This second round of applause didn’t begin as heartfelt as the first, though I couldn’t blame anyone for their slight confusion. To them, he was just a songbird, not a potential envoy.
But not to me.
I shouted out my support, my hands hurting from how hard I was clapping. Dourack quickly added shrill whistles, standing shoulder to shoulder with me as I beamed at Dek. In the background, I heard Vescha add her enthusiasm, and gradually, the volume increased. Throughout it all, Dek stood there, his eyes locked with mine.
When the applause started to die, he bowed his head.
“Tylen and Dek have all my faith and the support of the entire Council, as well as the endorsement of our Mierian guests,” the Regent said. “I am certain they will do an outstanding job representing both Ymoro values an
