"...now that the opportunity lies before you to rise as the Lord Warden of a Ride, will you take it, even if the one who offers it to you was once your enemy?"
Nyrielle's words hung heavily in the air, and for more than a dozen heartbeats, no one said a word as everyone stared at Sir Garrik, waiting to hear whether or not he'd accept the Midnight Empress's offer.
"What happens if he refuses?" Lady Bronwyn asked, looking directly at Nyrielle while she clutched her husband's shoulders.
"Then he has no place as a lord in the Bloodroot Empire," Nyrielle said. "My darling Ashlynn is fond of granting people a choice, so I offer you the same. If you cannot fight for all our people, knowing that you must defend the Eldritch and humans alike, then retire from your post. You'll be granted a farm in the countryside or a home in a city of your choosing to live out your life in comfort and peace."
