Page 97 of The Huntsman's Heart
Melantha tugs against the wooden stocks fastened around her wrists. “Why are you spreading lies? The king was my husband. I loved him.”
I turn to her, fixing her with a stare. “And did you visit him on his deathbed, stepmother?”
She knows I can call the servants to testify that she did not. Yet she sneers. “I wonder how you think I poisoned him if I was not in the room.”
The lords whisper among themselves.
I straighten. “It would have been simple to have a servant do the deed, or perhaps you simply had him poisoned until he grew weak. As I said, I have no proof. However, of other crimes, I have proof.” Fishing the charm from the pocket of my dress, I hold it up. “This was a magic charm which was designed to lure monsters. To draw them to us.”
“Preposterous. It is merely a trinket.”
“Perhaps. Shall we discuss the magic you used to make yourself appear young and beautiful? The other spells you might have cast over innocent folk?”
“Lies,” she spits, but the lords and ladies are already whispering.
“There are more serious charges as well. Burning innocent townsfolk for sedition. The people starving while your table was full.”
The murmurs grow louder.
“I watched a starving girl die in her mother’s arms. I saw the fear in people’s eyes when they spoke of you.” The memories come flooding back, and only Alaric’s cool touch on my hand stops my mind from sinking into that state again where things grow out of my control.
I take a steadying breath. “You are not fit to rule. You never were. My lords, I have said enough. You must make your decision.” Shaking with anger, I retire to the throne. My task is almost over. Soon I can take Alaric and the gargoyles and return to the ruins in the woods.
Lord Gruyer stands. “Your Highness, we have faith in your judgment. You do not need to convince us. What we wish to know is when we can have your coronation.”
I stare at him coldly. “I cannot rule.”
“Whyever not? Are you not your father’s only heir?”
“Does the death of the heir not negate the inheritance?”
He frowns, white brows creasing to produce deeper lines in his forehead. “Such circumstances as ours have never been tested against the law.”
I huff in frustration. This should not be difficult. “I died, my lord. I am not what I was before. You saw me burned at the stake and yet, look at me.”
Lady Leina lifts a handkerchief to cover her mouth, and Sir Harmer looks a little green as if he might be sick.
Lord Gruyer presses on. “And yet here you are striving for justice, proving yourself a wise and considerate ruler.”
I stare at him in disbelief. “I’m a monster! A walking corpse. Do you want a queen who cannot die, who will never bear offspring? Who raises the dead to walk the streets because she cannot control her unnatural power?”
Lord Gruyer blanches. Lady Leisa lowers her handkerchief. “Better that than her.” She casts an evil look at Melantha.
I throw my hands up. “Listen to yourselves. You do not know what you are asking for.”
“On the contrary,” Lord Gruyer has recovered himself. “You have enlightened us. And now we make an informed choice.” He looks around at the others and turns back to me, seemingly decided. “We support your claim, my lady.”
“You cannot be serious.” I look around the circle of faces, but they look back, undaunted. “I cannot listen to more of this.” I turn and stalk from the hall, knowing without checking that Alaric follows me.
I burst through the corridors and out into the rose garden. He is two steps behind me but only waits for me to turn. “Don’t they see what I am?”
“I think they do see,” he says.
I groan. “What do you think they see?”
“A just queen. A brave queen. One who will defend them and love them.”
I hesitate, my throat tight. “How can they want me like this?”
