Prologue
Shiah could hardly wait for the coronation. Asha was his best friend, after all, and of course he was happy for her. But this excitement, this anticipation that sent his mind spiraling through the possibilities and set his every nerve on edge until he wore grooves into the floor pacing- this was for a much less selfless reason. Today was the day that Shiah would be accepted into Dya’s Haven Knight Academy. Right after the crown is placed on Asha’s head, they’re going to call out the names of the people who will train to be her royal guard. Me included, of course. I hope. Asha would obviously choose her best friend to protect her, right? Shiah laughed nervously. Is this confidence or delusion? “What’re you laughing about?” A squeaky voice sounded from behind. Shiah whipped around, his eyes snapping back up to the small boy splashing around in the fountain in Havensquare. Shiah had promised he’d watch his younger brother, Ezra, at the coronation today while his parents wer...