“Aye, lady seer. I trust in you.” Lucian looks down at her, uncertain as to why he trusted in her. But, he did. Something in him needed to trust in her. So, he did – and he would unless she gave him another reason not to do so. “Why do you need to know this?”
“So I know if telling you any of this will make any difference.” Solstice struggles to sit up, her breathing still very erratic.
“Allow me to help you.” Lucian slides an arm behind her, helping her to sit up.
“Thank you.” She exhales slowly, closing her eyes. “Your kingdom’s future is in flux, Lucian. Your father’s guidance will not be enough. You must be in charge of your kingdom to ensure it does not fall.”
“Are you saying my father is incompetent?” Lucian’s eyes flash with a dark anger.
“No, not at all. I am saying he cannot see clearly any longer. He has been ill a very long time, hasn’t he.” Solstice opens her eyes to look at him.
“Yes, he has.” Lucian sighs, looking away from her.
“He will not be able to make the correct choices, Lucian. You know this. You told me yourself when you offered to take me to my home rather than to your father. You disliked what he asked of you. You doubted the wisdom of it, did you not.”
“Yes, I did. I freely admit that.” Lucian gets to his feet, starting to pace.
“Can you do this, Lucian? Can you lead a kingdom?”
“Aye. I’ve been doing it long enough.”
“Without your father’s knowledge.”
“He could not leave his room. Things needed to be done.” Lucian sighs softly. He looks to Solstice.
“What else do you see, Solstice? What else should I know?”
Solstice looks to him for a long, long moment. She draws in a deep breath.