Choice

Rael asked, "Why didn't you just force him to obey?"

I smiled, a memory flickering back. "My father once said, 'Every living thing deserves a choice.'" I let the words hang in the air, watching Rael absorb their meaning.

After some time, I sat in the empty throne room, lost in thought. I'd dismissed Lorin, given him his freedom, but part of me couldn't shake a need to feel the pulse of my people directly, beyond these walls. An idea sparked.

"Let's take a walk," I said to Rael, rising to my feet.

"I'll get the escorts ready," he replied immediately.

"Escorts?" I scoffed lightly. "I barely need protection. If anything, they'd need more protection than me."

Rael's mouth twitched, but he nodded, relenting. Minutes later, we flew on currents of wind toward the heart of Amer. I kept the cloaks close around us as we descended into the city.