Page 26 of The Throne Seeker

She glanced at Xavier again, who, like a stubborn mule, refused to meet her gaze. She considered fibbing, but she knew how bad she was at that. It would only make things worse for Xavier if she couldn’t execute it perfectly, so she simply answered, “Yes.”

“Did you threaten him?”

“No.”

“Did you intend to do him harm?”

“No.”

“Did you have any weapons?”

“No.”

“Did he strike you?”

“Yes.”

That was enough for the king. “Sit,” he commanded. He was addressing her but gave Tristan a look that clearly instructed him to do the same. He focused again on Xavier as his silent rage erupted. “Whether or not you were antagonized, it does not matter. A successor does not yield towhim!” He roared the word as he pointed a finger at Xavier. “You let emotion rule you like an animal. I expected you to learn from your catastrophic lessons, but you have proved me a fool one too many times. Do you have anything to add to your defense before your sentence is passed?”

Xavier’s blank expression did not falter. “No.”

A savage scowl unfurled on the king’s face. He leaned forward, placing his hands on the table. “This is merely the tip of the iceberg on the long list of your offenses. The assassination attempt on the king of Vertmere, the battle at Fort Merth, the unauthorized invasion into Khali, and the numerous fleets sunk in the Meridian Sea—all of these, along with the countless dead bodies, now rest on your weak, pathetic shoulders. Your pride, arrogance, and stupidity are just a few reasons the council andI can no longer support you. Not anymore. We have reached a decision.” The king’s eyes flickered to the queen for a minuscule moment, a flash of sorrow for her sake, and then it was gone. “Xavier Montague is hereby stripped of his succession and banished from these lands.”

The room erupted with astonished gasps, followed by murmurs and cries of rebellion. The queen’s eyes glistened as she hung her head.

The ringing in Rose’s ears dulled the voices into muffles.

This couldn’t be real. Not because of last night. Not by what she had ignited. What had she been thinking, poking him like that when it was evident he was struggling? How had she believed things could return to how they once were? To simply have a heart to heart, then expect him to listen to her?

Roman had been right. She’d been a fool.

Xavier accepted his fate without resistance as the guards grabbed his arms and began hauling him off to the dungeons.

Before she knew what she was doing, she stood. “Wait!” she shouted above the rest.

The room fell silent, all eyes turning to her. Even Xavier, who had avoided eye contact, looked at her, surprise evident beneath his indifferent façade.

“Rose? What is it?” the king asked.

She took a step toward him, knowing full well it wasn’t permitted for someone of her rank to address him in such a way. “Don’t banish him.”

The court’s confounded gazes moved to the king, waiting for his reaction.

“Rose, don’t,” Tristan whispered from behind her.

Her eyes remained fixed on King Henrik, bracing herself for the sting of his sharp tongue for daring to interrupt. But it appeared that his fondness for her allowed for it. He waited for her to continue.

“You and the council have denounced him from the throne. I know that cannot change. But don’t banish him. I…” She looked back at Xavier, whose unreadable gaze rested on her. “He and I… we used to be close. I don’t want to be the reason he is banished from his homeland… Please.”

The king’s stare pressed into hers like a lion eyeing its prey, but she refused to cower. She wouldn’t allow herself to.

The room was so quiet, only the sound of distant waves from the open window filled it. His silence lasted so long that she was sure she’d face harsh punishment. She braced for his wrath.

“You wish for me to retract my sentence?” the king clarified at last in a low voice.

“Yes.” She couldn’t take back her words now.

He scanned her as if seeking something hidden. “Do you sincerely wish it?”