Page 105 of Wicked Prince of Frost

“This was found among her things,” Minister Ilseong says, twisting to allow the room to see before returning to address the king again. “She is accused of deceiving His Highness.”

He looks at me with a challenge in his eye, daring me to call him on the lie. We are both aware that he found it in my room.

If he came to the court, accusing me, without proof—something that would only implicate him in violating my privacy—I would deny it, and none would side with him against the Crown Prince.

So, he is attacking me in the only way he can—through Violet.

If she is found guilty, then she will die right here.

Murmurs erupt throughout the room. Their words and suspicions build on each other. Voices rise, matching their growing outrage.

My uncle lets it go on for longer than necessary before finally motioning for silence.

Only Imugi and Violet knew of its existence. I have not even shared this secret with Mingi or Iseul.

All it would take from me is a few simple words, admitting it is mine, to prove her innocence.

Yet, to do so would spell disaster. To hide something like that is unthinkable. The pearls are the source of the royal family’s power. Sacred. This is not a simple copy, but a forgery meant to deceive the people of Arum and even the guardians of the past. They are part of us, not a thing to be kept in a box.

The implications of the Crown Prince in possession of such an object would reveal my secret—that I am cursed and without my pearl.

Violet’s crimes are breaking the old laws, which she has paid for with her bargain to me. Everything she has said and done since then has been to make up for it.

Violet glares at Minister Ilseong as he spews his lies.

She could easily deny it.

The only thing she cannot do is speak of the curse—our bargain would prevent it, but she does not move or attempt to speak in her defense. Yet she does not.

“There is more, Your Majesty,” Minister Ilseong says. Hewaits for the signal to continue. “She has been seen acting in an unqueenly manner, consorting with servants.”

Demons damn him to the Otherworld.Of course he would learn of the incident in the kitchens.

“Do you honestly expect me to believe that she is plotting against me because she—” I pause, flicking a glance at her. “—iskindto the servants?”

Some of the nobility and other officials chuckle among themselves.

“My pearl and the power within it choseher. Yet you stand here and spout these vile accusations against her, knowing full well that any human, so long as they are willing, may be selected—regardless of their status.” I scoff.

“That woman would turn the people against you—she is not to be trusted! Her every action is an insult to undermine the crown.” Minister Ilseong half-shouts, unable to restrain himself.

“She may not have been born to nobility as the rest of us, but she has proven herself more than worthy of being my wife. The only insult is the presumption that you have taken it upon yourself to decide what I should find insulting.”

“Enough!” King Sameun bellows. “While it is certainly undignified to consort with servants as equals, it is not a crime. Present your evidence of her crime, Minister Ilseong, so we may make a judgment.”

The minister’s face distorts as if he naturally expected my uncle to side with him, no matter what he said, simply because his position grants him the king’s ear.

“I believe she planned to steal His Highness’s real pearl and replace it with the forgery she created.”

Again, murmurs break out all around the room. Growing as they turn to discuss the seriousness of the accusation among themselves.

I adopt an overly relaxed posture, practically lounging back on my throne. But inside, I seethe.

No one points out the numerous weak points in his argument that do not align with how the magic of the pearl works, how nothing he says is evidence, but baseless speculation.

No one speaks in her defense. Because Violet is human.

Could this be the reason Uncle suggested I present her early? To weaken any argument my enemies might cling to.