Ventus by Karl Schroeder

Karl Schroeder / Ventus / Page 593
Ventus on condition that she abdicate and retire completely
from political life. It was a deliciously simple plan. Galas
would continue to be revered as a darling of the Winds; she
would be safe, yet no one would follow her commands.
Things might still work out perfectly.
He turned on his side to sleep. The last thing he did was
run a finger around the rough rim of the ring he had taken from
the ancient warrior.
Tradition would be upheld, and Galas would not die.
He slept.