Now Darkovan stood. “But they follow you now — they bow because they respect you, not just your title. It’s different for me. I am not worthy of my position, and you know it. ”
“How dare you doubt me?” My anger was sudden, but justified. “Why do you think I went to the pirates? For the pleasure of their company? For entertainment? It certainly did no favors to my health. I came for you, Darkovan. I risked my life for you. So don’t you ever again disrespect the risks I took by claiming you weren’t worth it!”
“I’m only a displaced orphan,” he mumbled.
“So am I!” Then my voice softened. “But I’m also a king, and you are my captain. Doubt yourself, if you must, but you will not question me!”
He stepped back, then lowered his head. “I can read a battle and I can swing a sword, and my strate
