Page 15 of Take My Throne

“Shoot him.”

“What?” I try to turn but my father grips my shoulders, holding me in place.

“You heard.”

“I’m not going to do that.” I hold the gun away from me as far as I could. “Someone take this thing because I’m not using it.”

“Oh, yes, you are.”

“You’re crazy. There’s no way I’m shooting anyone, let alone Declan’s dad. I’d rather die first.”

A guard steps forward and grabs my other hand.

“That would be far too easy,” my father tells me. “No, Ivy. What I have in mind is a much simpler solution. Either you shoot Claude Dauphin, or Martin here will run his knife right through your hand. I’d love to see you playing guitar when you’ve lost the use of your left hand.”

“You wouldn’t!” I gasp, as Martin pulls out a wicked looking blade and holds it up against the back of my hand, ready to run it through the moment my father gives the command.

“You and I both know I will,” my father says. “Now do as I tell you and shoot Claude.”

“I can’t do it with Martin holding my hand.” I fight hard to keep the quiver out of my voice, but I don’t quite manage it.

“Fine.” I feel rather than see my father nod at his guard, who lets go of my hand and steps away. “But if you don’t shoot him, Martin will stab you.”

Hands shaking, I grip the gun and point it at Claude. I close one eye, aiming at his chest, but lower the gun as I see Declan go over to talk to his dad.

“I can’t,” I say. “I can’t risk hitting Declan.”

“That’s a shame.” My father sighs. “All right, Martin. Do your thing.”

Martin steps forward and, in that moment, I know I can’t do it. I can’t lose my hand.

Sorry, Declan.

I swing the gun up and pull the trigger.

It feels like time stands still for a moment. The shot is so loud, it can be heard over the music. The noise of the crowd falls silent for a moment before screams break out.

Claude crumples to the floor. Declan looks round for who is responsible, as people rush to help his father. Our eyes meet and I see the shock in his eyes. I feel the guilt like a knife to the heart.

“Come on, people. The party’s over.” Someone shouts but I don’t see who.

Bodyguards crowd around my father, me, and Lucas as we hurry out to the back exit. The Dauphins will be out for blood, and if they catch up to us, we are dead.

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