The Vision
King Eli believed in his wife’s visions. Every one of them.
But that didn’t stop him from wishing they wouldn’t happen.
He glanced at the sketch his adviser had given him. The same image stared back at him no matter how much he wished it would be different.
The child from Auburn’s visions.
A harbinger of change.
But what kind of change?
The visions hadn’t shown Auburn that much. They’d warned her it loomed, but little else.
He drummed his finger on the gold throne carved into the shape of a dragon. His first instinct said to toss the infant back into the ocean from which she’d come. He wanted to safeguard his people and his wife, and this child threatened both.
But Dracor, god of justice, frowned on such things.
Eli rubbed his temples as he stared at the image. Why did the child’s eyes have to, not exactly glow, though that’s what people said, but radiate light? The strange coloring only lent credibility to those calling her demon spawn and demanding he order Sir Gabriel to destroy her.
But demons weren’t born. They materialized in all their horror, disgorged from the bowels of the seven hells by foolish wizards beholden to the Unholy Triumvirate.
Idiots, but powerful idiots blinded by dark promises.
The same kind of promises being offered to the masses by those demanding he execute the child to protect Tamryn.
Promises based on fear rather than truth.
He understood fear, could use it himself if it was the best tool. Might yet.
But the gods had gifted Auburn with the visions, and his wife never used fear to intimidate or manipulate. If anything, Thalia, goddess of mercy and light, favored his queen.
Auburn’s gift of prophecy guided her, particularly during difficult and uncertain times. She should meet the child, and he could gauge her reaction.
Eli’s stomach clenched at the thought.
More than anything, he wanted to safeguard Auburn. He’d give his own life for her.
Sucking in a breath, he unfurled his fists. What did it say if he didn’t trust the child in the same room with his wife?
He stared at the image again. Dracor may represent justice, but He was an unforgiving god.
King Eli handed the sketch back to his adviser. “Request Knight Gabriel and his charge to join us at the palace. I need to speak with him.”
The king’s adviser bowed and left the throne room. Eli’s throat tightened as he contemplated the security measures needed to protect Auburn.
If you want more of Auburn and Eli, they have their own novel available here.
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