In Deeper Waters by F.T. Lukens (most motivational books txt) 📕

his brow furrowed, his words slow but true. “Not again. I’m not him. I thought, maybe, that I would be, because we share the same fire. But I’m not.” Tal had made mistakes. He’d burned the pirate ship in his weakest moment, but he’d resolved he’d never do anything like that again. He wouldn’t, because as freeing as it had felt, as desperate as he’d been, it was terrible and terrifying. “I won’t do the things he did. Never. Not even at the order of my queen. And I’m not afraid anymore.” Tal met the gaze of his mother. “I’m not afraid of myself.” He lifted his palm, and fire danced along his skin and dripped from his fingertips, sizzling the wood of the table where it landed. “Of what I can do.”

“I don’t believe hiding is an option now,” his mother said. She did better than Corrie at disguising her fear, but Tal could see the sorrow etched in her features, the weight of the decisions ahead of them.

“There are rumors in the towns about me. And I know you’ve always said they’re just rumors, but if enough people speak them, if enough people believe in them, then they aren’t just rumors. They are truth. Those same rumors are why I was taken and why we’re in this situation. Hiding me may have been the right choice when I was young, but it’s certainly not anymore. Now we must control the narrative. We have to change the misconceptions about magic, and to do that, I have to reveal myself. I must show the world that I’m not another Lon.”

“I agree,” the queen said, eyes shining with pride. “The other kingdoms will want to meet you, Taliesin. They will want to hear this all from you to allay their concerns.”

“Then invite them,” Tal said. “Invite them here or I’ll go to them.”

“That’s too dangerous,” Garrett said, elbows on the table. “We’ve seen what happens when you travel. They’ll come here.”

“A celebration,” Isa said. “Some kind of celebration.”

“What kind? We’ve just had a wedding,” Kest said.

Isa’s lips thinned. “That was an alliance. And rushed, at that, due to… unforeseen circumstances. We’ll have another. A celebration of joy.”

“Yes,” the queen said, her shrewd gaze settling on Tal. “The king of Mysten has a bastard daughter. He’s been looking for a way to make her legitimate. If we provide one, he may forgive our transgressions against them.” Her jaw clenched. “I promised myself I would never ask any of you to marry for an alliance, but I’m afraid I will have to break that promise.”

Kest cleared his throat. “How old is she?”

His mother sighed softly, then raised her head, opened her eyes, and addressed the table with her usual regal bearing. “She is seventeen.”

Tal froze.

Athlen clamped his hand down on Tal’s wrist on the table, chilled fingers wrapping firmly around Tal’s arm.

His mother zeroed in on the gesture.

“Corrie,” she said softly, “I think it’s time our guest was shown to the quarters he’ll be using while he is staying with us.”

Corrie frowned. “Hey, I’m a part of this family! I want to know what happens.”

“You’ll be informed as soon as we’ve discussed it. But as you’re too young to be considered, it’s not your concern. I require this other task of you. See to our guest. Treat him with the respect you would a hero who saved your brother.”

Corrie grumbled but stood and curtsied.

Athlen looked to Tal for guidance, and with a breaking heart Tal patted Athlen’s arm. “Go with Corrie. I’ll find you later.”

He tilted his head, eyes narrowed, but stood all the same and allowed Corrie to loop her arm through his.

No one at the table spoke until Corrie whisked him out the door, chattering all the while.

Tal shared a glance with his siblings, then swallowed. The duty should fall to his shoulders. He was the obvious choice, being the closest in age, and it would be a gesture of good faith, especially if he was to reveal his magic. But… he didn’t want to, not if Athlen would have him, not if there was any chance for them to be together. He wished they’d resolved the tension between them before he was confronted with this choice. A deep sense of loss pierced him for what might have been. He took a breath, then faced his mother, choosing his words carefully.

“If you ask me to, I will do it. I know this is my fault for—”

“No.” Garrett’s fist hit the table. “No. Did you see the way they look at each other?” he said to their mother. “No. It’s not fair to ask Tally.”

“I’ll do it,” Kest said. He picked at the tablecloth runner with a fingernail. “I am the next closest in age. It would be a good match.”

“What about Shay?” Tal asked.

Kest reddened. “It’ll be fine. We were not—”

“You two act like I have one foot in the grave,” Garrett said, crossing his arms. “I’m commander of our military. I am second in line to the throne. I’m only twenty-three. I’m a damn fine prospective husband.”

Tal fidgeted in his seat. “You don’t have to do this for me.”

Garrett puffed out his chest. “Who says I’m doing it for you? Maybe it’s time I settle down.”

“Settle down?” Kest huffed. “This coming from the man who spends most of the year at sea.”

“Yes. Settle down. Give Mother some grandchildren. The sea knows she’ll not have any from you if you don’t ever let Shay know you adore her.”

Kest sputtered in embarrassment.

“Grandchildren? Hellions, more like,” Isa said, mouth pulled into a smile. “But you’re certain, Garrett? This isn’t a decision to be made lightly.”

“You married for an alliance, Isa, to help our family and the people of our kingdom. I will do the same because it’s the responsible thing to do, but also because you know I can’t allow you to be better than me at anything.”

“If that were the case, you’d be much better at politics,” Kest shot back. “And wouldn’t