/n/jackal-among-snakes-1520/c-658
chapter-657

When Argrave went to find Sophia, preparing himself for what he thought could be a serious and heart-wrenching conversation, he saw something that made him pause and watch. Orion was giving her a piggyback ride, and running around the courtyard very quickly as she screamed and laughed with pure joy. It was the closest thing to a rollercoaster that could be found in this world, he supposed. His brother seemed to be having just as much fun as she was, too.

When Argrave was finally spotted, their fun came to an early close—Orion hauled her from his back and set Sophia down, where she staggered uneasily. He moved her to a rock, said some words, then walked over to Argrave.

“Your Majesty,” Orion greeted, giving him a salute by putting his fist to his heart. He wore plainclothes, and evidence from the battle still persisted on his body at points. It must’ve been a tremendously close fight for even Orion to still bear scars long after its conclusion. “You’ve returned. I heard from Elenore what happened. Congratulations on your victory,” he said sincerely. “I apologize I was not better able to defend this place.”

Argrave narrowed his eyes. “You’re joking, right? You’re the only reason this place wasn’t entirely levelled.”

“Others like Durran contributed, but I won’t deny it as my proudest moment. I only wish I could have ended the battle earlier, before so many lives were lost.” He looked back to Sophia. “But enough of me. You came here to speak to Sophia, yes? I’ve been trying to keep her spirits up, in light of what she’s learned. Her spirits, and my own.”

Argrave watched Sophia as she regained her balance. She sat where Orion had left her, patiently waiting. “I came here to find you in equal measure. We have a lot to talk about. First, though… let me go talk to her. Elenore said it would best.”

“As she should. Sophia missed you dearly,” Orion agreed. “I will be nearby, should you need me.”

Orion walked away, and Argrave thought there was something that had changed about his brother’s demeanor. He seemed less… constricted, in a way. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it. Nevertheless, he turned and walked to Sophia, who still seemed dazed after travelling aback Orion.

Argrave came up just before Sophia and knelt down. “Hello, young lady.”

“Hello, Your Majesty,” she greeted, with an undeniable twinge of caution on her tone. Moreover, she used the formal address with him—was she taking cues from Orion, or was it something else?

“Are you alright, Sophia?” Argrave asked.

“I’m well. Annel—the queen. Is she…?”

“She’ll be coming in a moment—she just needs to resolve some matters before she does.” He scooted a little closer. “It seems like something’s bothering you, Sophia. Is anything wrong? Elenore said you wanted to speak to me about something.”

“I…” She looked down, closing her eyes. “I figured out some things. About who I am. About my brother.”

“I see.” Argrave nodded. He could tell that the revelations were weighing heavily on the girl’s mind. To finally connect the dots between this world-ending calamity that they’d been speaking of, and her own brother… he couldn’t imagine how a nine-year-old girl could cope with that especially easily. He said words he felt needed to be said. “I hope you know that it doesn’t change things between us, Sophia. And it certainly doesn’t change how much I missed you while I was gone. Did you not miss me?”

Sophia opened her eyes again and looked up at him, cautiously assessing his features. Then, Argrave got what he’d been hoping for—Sophia lunged out and hugged him, and he stood up with her hanging from his neck.

“I’m scared,” she confessed at once, her torrent of emotions pouring out now that she knew it would be safe to do so. “Griffin… he’s changed. He looks like… he looks like my father.” She tightened her arms around him, trembling. “He told me he was coming to get me. I told him I didn’t want to leave, and then…”

Argrave gently patted her back. “Everything’s going to be alright, Sophia.”

“I want my brother back,” she said. “I miss him. I don’t want him to die. I tried to tell him not to fight, but he…” she sniffled. “He said it wasn’t his choice. That he had to do this, that it was the only way for us to be happy…” She sniffled again, holding back tears as best she could. “I just… I just want my brother back. Why can’t he just come back? Why does this have to happen to us?”

Argrave couldn’t give her answers now. Perhaps he couldn’t ever. All he could do was hold her, and give words of comfort.