“Then perhaps he wants to be High King for Eldred’s sake,” I say. “Or to spite his memory.”
That’s seems to draw Barata’s attention. Though I said it only to suggest something that would misdirect him from thinking too much about Hann’s motives, once it comes out of my mouth, I ponder whether there isn’t some truth to it.
“Or because he was angry with you for chopping off Eldred’s head. Or being responsible for the deaths of all his siblings. Or because he was afraid you might murder him too.”
Barata flinches. “Be quiet,” he says, and I go gratefully silent. After a moment, he looks down at me. “Tell me which of us is worthy of being High King, myself or Prince Hann?”
“You are,” I say easily, giving him a look of practiced adoration. I do not point out that Hann is no longer a prince.
