Gamel struggles to talk. I can see something in his eyes, fading away again. I shake my head. Tears. “I shouldn’t have. I took something from you. I—” “Wanted to. Give. A ruler is more than a man.” I stare down at Gamel. “No. Yes. He is. But I am still sorry.” It’s not a word. Just a question in his eyes. I sit by Gamel. The words come out of me slowly. “A ruler can afford to see nothing but pawns and tools or break his heart against his duties. But the mortal, human soul in him must cry out for every injustice he commits. Or he is no ruler, but a monster wearing the same skin. I am both. And
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