Senka watched and listened as Azreth's friends and confidants took in what he said, as they railed against his actions and lashed out in their pain and sorrow and fear. They cared for him, that much was clear. They cared for him so very much and only wanted to protect and support him, just as she did. Perhaps even more so, since they knew him far better than she. There was so much that she did not know about him, and this kingdom, and these people. There was so much she had yet to learn, and the mare felt that acutely. Well, perhaps after she found her chosen, she would understand more. At the very least, she would have an ally in learning.

As Valdien disappeared and the king continued his story, the mare allowed her sense of displacement to fade. Azreth was right about one thing: how could any of them truly understand what he was forced to face as a king? The best they could do was imagine. A heavy breath escaped her as she felt another pang of empathy for the young king. He was surrounded by so much pain, so many hard decisions. It was good that he had Valdien to support him. Valdien and all of the Azrein in the herd.

At Azreth's last words, however, her head flew up and she craned her neck to get a better look at his face.

"He allowed you to keep your soul?"

She could hardly believe it. Yet at the same time, how could she not believe it? His soul shone so brilliantly, how could even a demon find himself capable of tarnishing it? Of course, she supposed that it depended on the demon. Clearly, she had misjudged this demon, at least.

An ear flicked back. This only furthered her conviction that she had so very much to learn about the world.