Chapter 27: The next king is gone.

Chapter 27: The next king is gone.

SITTING NEXT TO Anoka, Render held the little girl’s hand as the light filtered through the dirty window of the orphanage. He watched her even breathing as he waited for Warrior Caron to show up and take over for him.

“Anoka,” he whispered to the sleeping child. “I think I’m in deep. I’m in love with the next king of the Dagerstanteens.”

Render felt like he had to tell someone. He wished he could shout his joy from the rooftops. Somehow, Daris had become his favorite thing in the world, just like the monk, and he couldn’t fight it. He didn’t want to fight this feeling.

Anoka didn’t stir and instead sighed as she rested. In moments like this, when Anoka was peaceful, he could let his dreams run wild. He loved to picture a life where he would have Toren to kiss, hug, and talk to, Daris in his bed at night whispering his wisdom, and Anoka healed and playing under clear skies.