He turned to her, his eyes bright with desperation. "You think it doesn't matter—but it does, your highness. It matters more than you can imagine."
His hands trembled slightly as he added, "The king would rather die a hundred times than let harm come to you or the heir. I would too. But if you rush headlong into Gabriel's war, then we lose the one thing that matters: a future where we are more than shadows."
"Damien is hurt. The guilt weighs him down."
"He will get over it. He just needs to see the bigger picture."
He looked at her with a softness that few had ever seen in him. "You are his anchor. You hold more power over him than you realize. If you hold fast, he will too."
"Veyron…" Luna sighed.
"You have to be careful, your highness. Gabriel is on to something. And if he came for me, it means he will be going after everyone who can protect the king. Stick with Doctor Thessa. Listen to her. You are Blood City's future."
