"I know that," Julius responded with patience. "But that was my question, can we handle the dirty games or an internal war again?"
Selphira looked toward where Ren and Luna were being congratulated by a tide of students who wanted to express admiration or curry favor. The way they remained close to each other in the crowd.
The way Luna's expression, even while responding politely to congratulations, kept returning to Ren like a compass finding north.
"Yes," she said finally with confidence born from centuries of reading people and situations. "And I won't leave them alone to face it, so... I believe they can handle what comes if they stay together."
Julius nodded, accepting her evaluation without further argument.
Because Selphira had seen many things in her extraordinarily long life. Had witnessed alliances form and shatter under pressure. Had seen loves flourish and then wither when tested by reality.
