Elise raised her head with her proclamation, as if daring Aerion to say something. But it was I who was most taken aback. I jerked, staring at her, lips parted in shock.
She glanced at me, an amused smile flickering across her face. "Isn't that what you wanted?"
"Well, um, I..." I grasped my tail and held it to keep it from twitching. It wasn't that I hadn't expected that--I'd seen it myself--but to hear such brazen ambition from her was a shock in and of itself.
"I suppose it was a bit bold of me," she said, a light blush dusting her cheeks. "But I've made up my mind. There's no point mincing words. I'm going to forge a new kingdom out of the chaos and build a place for the weak and the strong to live in harmony. Even if I have to fight every warlord and bandit to do it."
Aerion nodded slowly. "I can appreciate that kind of resolve. Nothing less will carry you to victory."
"Then do I have your blessing?"
