Page 24 of Three Scorched Kingdoms

Silence follows.

“Well?” I demand, my voice booming. “Where is this so-called list of laws that have given you the power to remove me as heir?”

“Here.” Corian, one of the younger members, hops up and pushes a scroll into Leo’s hands. Then he rushes back to his seat next to Porthew. The old man looks livid, but he doesn’t say a word as Leo opens the scroll.

“Interesting,” Leo says, scanning the document.

“What now?”

“You have indeed managed to pass a law that gives you the power to revoke an heir for abandonment.” I start to interrupt, but Leo stops me. “You did, however, fail to remove the law that states anyone of the royal bloodline may challenge you all to a fight in order to win your seat.”

“Excuse me?” Thorne asks.

Porthew spews a string of words that end in him coughing.

Esma puts her hands on her hips. “You’re lying.”

“Law number four-eighty-one,” Leo says, tossing the scroll onto the table. “It’s very small print. And very old. My father wrote it into the original council agreement as a measure of protection against corruption. It cannot be voted on or changed without dissolving the council entirely.”

“You can’t possibly remember a law that obscure,” Thorne says, eyes narrowed.

Leo shrugs. “Check if you don’t believe me.”

Thorne looks at Corian pointedly, who jumps up and hurries to the table behind me where the law books are kept. Drawersare opened and closed before a thud sounds as he pulls out the book and scans for proof. A moment later, Corian makes a sound of protest and then whirls.

“He’s right,” Corian says quietly.

Thorne glares at Leo again, who merely says, “My father was probably worried about people like you taking advantage. Anyway, a law is a law.”

I fight the urge to smile as Esma scowls—and falls silent, for once.

The others have gone quiet too. I catch Thorne’s eye, and he quickly looks away. Clearly, none of them like the idea of being challenged to a fight with me.

It’s the first smart thought they’ve had all day.

Myantha Irvine lifts her hand. “If I may…” The female snow leopard waits for my nod of approval—it’s the first sign of deference any of them has shown. “A compromise for the heir to earn back our vote of confidence.”

“I’m listening,” Bran says grudgingly.

“Let him lead the Astronian army against the orcs,” Myantha says. “Fight and win this war for us. On his skill and strategy alone. Prove that he’s worthy to lead our people. When we’ve won, he can have his wedding and his crown.”

The council members exchange dubious glances as they consider it.

“I don’t know,” Thorne says. “Our vote is our word. If we go back on it, what message does that send to the people?”

“I could always challenge you to a fight for your seat,” I threaten. “How about this afternoon? I’m free if you are.”

Thorne’s eyes widen. “I, uh…” He looks to Bran for help but gets none.

“Porthew,” I call. “How about you? Willing to fight me to the death for your seat?”

The old man scowls. “Let him earn it,” he says at last.

Myantha looks back at me, satisfaction lining her cat-like gaze. “It’s settled then. Your Highness, the Astronian army is yours to command.”

Esma huffs, but Myantha’s words are apparently final as the rest of the group begins to rise.

The meeting is over.

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