“I haven’t made a mistake like that in…no, it’s never happened. Well, I’m going to need a new plan now.”
That reminded Naru Huan of another matter—one he had planned to visit the Arelius family to address personally. His mood instantly soured.
“What part of that plan involves reviving the Path of Black Flame?” the Emperor asked, his tone dark.
Eithan waved a hand. “Oh, that.”
“That? I need an explanation, if only to know what you could possibly have thought you were doing. You had to realize I would take him from you immediately.”
“Teaching someone the Path is not illegal.”
“Neither is hanging yourself, but that doesn’t make it wise. He’s going to be isolated both for his own safety and to stop him from causing a panic, Eithan.” Naru Huan slammed his glass down, remembering at the last second to cushion it in wind madra so it didn’t shatter.
Eithan sighed and replaced the pitcher on the table. “That does bring us around to the reason I’m here. I have a request.”
That was about as surprising as the sun rising in the east: no one ever came to see the Emperor without a request. “The Skysworn already have him in custody. I can’t let a Blackflame go, Eithan. He’ll cause a riot.”
“Let him go? No, no, not at all.” His smile returned. “I want you to make sure he still has to fight.”
THE END