I Can Only Ask for More

Fenris repeated those words. Kanaru figured something was different with Fenris these days. Ever since Kanaru first received a reply from Burdett, the king had been keeping him from battles. He didn't know if Fenris didn't trust his fighting prowess anymore, but Kanaru didn't want to stay out.

He didn't want to be seen as a burden—he didn't want to stay out just to stay safe.

"Suddenly calling me with that pet name makes me angrier." Kanaru narrowed his gaze at the king, attracting the ire of the ward and the captain. "You and Gannett hid the truth from me, and you want me to sit back and watch now? Why do I have to stay behind? You never stopped me from acting before. What did I do to lose your trust all of a sudden?"

"It's not a matter of trust, Kanaru." Fenris still offered a smile and rubbed the third prince's cheek. "The stone giants are beyond your capabilities, and they don't come singly. I'd feel better if you're—"