Leaving

TOVA

Leila and Garth looked at me earnestly. I sat down heavily. I hadn’t thought of that option.

All of my memories have always been centered about the prophesy and my destiny. I barely remember my life before the prophesy was uttered and I was taken from my family. I have never had a say in my future, only used as a pawn to be moved around a board at the whim of Erik or his mother. I was groomed to be a wife and a child bearer, secondary was my supporting role as High Queen. I had been treated unkindly by many in Erik’s household and, by his own admittance, he encouraged that. He, too, was angry over his lack of control of his future but he was a man and the High King. He had ways to rebel.

I could leave. I could see if I could find my parents, perhaps, and try to rebuild a relationship with them if they were still alive. I could take my bag of gold and purchase some land and a home and live on my own schedule and for myself.

But if I left, I would be leaving Erik to his