Well, Riley didn't want to imagine it, but he couldn't help himself.
Just learning that he had technically unlocked the carefully assembled protective ward to call for Kael already had him reeling with embarrassment.
But then he thought that was at least a private humiliation. Surely no one had witnessed the absurdity of it besides the dragonling who had found him annoying.
But what was this?
Not only did the prominent vassal clans know about it, but they had actually seen him gallivanting around with Kael. They may not have witnessed him letting a trespasser in, but they had clearly seen something worse!
Riley could only hope they weren't too disappointed in him for practically invalidating years of their efforts. He couldn't change the past, but at the very least, he could promise to survive for as long as possible. Otherwise, he truly would not have the courage to face anyone with a clear conscience.
