Perspective

Chapter 1

Cinder.

The only word revolving around Kai's brain, bubbling up his lungs and thumping through his veins.

Cinder.

Kai's confidence in her abilities outweighed her own confidence—that woman could do anything, he thought—but still. The anxiety that sent tremors down his spine and trembles through his hands, only contained due to his self-awareness gained through years of being in the spotlight, rendered Kai incapable of thought besides—

Cinder.

It was this thought—rather, the same thought that was on loop as he fulfilled his duties, helping the Lunars and Earthens to safety—that turned him away from the crowds.

"We need to go," tugging Iko away, he could see the same worry he felt painted raw on the android's face. "It's been long enough already, and I don't like the idea of Cinder facing Her Supreme Majesty," he spat the title out like filth on his tongue, "alone. Where is she?"

"Throne room," An out-of-breath lunar guard, Kinney as far as Kai could distantly remember, interjected, already moving back the way they came. "I'll lead the way, if you're willing."

Already nodding his assent, Kai barely moved two steps before he heard Torin's shout.

"Kaito, wait!" Distantly, he realized Torin's use of Kai's name—not Your Majesty, not Prince. Turning towards his advisor's voice, he saw Torin running towards him, full throttle.

"Torin, I know what you'll say, but you can't stop me from going to—" Torin interrupted Kai, catching him off-guard for what seemed like the tenth time that day.

"Don't be silly, Kaito, I'm going with you."

Kai blinked. And suddenly, he was hugging his advisor—no, the only constant in his life, the only person with his constant trust, the one who had grown to be a father in Kai's mind.

"Thank you, Torin." Those whispered words would never be enough to address the gratitude and love Kai felt in that moment, but those emotions were already overcome with worry by the time he turned back towards the palace, calling back over his shoulder as he started running towards the one person occupying his mind. "Time to go, team."

I'm coming, Cinder.