its court and people. But also for the two ladies in this room. I wanted it to be you in the end. He almost spoke her words then. Almost said them back to Lysandra as something like sorrow and longing entered her face. But Aedion ducked out of the room, shutting the door behind him.
