For one second, it looked like he might break through all reason and go inside anyway.
Then Asael stepped closer. "My king, the west side needs you."
Luca also looked at Kian, his face tense. "We'll protect the inner passage."
Shelia swallowed and forced herself to speak. "Brother, she would want you to go."
That did it.
Kian closed his eyes for one breath. When he opened them again, the king had taken over the man who wanted to stay.
"Asael," he said. "With me."
Asael nodded at once.
"Luca, guard this passage. No one enters without Zyran's approval. If anyone forces their way in, kill first."
Luca straightened immediately. "Yes."
Kian looked at Osiris. "You come too."
Osiris looked toward the birth room, then toward the outer corridor. His face twisted with worry and anger. "But Isabella…"
"Will be safer if the enemy never reaches this hall," Kian said coldly.
Osiris's fire flared. "Then I'll make sure they don't."
