“Take me to your father’s grave.”
Kael stared at me.
For several seconds, he didn't move.
“You don't want to go there.”
“I need to.”
“Lyra—”
“The symbol is on his grave.”
My fingers trembled as I touched the crown-shaped mark on my chest.
“I need to know why.”
Kael looked toward the Queen.
She had gone completely silent.
That scared me more than anything she had said.
I stepped closer to her.
“You knew about this.”
Her eyes met mine.
“I knew the symbol.”
“Then tell me what it means.”
“It means your father was afraid.”
“Afraid of what?”
She looked at Kael.
“Of what he created.”
Kael's jaw tightened.
“My father didn't create me.”
The Queen didn't answer.
I reached for his hand.
“Take me there.”
He looked down at our joined hands.
Then back at me.
“Fine.”
He turne
