Page 73 of The Throne Seeker

It hit her then. They weren’t just doing this because of Xavier. No, they wanted the opportunity to look intoherhead specifically. To find a way to weed her out of the succession—and they’d just found a means to do it.

Tristan and the others were equally stunned—even Grant was lacking his usual permanent smile.

“This is outrageous,” Dawnton said. “It is a highly potent, unreliable substance. It is not within your right to force us to partake of an illegal drug.”

Emmett chimed in. “I don’t see how it could give an accurate depiction of us as candidates. If it cannot be held in court, it cannot be used for succession.”

“It is only unreliable and unsuitable in court because of how it responds to each subject,” Lord Martin interjected. “The drug works like any medication or food—effects can vary for each individual. The same goes for the lotus. This is not to find truth, like in a courtroom, but to see into the workings of a mind. Which is exactly what this drug can achieve… Anyway, as long as you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear.” His gaze landed on Rose.

“So you’ve all taken of this lotus, have you?” Tristan said with a polar glare at the greasy lord.

Lord Martin didn’t falter as he replied, “No… but neither have we aspired for the throne.”

Lord Barron stepped in. “Your concerns about the lotus are heard, but the king and the council have agreed only because the questions distributed will be solely targeted to your capabilitiesof being a leader and no others. Lord Martin is right—if you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear.”

Knowing the questions would be censored didn’t make her feel any better. She had been expecting physical challenges like the first trial, but this… this wasn’t something she’d ever anticipated.

“The choice is yours,” King Henrik said, breaking the tangible silence. “Partake of the lotus or drop out of the succession. Those are your options.” His words were as sharp as blades.

Everyone understood the beaten horse was dead. The contestants’ eyes raged, but arguing was futile.

King Henrik took the silence as submission. “We will gather in the great hall tomorrow morning. And fortify your minds… this challenge isn’t for the weak-hearted.”

CHAPTER 33

After the meeting ended, Rose left the council chambers with her mother and Zareb, walking down the darkened corridors back to their rooms. She didn’t notice her mother’s drained, pale face until they were on the winding staircase down to the second floor.

“Rose, I wish you would reconsider,” her mother whispered, so low that her voice couldn’t carry in the echo of their footsteps. “The council could find out everything if they ask the right questions.”

She had been considering that since the challenge was announced. She might have been willing to risk her own secrets, but what of her mother’s? Zareb’s? Was it fair to risk their livelihoods?

“The lotus plant isn’t as bad as it sounds,” Zareb said from behind, making them jump, not used to him speaking up.

Rose stopped mid-step on the stairwell, looking up at him. “You’ve taken it?”

Zareb nodded. “More than once. It’s common where I’m from. It’s often used in Semaria for spiritual cleansing to determine what ails the mind. If untrained, you’ll easily spill out the first words that come into your head, but if I help youprepare and recognize what’s happening, you can fortify your mind and slow your words, answer questions with part truths.”

His words offered her hope. After all, the king was aware of her situation, and he’d make sure the council didn’t stray from the questions regarding her capability as a ruler. She had to believe King Henrik wouldn’t have put her up for the challenge if he’d thought it would endanger her.

“I can help you,” Zareb reassured her. “Don’t let them scare you. Training your mind is similar to training your body. You just need practice.”

Her eyes settled on her mother, wondering if it offered her any reassurance. Her mother’s eyes pierced into Zareb’s. “Are you absolutely sure you can help her?”

“Yes,” Zareb said confidently.

Her mother conceded, the look of death still upon her face, even as she gave a slight nod. “Alright.”

And it was settled.

They exited the stairwell, and their conversation fell into a thoughtful silence. She had just rounded the corner when she spotted Grant sauntering alone down the hall ahead of them, going back to his room.

An idea popped into her mind—an idea that might just save Zareb from Tristan and the high council if things went awry tomorrow.

“I need to speak to Grant,” she said out of the blue.

Her mother’s eyes widened in surprise. “What now? Whatever for?”

Without answering, Rose turned to Zareb. “I promise I won’t be long. I’ll meet you back at the room.” Without waiting for a response, she padded after Grant, practically having to run to catch up with his large strides.