Chapter 16
Eavesdropping
Ethlin: Tarlah City
Ethlin didn’t rest the day after the battle, not until she saw Arlian walking across the Royal Training Courtyard instead of sneaking up on her like usual. His anxious gaze roved her figure, hesitating at her bandaged wrist, then he smiled, realising she was whole, her only injury a sprained wrist. She ran to embrace him and he kissed her eagerly, then smoothed hairs that had strayed from her braid.
“I was very fortunate,” he said solemnly. “General Takanis fought with my older brothers in the Piracy War. She knows I am my father’s last living son, so she insisted I ride with her. If I had gone with the Regent... Most of their guards were killed, and Companion Tor is lucky to be alive. One of my friends lost their uncle yesterday, and anothe
