RYAN
The doors opened and there was silence. Jaden commanded the space he occupied, standing framed in the doorway and accentuated by the arch over the entrance to the throne room. Turtela remains behind him a shadow, watching all; my angel is so wise beyond her years with so much level headèdness like that of her mother's. Hailey had been afraid no one would like her. That was a silly worry; no one could possibly ever dislike Turtela; they met her and loved her. Jaden was no longer the helpless baby we had been mercilessly forced to abandon; now he was a man. His face was so unreadable, and hard and strong. I knew I should speak up. It is time to step in and keep the peace. But I am unable to. The sight of my son made my heart, which had been wounded by war and betrayal, tighten in excru
