"You know, I've always wanted to be like Barclay," Leif said quietly. "He was so gentle yet strong, kind and wise.."
The boy's gaze darkened as he let out a sigh.
"But he's dead anyway, so what good is all that?"
"Leif…" Kel tried to step around the emperor, only to be blocked by his arm.
Throwing his head back, the young king let out a maniacal chuckle. It filled the hall, eerily bouncing off the walls.
When he finally stopped laughing, he turned to Kel with a wolfish grin.
"Wow! You can breathe fire, Kel?" he exclaimed. "That's amazing!"
Calix's arm tightened around her waist as the boy took an unsteady step closer.
"The princess's body double, a fire breather," Leif held up a finger for each item he listed,"... and the Dragon Emperor's lover?"
Apparently he hadn't been so focused on his father's body that he missed the events going on around him.
Letting out another snort, Leif reached down to grab Sir Arden's sword.
