adare

This is what we are for, Alin,_ the older guardsman said, turning to his companion. Adare had never heard anyone use Birch__ first name. She hadn__ even known it herself. __ur lives for hers. If she refuses this, there__ no saying what the zealots will do to her.___here__ no saying what the zealots will do if she agrees,_ Birch pointed out. __e can__ save her if we__e dead.___hat is a risk that the princess will have to assess for herself. Our duty is to serve.___ thought service meant fighting,_ Birch protested, but the anger had gone out of him. Resignation thinned his voice.__ometimes, Alin,_ Fulton replied, nodding. __nd sometimes it means dying.

Her anger, so useful just moments before, was getting the better of her now. She could hear it; she was too loud. Nira had counseled her again and again on the importance of holding her tongue and her peace. Ironic, given the source, but good advice all the same.