Ashlynn went stiff in Nyrielle's arms, and her heart began to race as Nyrielle, for what felt like the first time in months, refused to indulge in her 'willfulness.' There were very few things Nyrielle had ever denied her, and even fewer times she'd directly overruled her, but she'd never once done so without having a very good reason for her actions.
This time was no different. Nyri wasn't wrong. Deep down, Ashlynn knew that she needed to face Jocelynn eventually. But right now…
"Can't it wait until after we settle the city and the march?" Ashlynn asked, looking at Nyrielle with beseeching eyes. "I don't need to avoid her for months or years, but right now, everything is so fragile…"
"Then I'll help you hold the fragile pieces together," Nyrielle said firmly. "You've already taken the first steps, my darling, but you never intended to walk a ruler's road alone. We bear these burdens together, so let me shoulder my share while you resolve matters with Jocelynn."
