Page 247 of The Throne Seeker

“Stop!” Harriet cried, tears streaming down her cheeks. “Stop it, please!”

Xavier sprang back to his feet, clutching his bloodied chest. He grunted as he swung, fueled by fresh rage. He advanced, pushing Tristan backward toward the sea.

They were going to kill each other.

Rose turned to Roman in desperation. “If you don’t do something, I will.”

Roman clenched his teeth, knowing he’d have to intervene. He unsheathed his sword and positioned himself between them. In two quick moves, he’d knocked Xavier to the ground and deflected Tristan’s strike, making him to tumble into the sand next to Xavier.

“Enough!” Roman bellowed in a voice that reminded Rose of his father.

Tristan and Xavier glared up at their youngest brother from the ground, collecting their ragged breaths.

Tristan was the first to stand up, but instead of lunging for Xavier, he stormed straight for Rose.

Driven by pure protective instinct, Roman maneuvered his way in front of her. But the action only escalated Tristan’s rage.

With a powerful shove, Tristan almost knocked Roman into the sand.

“Tristan, stop!” Harriet begged.

“Tell me it’s not true,” Tristan seethed, glaring at Roman.

Roman didn’t deny it, guilt lying just behind his eyes. “Now isn’t the time, Tristan.”

Tristan snatched Roman’s collar, bringing him face to face. “You’ve been in love with her this whole time, haven’t you?” Tristan shouted. “Admit it! I always thought it was just an innocent crush, but now I see you were just biding your time, waiting for the right moment to take her for yourself. You forced me to get married, feeding me all this bullshit that it was for the good of Vallor. The marriage contract was for no one’s benefit but your bloody own!”

Tristan’s fist collided with the side of Roman’s face.

Roman took the hit, his head snapping to the side. Ever so slowly, he turned his head back to Tristan. “I’m letting that go for the simple fact I understand your anger. But I hope you got it out of your system because it won’t be happening again.”

Tristan’s malicious glare shifted to Rose, his jaw quivering with rage. Utter betrayal strewed in his deep-blue eyes. She sensed the brewing of an angry hurricane. And she was looking into the eye of the storm.

Before she could find words, Tristan stalked away.

“Tristan, wait.” Rose tried to follow, taking a few shaky steps in the sand. “Wait!”

Roman grabbed her arm. “Let him go.”

She had no choice but to watch his retreating silhouette with pained eyes. “I should’ve told him… He shouldn’t have had to find out like that.”

Roman glared at Xavier, still on the sand, clutching his chest. “Yeah, thanks for that.”

Rose took a calming breath and turned to Xavier. “Are you alright?” She reached for his torn tunic to get a closer look at the wound.

“I’m fine,” Xavier snapped, swatting her hand away as he stood.

She masked the flinch of hurt.

Roman, however, came at Xavier, aggressively swinging his sword at him. Xavier’s eyes widened as he attempted to block his blow, but just like Tristan’s, his sword fell uselessly onto the sand.

Roman pointed his sword at his throat. “She’s trying to help you,” Roman fumed, infuriated. “All she’s ever done is try to help you. What have you done to helpher? What have you done to help any of us? You bloodyleft. You left me to finish a war you started. You left Tristan to pick up your crown while you rode off, washing your hands of this place. Blame Tristan all you want, hate him if you wish, but just know who you really hate is yourself. Take my advice and stop feeling sorry for yourself. Take control of your life before it takes you.” Roman dropped hisvoice. “And if you ever try to kiss her again, I’ll break your jaw just to make sure you never can.”

Rose gazed at Roman, astounded, not sure if she should be thankful or scared.

Roman sheathed his sword and reached for her hand. Her mother stood closely behind, prepared to follow them back to the castle.

Harriet stopped them. “You’re leaving, too, aren’t you? Take me with you,” she pleaded as she hung on to Roman’s arm. “Please. I’ll die here. Don’t leave me with him.”