The Broken Blades Trilogy, #3
Three Shattered Souls
by Mai Corland
Contents
Chapter Eighteen
Overview
Sharing a room, Mikail and Royo confront Aeri’s deception and Count Rune’s marriage terms. Mikail confirms Rune’s seriousness and admits Fallador urged him to propose for alliance. Mikail’s grief and resentment surface, contrasting with Royo’s hurt. A sudden scream from Sora propels Mikail and Royo into action.
Summary
Mikail and Royo bed down in Rahway after Royo avoids sharing a room with Aeri. Mikail stores the Water Scepter and, recalling Euyn and past joy and loss, urges Royo to live in the present and consider forgiving Aeri. Royo admits simply, “She hurt me,” exposing raw pain.
They discuss Count Rune’s terms. Mikail confirms Rune is serious about marrying Aeri to legitimize his throne bid and place the Immortal Crown on her, ultimately seeking a son to secure the Yusan line. Mikail also reveals that Fallador suggested Mikail himself marry Aeri for alliance—an idea Mikail knows would provoke Royo.
As the room darkens, Mikail’s body aches from earlier dehydration and the day’s violence, and he wrestles with grief for Euyn. He also stews over Sora’s anger at his secrecy, believing he acted to protect her while recognizing Sora would have told the truth out of honor.
The tense quiet shatters when a brief, sharp scream—Sora’s—cuts through the night. Royo springs up at once. Mikail grabs his sword and the Water Scepter, and together they race for the door, urgency overriding their unresolved conflicts.
Who Appears
- MikailPOV; urges Royo to forgive Aeri, confirms Rune’s proposal, recalls Euyn, resents Sora’s judgment, responds to Sora’s scream.
- RoyoShares room with Mikail; admits Aeri hurt him; fixates on Rune’s marriage plan; rushes to Sora’s scream.
- SoraOff-page focus of Mikail’s conflicted feelings; her sudden scream triggers immediate response.