that had space.
The people were grateful for the trade and to meet their king’s extended family. Genu, however, didn’t seem at all pleased
when Nicholas didn’t wish to punish Norok for harming his queen.
“He is still a king, cousin dearest, and a brother to Ornella. I would sooner hurt myself than hurt her again.”
Nicholas tapped his wedding band against the wood of his council table while I sat next to him, my fingers locked in his
other hand. He’d barely left my side for three days straight, as things went rather rapidly getting my coronation date set. It was
something that apparently couldn’t wait, along with relieving his soldiers from the borders.
As well as hold the trials for Dorian and Nora. Well, what was left of Dorian as he’d been plagued with nightmares. I was
grateful when he’d lost his voice, so his screams no longer echoed in the halls. His mind was completely gone by this point. He
would never hurt another young girl again. Nora was still in a sleep-like state, one of which April took great pleasure in
inflicting.
“I am just thinking it would be foolish to not show your hand. He is at your mercy now, as are his people.”
“Those people are still my people,” I said loudly.
“Excuse me, highness, but where were they when you were captured? Tortured? Your guard here says the prince did what
he had to for you to escape. But the way I see it and heard from many of his men, he stood there and allowed everything to
happen.”
Genu crossed her arms as her eyebrows met together, that same cold stone look crossed her face that I’d seen Vanessa give
many times before. I knew what she was talking about to be correct. Norok didn’t deserve any of my pity or my mercy, but he
was still my brother and king of Crystal City—a title I did not wish to have for myself.
I was pleasantly happy as Nicholas’s wife and queen. This was where I truly belonged.
“When he and Ornella’s sister arrive, we will greet them as the royals they are. We will hear from the prince himself as to
what and why everything happened. But for now, we will discuss the nature of punishment for my old captain of the guard,
Lady Nora.”
April admitted a snarl from the end of the table, her eyes bloodshot and red from diving deep into the magic and mind of
Nora. To hear her plots, her plans and why she killed their parents.
Nicholas had yet to discuss with me the full extent of what happened during my absence. I knew, eventually, he would. He
would tell me everything and I would tell him everything, but for now, we would stay in this quiet peaceful bubble.
“I say we just hang her in the city square, so everyone can see the traitor she always was,” Vanessa voiced her opinion
behind a growl as she flipped her dagger up and down in the air.
“Traitors don’t deserve a trial, it’s in our laws,” April said. “Nicholas, do not give her even an ounce of mercy. I have seen