Aiden turned to Adriel. "When the time comes I will be releasing not only Micah, but also Caiden, Kyran and Tristan Ironwood." He looked to Law. "I have a feeling you and your brothers will be pressed into service as well."
Law snorted. "There isn't a single person alive, save our mother, who can tell me and my brothers what to do."
Micah brought his hands down and wiggled them at Law. "Air shackles whenever you're ready Kendrick," he said playfully.
Kendrick turned to Adriel. "You may end up keeping that one," he said jerking his thumb to Micah.
Serenity's mind raced. Why would Aiden release Micah and the Ironwoods to serve Kendrick? How did the Ashleighs fit into all this? Ashleigh, Ironwood, and Whiteoak? She inhaled sharply choking on her own spit. She began to choke with sent her into a spiral of panic. There was no way.
Kendrick looked at her pleased then turned to Law. "She's smarter than you."
Law scowled up at Kendrick. "What in the hell are you talking about."
Micah sat back down and rubbed her back. "There, there darling. You're having the same reaction I did earlier this afternoon." He pressed her water goblet to her lips. "Take a sip."
"Micah, is she okay?" Laelia asked worriedly.
"She'll be just fine," Micah replied.
To Serenity, the ice-cold water felt good going down. She focused on slowing her breathing. If she didn't get herself under control Laelia and Radclyffe would start mollycoddling her. When she looked up it was like she was seeing Kendrick for the first time. "How?" she whispered.
"Oh, my gods," Kari said, slumping back on her chair.
Kendrick held up two fingers. "That's two ladies who beat you to it Law."
Law looked around and besides herself, Kari and those from Lycaonia, everyone else wore a confused expression. He turned to Kendrick. "What has Serenity choking and my baby sister Kari looking like she's about to faint? Why would Micah threaten me with air shackles," he demanded furiously.
"Probably because of your temper," Serenity answered taking a deep breath. She stood on shaky legs and Micah rose with her. They both turned to face Kendrick and she dropped to a deep curtsy while Micah bowed.
Law popped Micah on the arm. "Stop that. What in the world is going on? Why would you bow to Kendrick?"
His question sent Meryn into a fit of giggles. "Maybe we should have Sebastian scrounge up a two-by-four, so you can beat him over the head with the answer."
"Now, Meryn. It isn't very obvious," Aiden chided.
Meryn sniffed. "I was the first person to figure it out back home."
"Micah Whiteoak, Serenity Meadowsweet, please rise," Kendrick said formally.
All her life Serenity hated the way Storm Keep was ruled. Everyone was so obsessed with their test scores that the brighter days of their king and queen had fallen to legend and myth. In her heart, she always felt that, as a people, they should be doing more.
She couldn't believe that the humble archivist who had lived in the Lower City for centuries was their long, lost king.
As the truth hit her sobs broke free and her tears ran unchecked down her face. Micah wrapped an arm around her, no less affected. He stared at Kendrick with a look of absolute devotion tears dripping off his chin.
Kari wiped at her eyes. "That is just beautiful."
Law stood angrily and faced Kendrick. "You and me outside. I am tired of questions answering questions."
Kari laughed. "Law, do not threaten to beat your king, as an Ashleigh you are sworn to protect him." Her words rang around the table, everyone stared at Kendrick who raised an eyebrow to Law.
"Well?"
The blood drained from Law's face so quickly Serenity was sure he was going to keel over. "That's...just...not...possible," he managed to croak out, grabbing at his chair to stay upright.
Kendrick straightened his back and turned to face the table. "My name is Julian Stormhart, son of Kiran and Celeste Stormhart. I hope you will be able to keep my secret and when the time comes, help me and my people."
Laelia and Radclyffe jumped to their feet bowing. "Your Majesty," they said.