Though it bothered Collins that Falima had not consulted him before making her final decision, he found some solace in the realization that she had helped him make an equally difficult choice. “If we’re not living on the castle grounds, I guess I can’t take that job as adviser to the king.” He shrugged. “The thought of following in Carrie Quinton’s footsteps creeped me out anyway.”
Falima rose and approached Collins, Skinny Girl following her every movement with worried eyes. “Sweetie, I can do my work anywhere. Just because I’m not a guard doesn’t mean we can’t live in Opernes Castle.” She put her hands on the back of his chair and kissed the top of his head. “You don’t have to walk the same path as Carriequinton just because you hold the same title.”
Vernon added his piece, “Barakhai could really use someone like you to help keep the king on the moral path.” He winked at Falima. “Besides, you could socialize with the new captain of security. I hear he’s well qualified for the job, despite being . . . vermin.”
Vermin? No way. Not—
Falima gasped, completing his thought aloud. “Zylas? Zylas is King Terrin’s new captain of security?”
“Can you think of anyone better suited to fill the post?”
Collins doubted the king of Barakhai could find anyone as capable as the man who had dedicated his life to bringing together the most diverse people in the world, to gaining, winning, and keeping their loyalty and respect. That Zylas could speak every language, including those of animals, and mutated into a rat at will, would only sweeten the deal. Collins believed Terrin wise enough to understand the enormous asset he had obtained and that he could count on the rebels to support him so long as he followed the advice of his new captain. A monarchy kept strong by alliances instead of magical physical advantage. “Better suited than Zylas?” He shook his head with such vigor, it tousled his hair into knots. “Not on any world.”
The Lost Dragons of Barakhai Page 26