Page 231 of The Throne Seeker
She paused, the room silent. “I used to wonder why such powerful men like yourselves would be so intentionallybelligerent towards someone like me—a common girl with no title, power, or political sway. A girl who was only trying to secure a future for her family after being sold as a slave, auctioned to the highest bidder by a man I called my father. But now I see it’s because you’re afraid—afraid of change, afraid of what the future holds for your province, and rightly so. As I stated in the succession, if we are to survive the storm brewing, we must set aside our fears and prejudices and all give our full support to our king.” Her eyes flickered to Tristan. “So Cathan can remain strong as we face this new enemy… Together.”
The room was quiet. The very breaths she took sounded too loud. She studied each of their faces, ending on Tristan. A discreet hint of satisfaction shone in his eyes.
Lord Barron broke the silence. “King Henrik was one of the greatest in Cathan’s history. He created peace within our lands, helped crops flourish, reduced poverty, and created a new way of trade that supplied wealth and livelihood to many who had none. When war broke out, he sent his sons—his most precious possession—to aid. And he took care of those who served him, including every one of us… Is there any among you who would argue that?”
Silence.
Lord Barron continued, “He saw something in Rose, and I believe in his judgment. She may be the thing we need as we enter a new era. We all know of the dangers that approach. If we are to stand a chance at facing these foes, we need to look beyond our own resources. We all saw how she sprang out of the water like a sea god, cured a poison that had long been forgotten. Imagine what else she could help us do?”
Most of them rumbled in agreement, but others didn’t look so convinced. Not surprisingly, Lord Martin was one of them.
“She’s done nothing but try to rip this castle apart! Don’t let her persuade you with her beauty and fancy words,” Lord Martindrawled, seething. He pointed his grubby finger at her. “This woman has earned her title as the throne seeker for a reason. She could be using her powers right now to deceive us. Do you all think it’s a coincidence she’s reached for the most powerful men in Cathan? They had no idea of the trap laid out for them, enticing them to act against their nature. Just as the night Xavier was banished from our lands.” His gaze went to Xavier. “I’m surprised you bothered to return, given the circumstances. Did you forget how she stole your life from you? Your succession?”
Xavier’s eyes iced over. “Let me make this very clear,” he said in a voice that could have most assuredly made him king. “She did nothing but what I wanted her to.Imanipulatedher. She is innocent in my failed succession. I chose my fate. My father may have lifted my banishment for my mother’s sake, but the only reason I’ve chosen to remain in this hellhole is because of her.”
“Look how he defends her! After everything she’s taken from him,” Lord Martin exclaimed. “She may not be queen, but look where she is standing. Look who is standing beside her. Do not be fooled by her perceived lack of ambition. She has positioned herself exactly where she wants to be.”
She balled her fists, hating how Lord Martin had struck a chord within her. Because deep at her rotten core, her sirenwasattracted to power. It was in her nature, embedded in her very design, no matter how much she wished it wasn’t.
She remained calm. “I’m here only because I care about Vallor’s future. This is my home, and I will serve my province however I can.”
Another round of mumbles rippled around the room.
Tristan finally intervened. “Rose had nothing to do with the attack; there are plenty of witnesses, including myself, to attest to that. So unless someone has actual evidence against her, I suggest we find the real murderer.”
None opposed it as Lord Martin fumed in silence.
Tristan cleared his throat. “Right then. Captain,” he called to the guard, giving his orders on how to proceed with the interrogations.
Rose released a large breath as the tension eased from her body. She locked eyes with Lord Barron, offering him a sincere bow of the head in gratitude for his continued faith in her.
His handsome eyes crinkled with a smile. He inclined his head back as if to say he was in her service.
To her surprise, he and several other high councilmen came to speak with her, intrigued to see her transformation firsthand. Even Lord Orrin and those councilmen who had opposed her during the succession participated in the conversation—all except for Lord Martin, who stormed out, taking his livid aura with him.
It would seem Rose had earned her place back in court.
For now.
When she finally escaped the conversation, she found Tristan standing at the foot of the staircase, studying her. She drifted over to join him at the base of the stairs.
“What you just did—” he gazed over at the huddled council before swinging his gaze back to her, “—is exactly why I wanted you by my side. I don’t care what your insecurities were… You would’ve made an incredible queen.”
Her heartbeats increased at the praise.
He came closer, lowering his voice. “I’m sorry I never knew about your father,” he whispered into her ear, his aura full of mixed emotions she couldn’t pinpoint. “Gods, if I had… I’d have never let you go back. I’ll forever be amazed by you.” His lips brushed her cheek as he said the words. “Always.”
Rose kept her body carefully still. “Is that why you had me speak?”
“I knew you’d win them over better than I could,” he admitted. “With them on your side, you’ll be safer… and despiteall that, I suppose I did it for selfish reasons, too. You’ve always been the one person who believed I could do this. My biggest supporter… I guess I just wanted you here with me to see it.”
She looked at him softly. “I’m glad I could be. Truly. I just wish it was under different circumstances.”
Tristan couldn’t even force a smile, pain leaking from his frayed edges. He cleared his throat. “I should go help with the affairs.” He gave her a curt nod, leaving her to return to the council.
Rose watched him as he joined the three councilmen huddled under the south balcony. Her siren couldn’t help but admire him in his element. He’d finally done it. He would finally fulfill the role he’d fought so hard for.
Xavier appeared by her side, snapping her out of her daze. “Attention suits him, doesn’t it?” He masked his expression, but his aura exposed his agitation over her lingering gaze.
