Page 33 of The Throne Seeker

“No,” he cut her off, but his eyes didn’t retreat. “But it doesn’t matter. It is how they see it, and the council will look for any reason to dismiss you both from the succession. That includes treason against Xavier. But you see, if your attachment is true, there is an advantage to having you both in the succession.”

Her gaze drifted to the rain still pattering on the window. If she and Tristan entered, they wouldn’t be competitors but allies. If one were to win, theybothwould. It would solve her financial worries, and she and her mother could move into the castle permanently. The rumors would be put to rest, and no one would question her place in court again. If she or Tristan happened to win—by some outlandish miracle—they would be married, and they would both have the crown anyway. It would double their chances of keeping the throne in safe hands.

“I would never force you to enter the succession, and I’m not saying there isn’t great risk, but please, for the sake of all Vallor… say you’ll think about it. You may give us your answer at the rally.”

She paused. Nothing but the sound of raindrops on the window and the crack of embers filled the room as she weighed the balance she was about to tip. “I’ll think about it.”

His shoulders relaxed and he nodded, seeming to accept her answer. “That’s all I ask. You must be exhausted. You may go.”

She took her dismissal and stood, giving him a bow before moving toward the door. She’d barely put her hand on the handle when he spoke again.

“And Rose?”

She turned back.

“You must know I thank the lost city above you’re safe,” he confessed. She swore his eyes became glossy, but it could have been a trick of the light. “Truly. I am glad you and your mother are back with us. I hope you choose to stay this time.”

A warmth spread through her chest, taken aback by his sentiment.

She gave her only real father figure a sweet smile, bowing again and leaving before her emotions could get the best of her.

Because, by the gods above and below, she had a great deal to think about.

CHAPTER 15

The longest day of Rose’s life came to a close as she made her way back to her room. Her mother offered to join her, but she persuaded her that the two guards stationed down the hall would be enough to safely return her to her chambers.

She yawned as she closed the door to her room. It was dimly lit by flickering candles, left clean and tidy; Thea must have already made her rounds.

She removed her shoes, unfastened her dress, and tossed it aside. She reached for her nightgown, hanging neatly on the chair by her vanity. After that, she lifted her hands to her hair, carefully taking out the pins from her updo.

On her way to bed, a cool draft floated over her. She turned to find the balcony doors slightly cracked open.

Strange. I wonder if Thea forgot to shut them.

She closed the double doors, pain throbbing in her neck from the motion. She massaged it, realizing she hadn’t changed her bandage.

She retraced her steps to her vanity, removing the old bandage and cleaning her wound with a wet cloth before reapplying the healing oil. She looked back into the mirror—this time, her reflection wasn’t the only one she saw.

She spun to confront the intruder, but before a scream could escape her lips, a rough hand smothered the sound.

This was it. This was how she would meet her end—a stranger taking her life out of resentment for being nominated for the succession.

The icy-blue eyes were a dead giveaway.

Xavier.

Her eyes widened. What was he doing here? How did he get inside? Was he here to seek revenge on the girl who took the throne from him?

She fought to break free, but he held her firm. “Don’t scream,” he said. “I promise I won’t hurt you.”

She held still, considering running, but she’d never make it. She could go for the hidden sword she kept stowed away under her bed, but she’d never reach it in time.

Slowly, he removed his hand from her mouth. She didn’t scream, even though every bone inside her wanted to.

Xavier was cleaned up now, dressed in a black cloak that covered him from head to toe, with warm furs lining the thick fabric. Though his eyes were tired, he seemed sober and restored to his former self.

After the shock wore off, she wrapped her arms around herself, the air still chilly from the draft. “How’d you get in?”