“Your child could have the disease.”
“I’m aware. But as Queen Regent, I could pass laws before my child is of age to take the crown. We could establish ways to adjust to our new reality. By the time any child of mine ascended to the throne, no one will be disputing the existence of dragons. No one will be questioning the problem with changelings. My children will know that if they are changeling, they won’t be eligible to serve in politics.”
“And you’ll be able to happily continue to serve in their stead?”
Celeste dips her chin incrementally. “If that’s what’s required of me.”
We pass the tree, the place I once found Celeste nursing a swollen ankle. Then deeper still into the forest, until the castle is far behind us, shrouded from view.
Grym gets on all fours and crouches low, like a
