Page 20 of The Throne Seeker (Vallorian #1)

R ose tucked a stray hair behind her ear and peered down the dark, empty corridor. It was nearly midnight when she returned from her walk with Zareb, who followed her dutifully through the drafty halls. Judging from the lack of people, most of the court had already retired for the night.

She covered her mouth as she yawned, ready for sleep, and she planned on doing just that until the echoes of voices reached her ears.

She didn’t think much of them until she heard her name being spoken. She recognized those voices.

She halted. Raising a hand, she signaled for Zareb to do the same and pressed her finger to her lips.

Cautiously, she peeked around the corner, Zareb doing the same. Five high council members, including Lord Martin, stood together in a circle in the middle of the next corridor, their backs to her.

“It just doesn’t make sense.” Lord Orrin’s voice carried through the hall. “To throw the poor girl in the succession is borderline cruel. She has no chance of winning; to place her in danger and under this scrutiny just to prove a point is downright imprudent.”

A rumble of agreement echoed from them in disapproval.

“And why nominate someone who lacks the basic core skills to lead a province?” Lord Stoddard joined in—a large, fat man with a thick amount of blond hair.

“We all know of the looming dangers that approach—raids happening every other day, cities being ravaged, and goods stolen. Why, just days ago, another city was reduced to ashes. If we are to retaliate, we’ll need a formidable leader.

Not some middle-class girl from Canteran. ”

She frowned, thinking back to her conversation with the king.

Was this the same unforeseen threat he had spoken of?

He hadn’t mentioned the continued raids.

Weren’t they working for a peace treaty?

Who would be doing this, if not Vertmere?

She didn’t know, but the thought of another city burning made her insides threaten to exit.

Lord Rensin interrupted her thoughts. “I quite agree. We’d be a laughingstock to Vallor. And rumor has it that her father was a hefty gambler—my friend’s son swore he saw him enter a slave auction one night.”

Her heart dropped, her limbs locking into place to keep her upright.

“And how are we to trust her after her involvement with Xavier’s denouncing?

” Lord Martin chimed in, his gaze shifting cryptically.

“How are we sure she didn’t plot this situation for her own benefit?

Do we want a leader capable of such evil?

We all know what happened to King Sorthen—why he was found cut to bits a few months into his reign, only to discover his son had done it to reopen the succession!

How are we so sure she isn’t another throne seeker? ”

The others mumbled their agreement.

Lord Beckett rubbed his forehead as he sighed. “Just let us pray she has enough common sense not to enter.”

Her hands clenched, their words only adding to her self-doubt.

It pained her to admit that their concerns were valid.

She was raised to be a lady, not a leader.

She didn’t know the first thing about managing a court, let alone an entire province.

Just look at this lot. If she did become queen, managing the high council would be the bane of her existence.

“It sounds like this topic should be brought to the king’s attention,” another voice added.

She recognized that voice all too well. Peeping around the corner once more for confirmation, she spotted Lord Barron—a tall, handsome man with dark hair with matching scruff, and striking dark-blue eyes that demanded attention.

Known as a lone wolf, he had neither a wife nor family.

Despite being in his late forties, she had often witnessed his brilliant combat skills during training sessions.

She even recalled once that he’d gifted Rose her favorite flower from Ostlyn, having gone to the trouble of bringing it all the way home.

That small act of kindness had remained close to her heart for years.

If Rose had to choose a favorite high councilman, it would be him.

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 faint footsteps 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 you want to be queen?”

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

“Do you want to 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 she desired to 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, his scent 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. ”

The air around her swirled with a new rich, thick coating, making it difficult to breathe.

“Why are you telling me this?”

His face relaxed a bit. “Because I’m afraid for you.

And despite my distance, I care for you and your mother.

My best advice to you, Lady Versalles, is to find out the answer soon.

Not just for yourself, but for all of Vallor.

” He bowed to her, entirely unnecessary given their positions in court, but for some reason, he had always done it for her. “I should go. It’s getting late.”

And with that, Lord Barron dismissed himself, turning around and heading back the way he’d come. She wanted to thank him, but the words failed to form before he vanished around the corner.

She retreated to the opposite corridor, retracing her steps to her room as she stewed over the high council’s conversation.

While they might be correct about her inexperience, that was where the truth ended. Their doubt stoked a fire within her that she hadn’t known was smoldering, filling her with a renewed determination to show them how mistaken they were.

It was clear now. She had to prove she wasn’t merely a foolish girl from Canteran, that she was capable of far more than their narrow, trivial minds could imagine. That if she desired, she could become the most formidable queen that Cathan had ever seen.

She’d almost forgotten Zareb was walking alongside her when he said, “We start your training tomorrow.”