Page 64 of The Rejected King
The high rulers had been rehashing the same topic for hours and hours, each high ruler bringing up all the offenses Davin had committed during his reign as if his decision to marry Emree had only been the final tipping point. He’d only been king for two years, but their laundry list made it seem more like thirty.
“I shouldn’t have to say anything in defense. The marriage law in our kingdom is outdated and archaic anyway. It ought to be changed for everyone, so exceptions aren’t necessary for anyone.”
“What makes you think you have that kind of power?” High Ruler Kenson asked. “The laws and traditions of this kingdom have been in place for over a century. Are you so above the laws of the land?”
Davin squared his shoulders. “When the laws are wrong, it’s our responsibility to fix them. What makes us think that we are better than everyone else because we are a part of the ruling class?”
A few of the men rolled their eyes.
“If you disagree with me, that’s fine. Let the people—most of them working class, you’ll remember—choose if they want me as their king or not.”
“I don’t mean any disrespect, Your Majesty,” High Ruler Kemp said. He had been the one high ruler throughout the meeting that had somewhat been on Davin’s side. Fennish Kemp’s loyalty probably had more to do with Emree than it did with Davin. “Your public approval rating is low. If the high rulers motion to have another public vote, you’ll most likely be voted out of office.”
High Ruler Oakes nodded. “Kemp is right. We have to make sure we all understand the consequences.”
“I think we all understand,” Barry Kenson said. “It’s late. The king clearly isn’t going to change his mind. I think we should vote and end this meeting.”
Everyone nodded. Davin glanced at his mother. Her face was tense, and she held her breath.
High Ruler Uttmay looked around the room as he spoke. “All in favor of sending His Majesty’s kingship to a public referendum, say I.”
Every single high ruler saidI, and Davin’s mother let out a choked sob.
High Ruler Uttmay turned to Davin. “The high rulers of Enderlin have spoken. King Davin Parkins, in one month, the people of Enderlin will vote and decide your fate as king of Enderlin. If the majority decides you are no longer fit to be king, you will be removed from office, two new candidates will be brought forth, and a new king’s election will take place. Do you understand your position?”
Davin hated how patronizing Uttmay sounded. Of course Davin understood his position. He wasn’t an idiot. He was still the king of Enderlin. A few hours ago, every single one of these men had bowed before him.
He nodded. “I understand.”
* * *
“Davin!”his mother called after him. “Where are you going?”
Davin weaved through the dimmed halls of Enderlin castle. “I’m going to see Emree.”
“But it’s so early in the morning.” His mother’s shoes clapped against the wood floor behind him, trying to keep up with his pace. “Let her sleep.”
He stopped, turning around to face her. “I think the events of the evening were big enough to warrant an early morning visit. Don’t you think?”
His mother sighed, looking away. “She’s...” She hesitated and tension pooled in Davin’s gut. “She’s gone, Davin.”
Panic sliced through him. “What do you mean she’s gone?” His mother wouldn’t look at him. “Where is she?” Davin snapped.
The queen mother’s eyes slowly met his. “She left after the ball.”
Davin’s breath escaped his chest. Emree wouldn’t have left without a single word. He looked at Millar who had been trailing behind them. His guard immediately understood and sped ahead in the direction of Emree’s room.
Davin turned to his mother. “Where did she go? Why did she leave?”
“I think it’s best, for now, if you don’t know where she is. But she’s safe and in a place where she can start a new life.”
His fists clenched. “How do you know all this?”
His mother looked away, guilt written across her face.
“You did this, didn’t you?” he said, unable to hide the bitterness in his voice. “Youmadeher go away.”
“I didn’tmakeher do anything. She chose to leave on her own. Evensherealized that your actions were foolish.”
