Page 41 of Rise of the Phoenix King (Crown and Crest 4)

“I told you then, and I will tell you again—Henrik was following my orders.” Lawrence’s voice is stern, angry even. “There is no one I trust more.”

His words take me by surprise, and I sit back, trying to make sense of the situation.

“I believe Henrik is an excellent choice,” Count Flauret says. “He has proven himself repeatedly in the last eight years, and there’s not a man in this room who doesn’t know it.”

“But he’s…common-born,” Lord Winston argues, lowering his voice to whisper the words like they’re a particularly nasty curse. He glances at me, weakly lifting his hand in an apology.

I fix my eyes on the wall as the council debates whether I should be elevated to a position that will outrank them all. Breathing hard, I stare at the Phoenix King’s crest woven into the tapestry hanging behind Lawrence.

I can’t make sense of any of it. Lawrence can’t name me as duke marshal, not even temporarily. The position is held by high-ranking nobles, usually of royal lineage. I’m the son of ablacksmith.

“It doesn’t matter if you agree,” Lawrence says to his council members in a bored tone. “I’ve made my decision.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Lord Winston says, bowing his head. The others follow suit.

“We’ll take care of the legalities tonight.” Lawrence waves toward the door. “You’re all dismissed.”

The king’s advisors leave the council room, but the king’s guard and our group hang back. Once the last of the advisors leave, Ayan asks Lawrence, “Does duke marshal outrank duke?”

“Yes,” Lawrence answers.

Ayan clucks his tongue as if disappointed. Grinning at me, he says, “At least I got to pull rank on you once before you were promoted.”

“You can’t do this,” I say to Lawrence, ignoring Ayan. “I’m not qualified for the position.”

“According to whom?” Lawrence gives me a bland look. “The king of Caldenbauer says you are. Who outranks me, Henrik?”

“We’re not even close,” I protest, exasperated. “And yet you’re going to hand me your army?”

“All the reasons you are dreadfully dull make you the best choice.” Lawrence smirks, amusing himself if no one else. “Even the fact that you’re protesting shows you’re fit for the role. And besides—isn’t this what you want? To climb the ranks and prove your worth? Shouldn’t you bethankingme? Short of handing you my crown, I can’t bestow a higher honor upon you.”

“Make me a knight—that’s all I ask,” I say, growing desperate. “That’s all I’ve ever asked.”

“They’re having another touching king-to-knight moment,” Ayan mock-whispers to Pranmore. “Should we give them some privacy?”

“You—” Lawrence points at the High Vale. “Stay put.”

Ayan shrugs as if it doesn’t make any difference to him.

“We’re done discussing this,” Lawrence says to me. “If I say you are worthy, you are worthy. Stop questioning my authority.”

I give him a curt nod, sensing this is a battle I cannot win.

Satisfied we’re finished with the subject, Lawrence turns to Ayan. “Write to Lady Ellaine and ask her to send men. We need to show a united front against this threat, or the humans of Caldenbauer will believe your people are behind the attacks.”

Ayan grins, reclining against the wall. “I suppose I can spare a few of my soldiers.”

“Your soldiers are still my soldiers,” Lawrence says dryly. “Asking is merely a courtesy.”

The High Vale laughs. He turns toward the door and lifts his hand in a goodbye. “I’m off to do your bidding, my liege.”

Pranmore excuses himself as well, and then Lawrence nods his knights outside. When we’re alone, he turns back to me. “Before my family won Caldenbauer from the elves, we were slaves. My great grandfather tended muircorn pens. Are you telling me Telgin was unworthy of taking the title of Phoenix King because of his lineage?”

“I know what you’re doing.”

“Then you also know I’m right.”

I draw in a slow breath. “I don’t want people to believe I obtained a position I don’t deserve.”

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