Page 491 - Fourth Wing

“Yes, she is quite confident in your power,” Melgren adds, his smile icy

as he stares at me in blatant appraisal.
“I would not say the same at this time,” I answer with a polite smile. I’ve

spent enough time around egotistical generals, politicians, and royalty to

know when to be humble. “I’m still learning how to wield.”
“Don’t be so modest, daughter,” Mom chides. “From what her professors

say, they’ve only seen a gift this powerful a few times in the last decade, in

Brennan and the Riorson boy.”
That boy is a twenty-three-year-old man, but I know better than to correct

her and put an even bigger target on Xaden’s back.

“And your gift?” King Tauri asks Liam.
“Farsight, Your Majesty,” Liam responds.

Melgren’s eyes narrow on Liam’s exposed rebellion relic, then rise to his
sash. “Mairi, as in Colonel Mairi’s son?”

I squeeze his arm tighter against mine in silent support, and Mom notices.

“Yes, General. Though I was mostly brought up by Duke Lindell at
Tirvainne.” His jaw flexes, but that’s the only physical sign of his

discomfort.
“Ahh.” King Tauri nods. “Yes, Duke Lindell is a good man, a loyal man.”

The superiority in his air makes me want to snatch the medals off his chest.

“I have him to thank for my fortitude, Majesty.” Liam plays the game
well.

“Yes, you do.” Melgren nods again, his gaze scanning the crowd. “Now

tell me, where is the Riorson boy? I always like to lay eyes on him once a
year and make sure he’s not causing trouble.”

“No trouble,” I answer, earning a swift glare from Mom. “He’s our

wingleader, actually. He saved my life when we were on the front lines at
Montserrat.” By making me leave instead of staying to help, but still, he

deserves the credit for me not distracting Mira and getting her, myself, and
Tairn killed. Xaden’s done more than save me. He believed me when I told