Page 125 of A Thieving Curse

Father took a step forward. “Carbrey—”

“Sit. Down.” Henry pressed the blade against her skin. “Unless you want her to bleed out.”

Tears clung to Raelyn’s lashes. Trapped between the throne’s back and the weapon, she couldn’t so much as turn her head. Father clenched his fists but sat down and pulled Gareth back into his own seat. Mother looked on the verge of fainting.

“Tristan.” Henry shook his left hand, holding out the cursed rock.

“Father, please.” Tristan took the stone, sweat beading on his temple.

Henry moved out of Tristan’s way to stand partway behind her throne, keeping the edge of the dagger pressed dangerously close against her neck. “Anyone takes so much as a step, I slit her throat. Tristan, now.”

“Please,” Raelyn whispered.

“Quiet, girl,” Henry growled. “Son. Do what you should have already.”

Tristan stepped in front of Raelyn, the stone pinched between his fingers. “Father, put the dagger down.”

“Put that stone over her heart.”

Tristan reached for Henry’s hand, and Henry barely moved the dagger. Raelyn cried out as the blade nicked her skin. Tristan froze.

“Don’t test me,” Henry warned.

“Stop!” Alex cried. She couldn’t see him around Tristan. “Please! Leave her alone!”

“Now, Tristan. Or the next one goes deeper, and it will be your fault.”

Tristan met her eyes apologetically. “Why did you bring it here?”

She sobbed. Of all the possibilities, this was not one she had foreseen.

“I’m sorry, Raelyn.” Tristan pressed the talisman over her heart.

“No!” The clatter of Alex’s chains echoed in the hall. She wished she could see him, but Tristan blocked her view.

Tristan squinted at the stone and began to speak a language she didn’t understand. The talisman grew warm against her chest. His gaze lifted from the rock to her eyes, and then he abruptly stopped, dropping the stone to seize Henry’s hand. Tristan jerked Henry forward, and Henry stumbled around the side of the throne.

With the blade removed from her neck, Raelyn dove out of the throne in the opposite direction, stumbling away as the men wrestled for the dagger. Father and Gareth ran to her side. Her legs shook so badly Gareth looped his arm around her middle and supported her. Father stepped forward to block Raelyn and Gareth from Henry and Tristan.

“Fool!” Henry shoved Tristan to the dais, then spun toward Alex, dagger still in hand.

“No!” Raelyn moved forward, but Father’s arm stopped her. The barrel-chested lord moved in front of Alex. Tristan shoved off the ground and jumped onto Henry’s back, knocking him to the floor.

“Stop!” Tristan pulled Henry’s dagger away and stood. “No more, Father.”

“Guards!” the gray-haired lord shouted. Several armed men charged through the large double doors. The nobleman pointed at Henry, who was getting to his feet. “Henry Carbrey has abdicated, and the Court of Lords recognizes Crown Prince Alexander Tallon as the rightful king.” He bowed to Alex. “Shall I have them throw Carbrey in the dungeon, my king?”

Alex blinked. “No. Escort Henry Carbrey out of the palace and to the nearest seaport. He is to leave Rethalyon immediately.”

The guards looked between Alex and Henry, shifting uncertainly.

Henry brushed off his clothes. “I’ll show myself out—”

“You will not,” Alex said, ice in his voice. “I should probably kill you, but you began your reign with death. I won’t do the same. However, you won’t be without a guard so long as you’re on Rethali soil.” He looked at the guards. “If he tries to remain in Rethalyon beyond a week…” Alex hesitated, his throat bobbing. “Kill him. And anyone who offers him aid is a traitor.”

Henry glared at Alex and opened his mouth, but the gray-haired lord spoke first. “Guards. You heard His Excellency.” The soldiers marched forward and seized Henry’s arms.

“You’ll bring ruin to Rethalyon.” Henry sneered as the soldiers dragged him out of the hall. “You’re no king, boy!” The great double doors banged shut behind them, and Raelyn sagged against Gareth’s side.

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