"Difficult, not impossible," Alaric corrected, settling back onto his bench. "You have advantages that others lack. Your divine blessing, your unique magical affinity, and your talent grades. But advantages mean nothing without the will to exploit them fully."
The duke leaned forward, his voice dropping to barely above a whisper. "The dragon slaying proved you have the power to threaten existing political structures. But power without the skill to use it effectively is just a target painted on your back. Every ambitious noble, every foreign kingdom, every religious fanatic who thinks they know better than you do, they'll all come for you eventually."
Jack's hand moved unconsciously to where Draven's pendant lay hidden beneath his shirt.
"So what do you suggest?" Jack asked.
