"Tell me."
"You and Kael—you're good people. I actually believe you want what's best." He finally met my eyes.
"But good intentions don't stop tyrants from rising. History is full of kings who started noble and ended monstrous."
"Then stop us if we go that way," I said.
"That's literally what the charter allows."
"Words on paper." His voice was bitter.
"When you have an army and divine power, words don't matter much."
"They do to me. I know you don't trust me yet. That's fine. But give us a chance to earn it. That's all I'm asking."
"Three days. I'll give you my answer then."
He left.
Kael appeared at my shoulder.
"Think he'll come around?"
"Maybe. Or maybe he'll be the opposition we need to keep us honest."
"Always the optimist."
"One of us has to be."
That afternoon, I fo
