Page 41 of The Throne Seeker

The huddled group of men disbanded from their circle at once.

“Is there a reason you are all gathered?” Lord Barron said. “A meeting that I wasn’t aware of?”

Lord Martin recovered first, putting on a fake smile. “No, of course not, Lord Barron. We were just discussing our concerns. We are allowed to have our opinions, are we not?”

“Yes, but questions regarding the king’s decisions should be addressed with him directly. If not, that could be considered a form of treason, if you think about it.” Lord Barron gave a tight, threatening smile—dark enough that goose bumps rose on her skin. “The very thing you are accusing an innocent girl of.”

Lord Martin’s lips grew into a thin line at Lord Barron’s insinuation, but he conceded. “Of course, Lord Barron. You’re right.”

Lord Barron’s gaze pierced each of them. “Perhaps we should all disperse and reconvene at a more appropriate time before someone overhears this treasonous conversation and tells the king.”

The five councilmen exchanged nervous glances, clearing their throats. Without another word, they disbanded.

She didn’t move an inch, not wanting to give away her position as their faintfootsteps echoed off the stone walls until they faded away completely.

She let out a large breath, closing her eyes, running her hands through her hair.

“You can come out now, Lady Versalles.”

She jumped at the sound of Lord Barron’s voice carrying through the corridor.

After her heart recovered, she abandoned her hiding spot and rounded the corner to find Lord Barron waiting for her in the middle of the corridor.

“Lord Barron,” she acknowledged with a sharp nod as Zareb followed, staying a few feet behind her.

The light draft wafted Lord Barron’s familiar, pleasantly sweet, woodsy scent in her direction. “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen that pretty face. I apologize for not coming to say hello to you sooner. As the king’s right hand, I’ve been delegating the conditions of Vertmere’s surrender alongside the general. I won’t bore you with details, but let’s just say it hasn’t been the easiest of negotiations.”

That was news. “It’s still ongoing?”

“Oh yes,” he said with an exhausted tone. “Still a few details to sort out, I’m afraid. I feel it will be dragged out as long as possible, especially now with the succession reopened. The king of Vertmere is not the easiest to be persuaded. He’s holding a grudge for an assassination attempt. You know, politics.”

Her eyes fell as she considered his words. “Indeed I do.”

“Do you?” he asked.

She lifted her gaze back up in question.

“I only hear rumors.” He peered over his shoulder—referring to the conversation she’d just overheard.

She pressed her lips together. “You know what they say about rumors.” Her voice came out a little sharper than intended.

The corners of his eyes crinkled with his smile. “Luckily for you, I’m not easily persuaded by them. I like to use my own judgment. I find it to be much more reliable.” He paused, thinking carefully about what he was going to say next. “I have a question for you. One simple question, and it’s imperative, Lady Versalles, that you answer honestly… Do youwantto be queen?”

The sudden question surprised her. “I’m sorry?”

“Do youwantto be the queen of Cathan?”

It was a harmless question, but for some reason, it held a weight over her that she wasn’t expecting. For the sake of all those involved, she would gladly bear the burden of the crown. But that wasn’t what he’d asked. He wanted to know if shedesiredto be queen, and to that… she didn’t have an answer.

Her hesitation seemed to be enough for him. “You know, I’ve been in this court a long time. I became a high councilman right around the time you were born.” His eyes diverted from hers, trailing after the ghostly presence of his colleagues. “Most of the council is convinced you committed treason, that you’re a beautiful seductress sent to rule over Cathan.”

“You all give me far too much credit.” Her jaw tightened in annoyance.

“Perhaps,” Lord Barron agreed with a nod, contemplating the idea. “Or perhaps you are simply a girl caught in the line of fire. I believe the latter.”

Her heart lifted despite herself. “You do?”

“Yes. But it’s not so much a matter of believing you as it is you not being able to answer my question.” He inched closer, hisscent overwhelming her, fogging her mind. “If you want to be queen and live here for the rest of your life, then carry on and don’t mind what others say. But if you have the slightest doubt, I’d tread carefully. This court life isn’t for the faint of heart. They’ll tear you apart, given the chance. If you aren’t willing to live or even breathe it, then I’m afraid you’ll find yourself being persecuted for a life you didn’t even wish for.”