Page 138 of Crown of Slumber

Several other nobles murmured their agreement.

I sighed, closing my eyes briefly. “I know. And I understand your hesitation. Ithastaken me too long to accept my responsibilities to this kingdom, and for that, I deeply apologize. But I am ready now. The events of the past few days have shown me that I can no longer sit idly by while our court suffers. I am here. I am ready. And, with your help, I can save our people.

“To prove how serious I am, I would like to introduce the allies I have secured us in protecting our borders from the unseelie, at least until we can get a more stable supply of Nightfire.”

A pair of guards obediently opened the council room doors to reveal a crowd of red-robed witches, with Priscilla standing in the front, tall and regal, a satisfied smile on her face.

Shouts sounded among the council. Several nobles jumped to their feet in alarm. Lord Northall bellowed, “What is this?”

“Our Nightfire fete brings people of all classes together,” I said, practically yelling over the commotion. “That is the heart of our kingdom and our people! We are united. My mother has harbored prejudices against the witch clans for too long. We should have sought their help sooner. They possess powerful magic that can help us, if only we grant them the freedoms they rightfully deserve. My first step as king will be to strike an alliance with the witch clans so we can cast protective wards around our kingdom and prevent any further unseelie attacks.

“Furthermore, if you donotgive me your support for the throne… you will have them to answer to.” My teeth flashed in a feral smile as I stared down each and every noble at the table. “Under my mother’s rule, they have no freedom. They are cast out as pariahs of society, only to be seen during our fete alongside the lower class citizens. It is in their best interest that I take the throne. So, consider your next words carefully.”

I clasped my hands together on top of the table, drumming my fingers along my knuckles as I plastered a pleasant smile on my face. Inside, my stomach was churning violently, but I maintainedmy calm demeanor and patiently watched the nobles whisper among each other.

It was a risk. But I had to believe it would pay off. I had to believe the council would choose to do the right thing.

“Is he—” Lord Halsburg began, with a fearful glance at Brannon. “Is he using his magic?”

Brannon closed his eyes for a moment, then shook his head. “No. I do not sense any magic coming from him.”

Halsburg met my gaze for a long moment, then gave a sure nod, his eyes full of sincerity.

He was on my side.

“This is absurd,” blustered Lord Northall, waving a hand toward me. “He is threatening us! The witches will kill us if we don’t do what they want.”

“And what do you think my mother will do?” I snapped. “She has donefarworse. I know for a fact she has threatened the families of our guards in order to coerce them to do her bidding. I also know she arranged to have the braziers drained of stardust during the fete so the unseelie tribes would attack. She cannot be trusted to keep us safe. Not anymore.”

Gorrick had confessed as much, but only after I had used my magic on him. Mother had a tight hold on him, threatening to have him arrested and imprisoned if he did not comply. Gorrick had a wife and children to support, and he couldn’t afford the risk.

Lady Windsor gasped loudly, raising a hand to her mouth. Halsburg paled, and Lady Flora pressed a hand to her chest, her eyes flaring wide. Even Lord Northall’s thick eyebrows lowered in dismay, his beard twitching again.

“She is willing to risk innocent lives to get what she wants,” I said, my words slow and forceful. “But I am not. Give me your support, and I will swear it. Please.”

I held my breath, waiting for someone to speak. Several nobles glanced at each other, communicating wordlessly with widened eyes and significant looks. A few gazed at me with solemn contemplation.

I wanted to shout, to shake the shoulders of each noble. I wanted to unleash my magic and force them all to agree.

But I couldn’t. I needed their trust. And I didn’t want to start my rule on deception. That was my mother’s way. Not mine.

This was it. If my plan failed, all was lost. Mother would march us into war. And Aurelia would rot in our prison cell.

There were no other options.

So, with my hands still clasped together, I sat at the head of the table, my eyes on the council, and I waited.

After what felt like an eternity, the council looked at me with expectant gazes. My pulse roared in my ears.

Halsburg spoke first. “You have my vote.”

“And mine,” said Lady Flora.

“Mine, too,” said Lord Vincent.

One by one, each noble gave me their support. With each vote, something loosened in my chest, and my heart soared with gratitude.

The last one was Lord Northall, who was scowling, his brows still lowered. “I do not like it,” he grumbled. Then, he heaved a sigh. “But I like what the queen has done even less. Begrudgingly, Your Highness, you have my vote.”

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