Page 23 of Three Scorched Kingdoms

“Whatever you’ve voted on, doing so without the ruling monarch among you is a violation of your power.” I look out over the gathering. “Look, war is an emotional business,” I say, trying another tack. “But there are protocols in place. Laws. Tradition. I’m here now, so let’s figure out how to move forward. Together.”

Galen Chamberlain wearily rubs his forehead. His hair has been thinning for years, but what strands remain are as white as the snowy owl he can shift into. “Unfortunately, I’m not sure that’s possible.”

“And why is that?” I nearly growl.

“You aren’t recognized as the heir anymore.”

“I beg your pardon,” I growl out. “I am to be king?—”

“You abandoned Astronia.” The robed figure steps forward into the light from a window. Slender hands reach up to push the hood back, revealing a familiar face.

Esma.

“Why he left doesn’t matter,” she continues. “Leo was loyal. Leo is strong, and he’s proven himself capable. Our wedding never should have been called off for this… pretender.”

“You have got to be fucking kidding me,” Leo says, taking the words right out of my mouth.

Bingo lets out a low growl.

“You have no business here,” I tell her.

“I was offered the position my father vacated when he died two months ago,” she tells me.

I glance at Leo. “Is this true?”

He nods tightly, somehow looking both remorseful and angry at the same time. I want to ask why he didn’t mention this before, but it will have to wait until we’re alone.

“And where is the queen then?” I demand. “The council cannot meet or vote without the ruling monarch present.”

“The queen vacated her seat.” Porthew’s glee is unmistakable, and it takes all my self-control not to punch it off his face.

“Why in the hell would she do that?”

Leo clears his throat. “Protocol,” he says bleakly. “She did so yesterday morning before… If you hadn’t returned, I would be king by now—and have her seat. But only if she vacated it first.”

Fuck.

I’d interrupted too late after all.

“Do you want this?” I ask Leo.

“What?” He looks startled.

“Do you want to be king?”

“With her?” He jerks a thumb at Esma, clearly not caring if she hears him. “Absolutely not.” He shudders.

“Just checking,” I mutter.

I turn to face Esma, my blood running hot as my dragon’s fury swells. “What you suggest—removing me as heir and propping up your own ruler—is blasphemy to the crown and to my father’s law. Council positions are for serving the people at the pleasure of the king and queen. Nothing about you gives me any pleasure.”

Esma squeaks, clearly insulted.

“In the absence of a mated king and queen on our throne, the council has had to take on the responsibilities and step up for the people of Astronia,” Thorne says with an unmistakable note of haughtiness in his words. “We have made up for your shortcomings and thus have adopted new laws that allow us to govern while you, quite frankly, run off to who knows where.”

I snarl, leaning across Bran far enough that Thorne flinches as I say, “You may have voted me out, but I will rip your tongue out for disrespect if you speak to me like that again.”

“May I see the list of governing laws you’ve adopted?” Leo asks sweetly.

---