Chapter 131

　　If I told him that I knew, about Ashara, about the baby… what would he say? What if he left? I needed him. I needed him as mascot of my army, but I needed him… for me. If I pushed him into leaving with my jealousy, I would lose this war, and I would lose him. It was better to have what I could of him.

　　“Love’s sacrifice will make you strong,” I did not even put breath behind the words.

　　I watched two riders peeling off at pace from the main army below us - my messengers. The army began to spread out along the road, the various forces of soldiers – infantry, knight’s calvary, and archers – grouped between the supply wagons and camp followers. A lengthy gap was slowly being closed over the morning by the knights and supply wagons from Arden Retis hurrying to catch up.

　　On one pass, I saw Leongrad raise his arm in acknowledgement.