Page 159 of Rise of the Siren Queen
Lord Tryfon shot to his feet, his tone sharp and unyielding.
“We won’t accept him,” he snapped, his voice echoing in the chamber. “He is a hybrid! He must die!”
Adrian’s muscles tensed beside me, controlled fury behind his stillness.
“You really weren’t kidding about them wanting my head.”He said dryly, the mate bond humming between us.
“No,”I replied. “But I should’ve warned them instead. You’re strong enough to make them beg before they hit the floor.”
“I’m just glad I’m with you.”He murmured.
I lowered myself back onto the throne deliberately, gaze fixed on Tryfon with a chill that stripped skin from bone.
“Oh, but you will,” I said, voice honeyed with venom. “He is my mate. The heir to the Erythion throne. He has killed for this kingdom. Killed for me. He is your king. And if that offends your sensibilities…” I leaned forward slightly, letting the fury simmer under every word, “you’re welcome to join Hades in the underworld.”
The council flinched.
“This throne is mine. This kingdom is mine. And my word is final. He is not your enemy.” I smiled coldly. “He is your ruler.”
Sienna stepped forward then, her tone soft but soaked in divinity. “This is the will of the goddess,” she said, lavender eyes glowing faintly. “And you know what happens to those who defy her.”
General Kai straightened, fire steady again. “You all saw the truth,” he growled. “Thalor betrayed us. He tried to murder the princess. He killed our queen. Anyone who agrees withhim will be dealt with accordingly.”
Lady Thalia rose next, elegant and merciless. “We outnumber you, Tryfon. And we stand with our queen.”
Tryfon’s lips thinned. He met my gaze, the weight of his bitterness dragging at the edges of his mask.
“I suppose I don’t have a choice,” he said.
“You don’t,” I replied. “But you have a warning.”
His gaze narrowed.
“I won’t tolerate defiance.”
He didn’t blink. “Then I’ll be watching, Queen Iryen.”
I leaned back, lips curling. “Look all you want. You’ll find nothing.”
I rose, regal and untouchable.
“I will hold the funeral for Regent Queen in the grand hall,” I announced. “Sunset. Week’s end. The citizens may attend.”
I let my gaze drag across every one of them. “You are all dismissed.”
Then I turned, not waiting for their obedience, only expecting it. I almost lost my kingdom.
The crown I once resented so fiercely now rests heavy on my head, my parents’ legacy, now mine to protect. And I will die before I ever let anything jeopardize it again. Never again.
For now… we are safe.
Epilogue
Iryen
Two weeks later.
The coral spires of the palace shone with soft fluorescence as twilight descended, casting an ethereal glow across the grand ceremonial hall. A thousand glowing sea lilies drifted in the currents, their golden trails illuminating the waters like stars, a symbol of renewal and unity. The entire city seemed to hold its breath, the weight of this historic moment pressing down like the tide.
