I had to stay the night at Ryujin since Kai had cried himself to sleep, curled into my side like a kitten clinging to warmth, and I hadn't had the heart to move him. His small hands had balled up the fabric of my shirt, like he feared I'd vanish if he let go.
The next morning, I left for Slavenreach. There were matters I had to tend to, and though things between Kai and me were patched up, his punishment remained. He was still being sent to the Fairisles tomorrow. I'd already dispatched a letter to Grandfather with the final arrangements. Everything was in motion.
Besides, Rune was coming to meet Kai today. That, in itself, was something I couldn't overlook. Kai was familiar with my father by now—comfortable, even—but he'd never met Rune. I didn't want him to be blindsided by my brother's sudden appearance.
When I returned to Ryujin from Slavenreach, I half-expected Rune to already be on his way. Instead, I was met with something else—an entourage I didn't recognize.
