Chapter 42: Strategic Retreat

“You want me to run away?” Illyra asked as she walked into her room, Rowan still on her hip.

“This isn’t about running, it is about surviving,” Skylar explained, hurrying on her heels.

“No. I can’t run. What would my people think of me?” the queen asked, shaking her head.

A nursemaid was waiting in her bedroom for her. Reluctantly, Illyra handed Rowan to the nurse.

“I’ll come in and say goodnight once she is settled,” Illyra said.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” the nursemaid said with a curtsey.

She waited until Rowan and the nurse were gone before rounding on Skylar. “How could I ever face my people again if I ran from them in this time of need?” she asked, putting her hands on her hips.

“They will understand. They know that Theros is here for you and Rowan, not them,” Skylar insisted.

“And if I run to save myself, they will never forgive me,” she argued, shaking her head again.