Chapter 53: Nine Of Cups

The little girl didn't lead him to the food or the water. She took him to the gate and pointed at the tablet on his chest.

"It is time," she said.

"I didn't know you could talk." 

"Warmth at night and company in the day." The girl smiled.

"Well, I'm glad you found me," Harald knelt in front of her. "I would have been lonely these days without you to guide me."

She smiled and put her finger on his forehead.

"Blessed brother."

"That's what they say."

"Believe them."

"I don't feel like a blessed brother."

"You see the humanity others don't."

Harald fell like he'd been hit by a thunderbolt. In his time as King, he'd never given much thought to the people outside of the palace and noble Houses. Marriette showed him his arrogance. This child showed him how blind he had been.

She sat down and held him until he stopped shaking. She touched a finger to his face. "Blessed brother, lesson learned." She put her finger on his chest. "Hope is real. Remember."