She gripped his shoulders.
"So I want you to do one thing, Larus. No matter what happens—always stay clear about what you want and what you're willing to do to achieve it. Whatever 'it' is."
Her eyes became intense.
"And always—*always*—leave yourself a way out. An escape route that no one else knows about. A plan that's yours alone. Promise me."
Suddenly, a knock sounded on the door.
A guard's voice called: "Your Highness, it's time to depart."
Larus stood reluctantly. "Yes, I'm coming."
His mother looked at him gently. "Go on. You're running late, and you need to return to your empire."
Larus paused, looking at her with sudden desperate hope. "Mother... would you come with me? The imperial palace is beautiful. You could have your own residence, your freedom, proper respect—"
She paused and looked out the small window for a long moment.
Then she shook her head softly.
