Page 32 of The Throne Seeker

“You see?” her mother pipped in. “She doesn’t want it.”

The king gave her mother a rare impatient look, clenching his jaw as he looked from her mother to Tristan. “Could you both please leave us? I need a moment to talk to Rose—alone.”

“But—” her mother protested.

“Evelyn,” the king warned with a dominant stare. “Thismustbe Rose’s decision.”

Her mother’s expression withered, admitting defeat. “Fine.” She stood, putting a hand on Rose’s shoulder, whispering, “I’ll be just outside if you need me.”

Rose gave her mother’s hand a light squeeze before she left.

Tristan’s stubborn eyes challenged his father, but he kept his voice even and controlled as he said, “Xavier nearly died in his succession.Twice. Are you prepared to make Rose suffer the same fate?”

The king’s commanding eyes drilled into his son’s. “I believe you heard me when I said the decision is up to Rose.”

Tristan’s eyes hardened, flickering to her for confirmation. She gave him a nod, wanting to hear what the king had to say. His mouth tightened into a straight line, but he respected her wishes and followed her mother out.

Finally, she and King Henrik were left alone, alongside the crackling fire. Silence invaded as shadows roamed the stone walls.

“It’s been a long time since just the two of us talked. It must seem like I haven’t cared much about your hardships, but I care a great deal.” He rubbed his face, letting out a deep breath. “Forgive me for being straightforward, but I’m tired, and it’s been a long day. You must understand. However the events played out, I sincerely mourn that Xavier will not be my heir.” He peered down into the contents of his mug. “He was everything I could have wished him to be. Without asking, he stepped up and fulfilled every unspoken expectation placed on him. To see him lose his succession is disheartening… but the true pity is to see him lose himself.”

She reached out to take his rough hand, trying to absorb some of his pain. “It didn’t need to be done for my sake.”

A twinkle of a smile appeared on his face as he patted her hand. “Yes, well, we aren’t here to talk about Xavier. You and your mother are dear to my heart. I’m not blind to my family’s attachment to you over the years—each of them, despite what recent events must look like.” He spoke with a new tenderness now. “I have come to admire you, Rose. I have watched you over these past years, and despite your trials and misfortunes, you’ve still grown into the beautiful young woman I’ve always hoped you’d be. I dearly missed you during your absence… Your mother has told me about your present situation.”

She let go of his hand, sliding it back to her lap as her gaze fell. “How much did she tell you?”

“Everything,” he said with an all-knowing stare. “Even about the night at the tavern.”

Her eyes snapped up as ice crept in. Her fingers clenched around the armrests of the upholstered chair. Without warning, tears pricked at the backs of her eyes, but she shoved them back, desperate to forget.

He grieved with her as he studied her bandage. “I’m only sorry it was one of my own who added another scar for you to carry… I hope the healer was satisfactory?”

She nodded, eager for the change of subject. “Yes. Perfect, actually.”

“I remember you were quite the student yourself.” He grinned as he reminisced. “I’m sure you could have healed yourself if you hadn’t lost so much blood. Your tutor was always impressed with your consistent marks. Let’s see, I think she once referred to you as a ‘walking sponge,’ if I remember correctly. She told me, ‘This girl has beautyandbrains. She’ll steal many a man’s heart one day.’”

A smile appeared on her lips despite herself. “She didn’t favor me for my beauty or brains. She favored me because I snuck her my pastries during our lessons.”

The king bellowed a hearty laugh as the twinkle in his eyes shone brighter. “I wondered why she always had a hard time getting up on that damn horse of hers.” His smile slipped away slowly. “But I’ve thought about that conversation often over the years and realized that she was speaking in more than just romantic terms. You reminded me of that today when you tried to pardon Xavier despite what he did to you… despite what I or the court thought. You were able to see past the action and find empathy. It is a highly underestimated characteristic.”

He looked at her like he saw more than the girl sitting before him, as if he saw potential—what she could achieve if given the opportunity. She couldn’t help but feel grateful for the belief she could be a part of something greater. To think she’d be brave enough to try. Somehow, his faith stoked her own.

“I’m starting to realize justhowattached Tristan, in particular, is to you. He tells me you two have a mutual attachment for each other. Is this true?” He carefully watched for her reaction.

She tensed, her gaze dropping to her hands. She couldn’t get her mouth to open, so she merely nodded.

Despite her worry, he didn’t lose his warmth. “I couldn’t be happier to have you as a part of my family,” he said in such a way she knew he meant it.

She let out a breath—but her relief was short-lived.

“But the gravity of the situation is more heavy than a union…” His frown became grave. “There is a dark storm headed our way, Rose. Unrest brews on the horizon. More catastrophic than you can imagine. The bloody storm you’ve witnessed with Vertmere is no more than a light rain. We will be bathed in it when the hurricane comes. And we must fortify if we are to survive.” His gaze turned distant. “I have a dream to reunite the seven provinces to reinforce against that mighty storm. Thisalliance with Vertmere, along with you and Tristan, may just be our best chance to brace for it.”

She stared at him. This was no bluff. There was no foul play in his eyes. This faceless enemy was real, and King Henrik was not shying from it. It pressed a hefty weight on her shoulders.

“I’m speaking to you first because I know you’ll heed my words better than my son. There will be a time for you two to sort whatever is between you, but right now, you must focus on the succession if either of you wants the slightest chance of winning. Lord Martin’s words today have sparked rumors that you two planned this scheme.”

Fear bloomed in her chest. “You can’t believe?—”