Lilith looked at him.
"Where?"
"Training."
She raised an eyebrow.
"That wasn't the question."
"The Forbidden Forest."
Lilith became quiet.
Atheline leaned against the railing.
"I need somewhere I can use everything without worrying about destroying half the landscape."
"The deeper Forbidden Forest isn't exactly safe."
"That's part of why I'm choosing it."
She stared at him.
He smiled.
"I know that look."
"Do you?"
"It's the look where you're deciding whether to tell me no."
"I'm the Queen. I don't need to decide whether I can tell you no."
"True."
She turned toward the city.
"Why now?"
Atheline's smile faded.
"Because you comprehended a Law."
Lilith glanced toward him.
"And I'm happy for you."
"But?"
"But I watched what happens when we're too weak."
That silenced her. He looked toward the distant horizon.
"I watched you lose everyone." His voice became quieter. "Zelpher. Simion. The councillors. Your soldiers."
He paused.
"Me."
