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the future.” Rowan frowned thoughtfully. “I decided maybe it’s time to give him a chance, to stop hating him, at least until he gives me a reason to.”
    Ragnor nodded. “That was a big step.”
    “It felt as if it was. That’s why I had to go to the infirmary.” Rowan sighed. “I don’t know what it means, not really, but… I want to see where it goes. I want to try to get to know him, to see if there is any way we can be friends. I still don’t trust him. I don’t like him, but… maybe I could.”
    “That’s all we have ever asked of you, Rowan—that you let go of the irrational hatred and give him a chance. No one is expecting you to become best friends, just to be able to tolerate each other.”
    “I think I can tolerate him now.”
    Ragnor smiled. “Go and get dressed. Meet me in the infirmary.”
    “But I’m hungry.”
    “You can share breakfast with Astrin. Bring him here. It will do him good.”
    “Will he be able to…?”
    “I don’t know what he will be able to do.”
    “Ragnor…?”
    “Yes, my prince?”
    “What have you heard about him? What do you know about him? I’ve hated him so much that I’ve closed myself to anything to do with him. As soon as I hear his name, I shut down and get angry, so I’ve never listened, never taken notice. What’s he like… when he’s himself?”
    “I have heard it said that for someone so young he is very wise. He is strong and brave, but also thoughtful and serious. He is an academic and has spent much time studying many subjects from history to warfare at the National Academy. Ironically, but not surprisingly given that he is a Raphael, his strongest skill is in healing.”
    “Is he liked?”
    “Oh yes, my prince. Everyone seems to love him… much as you are yourself.”
    Rowan frowned. “Do they love me, Ragnor? With everything they’ve suffered since this war began… do my people still love me?”
    “Indeed they do, my prince. They love you now more than ever.”
    “Why?”
    “Because you are the symbol of their hope.”
    Rowan nodded seriously and, chewing on a piece of toast, went back to his room to shower and dress.

C HAPTER S IX
    A S ECOND C HANCE
     
     
    R OWAN WAS strangely nervous when he made his way back to Astrin’s room. What would he find? Why did he care? He didn’t care. He still hated Astrin and yet…. Somehow, when he heard what had happened in the night, when he thought of those clear green eyes closed forever, something gripped him, something that was uncomfortable and alien. Concern? Fear?
    And now it was back, burning in the pit of his stomach, making him feel faint and slightly ill. What if something had gone wrong again? What if Astrin were dead? What if he weren’t the same anymore? What if…?
    “What the hell…?” Rowan mumbled to himself, grinding his teeth and setting his lips. “I’m not going to start going soft over that stupid…. I’m just not. I hate him. I still hate him. I’m going to hate him forever.” He paused, his natural honesty forcing him to reconsider. “Okay, so I’ve started to stop really hating him, but I’m never going to like him… never. No one can make me like him. He’s just too different, too lucky, too spoiled, and too stupid.”
    Continuing the mantra, Rowan squared his shoulders and entered the infirmary. He paused outside the door to Astrin’s room, nervous again, until he heard the rumble of voices inside and curiosity overtook him.
    Astrin was sitting up in bed, looking pale and ill, with dark circles under his eyes. They were duller than Rowan remembered but otherwise the same.
    “Rowan,” Ragnor said, drawing Rowan’s attention away from the wan prince. Ragnor gazed steadily at him across the bed. Although he had a smile on his face, Rowan was sure it was for Astrin’s benefit only, because his eyes were steely. “I was wondering what was taking you so long. Astrin has surely had enough of my prattling and is ready for some lighter