Zach could feel Soara's gaze on him. It made him dizzy. But it was impossible for him not to hear their question or understand it. The power of her words took precedence over his dizziness.
He wanted to say no. He had to say no. He was going to say no.
"...Can I take a rain check?"
<...A rain check?> Soara's tone had changed slightly, but Zach couldn't tell how.
Zach tried to clear the lump from his throat so that he could speak.
"...Yes. As I am now, I wouldn't be able to handle the Trial of proving myself worthy of the throne."
"Yes." Zach's voice was clear.
Soara could tell he wasn't lying. It didn't seem like he hadn't grasped the meaning and burden of fighting for the rest of his life, either. He knew what he was signing up for.
