"I'll come back as soon as I can," Helios whispered, leaning closer so only Ezra could hear. His smile was calm, reassuring. "But even if I'm not here, I know you can handle them. Use this time to get to know them properly. Not just as knights. Be their captain."
Ezra frowned slightly. "And what exactly am I supposed to do?" he muttered back. "Train them? Watch them spar? It's been a while, I'm—"
"You'll be fine," Helios cut in gently. "Be the captain. You were only gone for five years. Captain Ezra didn't disappear."
That smile again.
Ezra stiffened.
He knew that smile far too well. It was the one Helios wore when he had already made up his mind. The one that said I trust you, so please do this for me.
Ezra let out a quiet sigh.
'Damn it, Helios,' he thought, rubbing a hand against the back of his neck.
"Yes, Your Highness," he said finally, nodding. "Of course."
If he were honest, he wasn't thrilled about being left alone with thirty unfamiliar faces.
