Page 163 of Bride By Coronation

"Jytte?" I question, not letting her off the hook.

She doesn't speak.

Ulrich nudges her.

She inhales sharply, then offers, "My apologies."

I grab Fiona's hand and squeeze it.

She replies, "Thank you. My niece and nephew will always be welcome at the table when I am here. It is an honor and privilege for them to sit in this room with all of us, and there will be no further discussion on this matter. Now, we have pending business to attend to. Kirill?" She locks eyes with me.

My cock aches, and all the things I want to do to my wife flash in my mind. I push the images away and declare, "There is an assassination plot against the queen. I'm issuing a Zenith mandate until we find and punish the traitors."

Gasps fill the room.

Ulrich blurts out, "That's an extreme invasion of our privacy."

Sean snarls, "Extreme measures must be taken when the queen's life is at stake. Don't you think?"

Tension fills the room. No one dares to argue with him.

He adds, "All members of The Underworld will be monitored until we know who is plotting to kill the queen. Reports will be given to the king three times a day and to the Royal Council weekly."

I drop another bomb. "I'm using my Sovereign Override privilege. I'm excluding Zara and Sean from the Zenith mandate."

No one at the table looks happy about this.

I continue, "I'm also declaring an Act of Accession, naming Sean and Zara as successor king and queen should anything happen to Fiona and myself."

Jytte snaps, "That is absurd. Ulrich and I are the ones who should be successors. They have barely owned their seats."

I rise, snarling, "Your entitlement is exactly why you will never sit with a crown on your head. As king, I determine the successors, and it will not be you."

Hatred radiates off her in waves.

How have I never seen this before?

I need to watch her.

I study the face of every person in the room, then warn, "Whoever is leaking information to the outside world and trying to assassinate Fiona will have hell to pay. I'm making a final declaration, so listen closely."

No one dares move, and the silence becomes deafening.

I announce, "I declare this assassination plot to be an act of war. Traitors will be made an example of in front of the entire membership. Their punishment will be conducted during a Black Veil Ritual."

Several of the members gasp in shock. The Black Veil Ritual has only taken place once. But no one is going to attempt to kill my wife and not be held to the harshest punishment.

"Any questions?" I ask, taking another glance around the room.

No one speaks.

I nod. "Thank you for your time. Safe travels home." I motion for Sean and Zara to rise, then reach for Fiona's hand. I quickly guide us out of the room and back to the royal quarters.

As soon as we get inside, I ask Sean, "Did you see what I saw?"

His eyes are pools of darkness. He scowls. "Yes. I will make sure to watch closely."

I nod in gratitude.

---