Witch of Lurago Chapter 79: The Grey King

Here’s where I confess Brynmohr was and is one of my favorite characters of the entire series.

Because he was wrong. Did wrong. Knew he was wrong to do wrong.

But much of what he did stemmed from being unprepared to step into his brother’s role. He was still young when Nihyllen, the brother he idolized, left him behind. He didn’t understand what he’d done wrong to make his brother leave.

And the prodigal prince’s responsibilities fell squarely on his little brother’s shoulders. The Firstborn still needed saving. King Berwyn still had plans to be carried out.

So Brynmohr took what life gave him. Missing his brother and needing his father’s attention, he carried on. Even taking the wife his brother had been pledged to wed.

Oh, he was far from perfect. Brynmohr was as arrogant as any Firstborn. He could be ruthless. Scheming. Calculating.

But he was vulnerable, too. We catch glimpses of the gentler Bryn he might have been if not shouldering his brother’s duty. Affection for Jenna he could not acknowledge. The cameo that became his token of comfort in the emptiness she left in his life. And his guilt over the loss he blamed himself for.

Brynmohr could have turned bitter. He could have let grief consume him as Gaven did.

Instead, he carried on. For the children. Family mattered to more than anything. His rapport with Ava, Taegan, and Rory came naturally, and they recognized his affection and respect for them from the start. He alone valued their mindgifts and helped them explore their potential. Without judging. Without fencing them in.

When faced with a choice, he made the ultimate sacrifice.

And never got the chance to tell her.