Courage

Sophia

Even though Abir didn’t appear fazed by the request, Luke’s tone held a heavy weight. For once, I didn’t want to know what was on his mind, but I had a feeling I was about to find out.

This was what I was here for, to be Luke’s rock like he was mine. This was what a real relationship looked like, for better or for worse.

When Abir left and closed the door behind him, Luke collapsed onto his bed. He rolled over onto his back and raked his hands through his hair.

“Penny for your thoughts?” I asked, intending for it to sound like a joke.

Luke wasn’t smiling. “The council wants to meet with me,” he said.

“Okay? Don’t you meet often?”

“They want to see me now.”

“Now?” I asked. “You just got back. They can’t give you a second to get settled?”

Luke sat up. “That’s what Mother said. A king’s duty never rests.”

I sat down next to him. I didn’t touch him for fear he would shrink away from me. I wanted to be there for him but not to make him more uncomfortable than he already was.

“Are yo