Page 159 of Fate's Wicked Oath

Oderin had followed through.

Faren met his former Major’s gaze and found the other man grinning. Even Archer had a quirk to his lips.

“Your turn,” Oderin said to Faren.

Mariana rocked back on her feet, arms sliding from his neck, fingers curling against his shirt. She was smiling at him for a different reason, now, but Faren didn’t comprehend.

“What do you mean?” he asked. “My Oath is already gone.” Was that not part of the reason Phina had been badgering him with tests and questions? He’d overheard the adepts whispering frantically about the ramifications of dissolvable Oaths—the potential impact on the stability of the kingdom. What more was there for the ledgermasters to do?

“You may have it back, if you want it,” Oderin clarified. “I could use a good captain among my ranks—now more than ever.” The Major shared a glance with the Heir of Lothgaim. “So could Archer, if you’d prefer to serve the realm as one of Lothgaim’s Mighty—be closer to your family. Whatever you want, Faren. The choice is yours.”

Faren’s hands fell to his sides.

Mariana let go of his shirt and stepped aside. “Go on.”

Sorrel and Lottie were rearranging the huge tomes on the cart, using two hands and all their strength to heft the Ledger of the Mighty into position. The spine groaned as they gently opened the book, the giant pages whooshing as they sought his name.

Faren recalled the day he’d taken his Oath. The hope for purpose, courage, and glory taking root in his stomach. Loyalty flowering in his lungs. That desperate urge tomake something of himself before the endgrowing stronger. As he’d recited the words, he’d envisioned his whole life laid out before him, all rolling hills and promise. There had been nothing he loved more than the idea ofmatteringto the realm. A fearful motivation that he’d shaped into something noble.

For so long, Faren had sought meaning in his roles and titles—but meaning couldn’t be found in external validation. Meaning was found in making Pete laugh after losing everything. It was reading to Timand on the floor in the Bellkeep’s home. Attending a wedding in Waldron. Bickering with his sisters. Truemeaningwas loving Mariana in the way she deserved: without Oaths, without restraint.

Faren didn’t regret his time in the Mighty. But Faren was different now.

His Fate had come and gone, and he was standing in a new land, filled with new potential. And while Faren still loved the realm fiercely and would carry the tenets of his former Oathin his heart forever, he could no longer commit himself to the charge.

“Major Farkept,” Faren began. “Serving the Mighty Knighthood of Fenrir for the past decade has been among the most rewarding, fulfilling, and meaningful experiences of my life. I am a better man because of the camaraderie and purpose the Order provided me. And I am eternally grateful for your trust and—dare I say—friendship. So, I…apologize.” Faren cleared his throat, lifted his chin. “Your offer is an honor, but I cannot accept.”

Oderin’s throat bobbed. He did not seem angered by Faren’s speech, just perplexed. “‘Cannot’?” the Major repeated.

“I’m afraid I no longer meet the requirements of the Mighty Oath.”

“Care to clarify?” Archer asked.

Faren wrapped his arm around Mariana’s waist. “I am incapable of holding nothing in higher regard than the realm. Not so long as the woman standing beside me still breathes.”

Mariana gaped up at him.

He smiled warmly at her, the star around which his entire world revolved. Then he faced to two most powerful men currently standing on Fenriran soil. “It’s time I explore a new Fate.”

Oderin’s gold-brown eyes darted between Faren and Mariana, then narrowed. “I suppose I’ve done this to myself,” he remarked, scratching his stubbly jaw. “I assume you will not be convinced otherwise?”

“Faren,” Mariana began, “you don’t have to—”

“I know what I want,” Faren replied—to both of them.

Archer sighed. “Well, this was a rather pointless meeting for me to attend,” he said. “Faren, I am glad you are in love and did not die. You and your family remain welcome in my home anytime.” To Oderin, he said, “I am needed elsewhere.” Withthat, the Heir of Lothgaim turned on a heel and strode through the curtains, the sounds of his footsteps cutting off abruptly as he left the confines of Sorrel’s sound magic.

Accustomed to Archer’s brusque nature, Faren was the first to recover from the Heir’s abrupt exit. “Knowing you’re in want of a captain, I do have a suggestion.”

Oderin scraped a palm over his jaw, then gestured for Faren to continue.

“We would not have succeeded in the Great Hall without Warner Kenting,” Faren said. “He fought bravely in defense of the realm while navigating near-impossible circumstances for his Oath. I know he can be rather unserious and promiscuous at times, but he is a fine knight with a strong character and a deep respect for his charge. He would serve you well.”

Oderin was stroking his chin again. “You know, I’m hurt, Faren,” he began.

Faren stiffened.

“You sound as if you believe good humor and social skills are a downside to knighthood.” A grin crept across Oderin’s lips. “Do you not know meat all?”