My new sibling?!
Nausea churning in my stomach, it takes all my composure to keep from vomiting on the carpet at my feet. I break eye contact with him, unable to meet his stare for another second. I’ve never been claustrophobic, but I suddenly feel as though the whole world might cave in around me.
I have to get out of here.
I have to run.
Back to my life.
Back to reality.
Octavia and Linus have begun sniping at one another, but none of their words hold any real weight.
“What would you suggest instead, Octavia?” Linus sighs, weary. “I am too old to father children, and you’re too old to carry them.”
“There are other ways!” Her voice is insistent. “A surrogate or—”
“No. If Henry doesn’t recover, the line of succession is clear. Emilia is the heir apparent.”
I shake my head, rejecting those words, but he’s not even looking at me as he plots out my entire future — regardless of whether or notIwant any part of his grand plans.
“The people will be looking to the crown for strength, after tonight. We cannot afford to appear crippled by the loss of my brother. We need to give them something to hold onto. A new ruler to throw their support behind.” He nods to himself, his vision fixed on a point far beyond this room. “They will rally behind her. The Lancaster line will be restored in the eyes of the world.”
“Linus, I understand that, but she’s—” Octavia breaks off in distress. “This girl is…”
I arch one brow, waiting.
Octavia’s nose lifts, her expression uppity. “She is in no way equipped to represent Germania on a grand-scale.”
“Nevertheless, she must,” Linus counters. “And, if Henry does not recover… Someday, whether you like it or not, my dear… I will die and she will inherit. She will rule.”
“Like hell I will,” I interject, finally finding my voice.
Every head in the room turns in my direction. For a minute, no one says a word.
“What did you say?” the king growls.
“I have no interest in…” I gesture vaguely at my surroundings. “Any of this. I don’t want your name or your birthright. I have no interest in becoming a… a…” I can’t bring myself to utter the wordprincessaloud. It’s far too absurd. “A Lancaster,” I finish lamely.
“Your interest is irrelevant,” Linus thunders, rage clouding his expression. “This is your destiny. Your responsibility.”
“You have the audacity to speak to me about responsibility?” I choke out. “That’s rich, considering you felt approximatelyzeroresponsibility for me until about three hours ago when, as far as I can tell, your precious monarchy suddenly found itself short a few viable heirs to the throne.”
“You have no idea what you’re talking about.” Linus looks like he’s about to blow a gasket. “Clearly, your upbringing has been sorely lacking in discipline, manners, and credible information. Don’t worry — we will strive to compensate for every gap in education your mother did not see fit to fill.”
I go stock still.
Did he just say what I think he said?
Leaning forward, I make sure to articulate clearly, so he can’t possibly dismiss my next words as an idle threat. “I don’t care who you are or what titles you go by. If you ever insult my mother or her parenting again, make no mistake —you will live to regret it.”
All three guards step forward, hands on their holsters. Carter edges closer to me, worry in his eyes. For good reason. To insult the king is bad enough… but to openly threaten him?
That’s courting treason.
Octavia presses a hand to her heart, aghast at my impropriety. “You dare speak to your King in such a manner, girl?”
“Oh, I dare,” I hiss, already moving toward the door. “Now, if we’re done here… I think I’ll get back to my life.”