Page 99 of The Throne Seeker
“I insisted on coming,” she said, stepping forward. “What’s the meaning of this? Where’s the high council?”
Tristan stood from his seat. “I thought I would be merciful and deal with this myself now I am second-in-command.” His gaze went back to Zareb. “Do you know why you are here?”
Zareb nodded, his back straightening. “Yes.”
“And when my father hand-selected you to be her sole protector, did you or did you not make an oath you would keep her from harm or die trying?”
“Yes, I did.”
“And you were aware of the consequences if you failed?”
“Yes.”
Consequences? What consequences? He didn’t mean?—
Rose’s eyes snapped to Zareb. He’d made a life oath.Idiot.Stupid idiot. Her safety wasn’t worth his life. He was worth a thousand of her. He had been a commander of Vallor’s most powerful army. Didn’t he realize how insignificant her life was compared to his? He was a fool to put her life above his own. And she was a fool for not realizing it sooner.
This wasn’t happening. There had to be some misunderstanding. Tristan wasn’t actually trying to blame Zareb for her kidnapping. He couldn’t. She wouldn’t allow it.
Rose opened her mouth to speak, but Tristan got there first. “I don’t know what it’s like in Semaria, but in Cathan, we take our oaths very seriously.” His mouth tightened into a thin line. “You understand the events leading up to the third challenge give me grounds to take your life to satisfy your oath?”
She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “He’s done nothing wrong. You can’t?—”
“You’re right,” Zareb said over her words. “I failed her.”
She gaped at Zareb with outrage. No, no, she wouldn’t let him die. She wouldn’t let them do this. She’d fight them all. She’d—she’d?—
Tristan’s eyes narrowed. “And have you been training her?”
Her limbs froze. How had he found out? She was about to deny it, but Zareb said, “Yes, I have.”
Tristan’s eyes hardened, shifting back to hers, betrayed. “You lied to me,again.” His voice was low and cruel—so unlike him.
She took a step forward. “I’m sorry. I should’ve told you the truth, but please, don’t punish Zareb for that, too. I asked him to do it. He didn’t want to, but I insisted he teach me to help me with the succession.”
Tristan didn’t bother responding as his demeaning glare shifted back to Zareb. “Is this true?”
“I thought it’d help her in the challenges,” Zareb said. “She’ll tell you it was her idea, but it was all mine. She’s trying to protect me.”
She fumed at the blatant lie.
Tristan looked over Zareb carefully. “You’re a good commander, Zareb. You’ve helped Cathan fight and win many battles, some alongside me. You’ve been loyal to the crown, and I know you hold a special place in Rose’s heart. It is for those reasons, and those reasons only, that I will not take your life or strip you of your title.”
Her shoulders slumped in relief. But it was short-lived.
Tristan’s eyes turned into an icy sea. It was a look that would serve him well when he was king. “However, I cannot allow you to stay. Since you seem so keen on training soldiers, I’m sending you with a group of men back to your homeland.”
Her heart shattered into pieces. “You can’t?—”
“Yes, of course, your Highness.” Zareb accepted his punishment with poise as he bowed. “Thank you.”
She couldn’t let this happen. “This is ridiculous! It wasn’t his fault I was kidnapped.”
Tristan remained unfazed, his face determined. “Itishis fault. And my decision is final.”
“But it’s not fair!”
“Rose, please,” Zareb whispered—but she wasn’t having it.
