The doors slammed and shook my spine.
Alone in the lion’s den.
The king’s eyes narrowed. “Is it true you were alone with Sir Gyldford last night in the courtyard by the feasting hall?”
Vega made to speak but the king’s hand halted her.“I wish to hear what she has to say, not your excuses, Vega.”
She.Not Elowyn. Not daughter. Only my crime. My sex.
An ember sparked in my gut. With a calming breath, I tried to put it out.
“I left after your announcement of my marriageability to get some fresh air, and Sir Gyldford followed me.”
The king sighed. “Guardwin and three ladies saw Sir Gyldford fumbling with your skirts. It was the talk of the evening oncebothyou and he disappeared for the rest of the night.”
“My skirt tore while dancing. Sir Gyldford offered to mend it.” Searching Sir Gyldford for a defense, I found nothing. Only stone as he avoided my gaze.
“Sir, please tell the king what happened.”
But he said nothing.
“How could you be so foolish, girl?” The king ground out.
“Nothing happened between us, I swea—”
“Guardians damn it all to bloody Infernum!” He pounded his fist in rage. “I meant your marriage for alliance! Protection for what lies past Oakhaven’s borders. You stupid. Foolish.Girl.” He pounded each syllable into the desk beside him.“A whore just like your mother.” The final insult punched me in the gut. “You are to be sent to Gyldmare tomorrow. There you will marry Cedric quietly. Afterward, I never wish to see you again.”
My hands trembled. No. This couldn’t be.
“We will marry at Whiterok,” Sir Gyldford cut in swiftly. The queen turned at that, a strange look flashing through her sharp countenance.
“We do not even know one another, and nothing happened between us.” The words snarled from my lips.
Cedric cleared his throat. “After our evening last night I wish to right the wrongs of my transgressions.”
Anger flushed my face hot.
“What are you implying, Sir?”
He met my stare, a look of pained disgust on his face. “Because I took your maidenhood, we should marry to right our wrongdoings.”
“Youfuckingliar!” I roared, and lunged forward, ready to beat him into a gory pulp.
Vega caught my shoulder, holding me back.
Cedric only watched me with that look of revulsion.
The king sent a goblet flying with the back of his hand, the metal cup clanging on stone flooring.
We all froze.
“Whiterok, Gyldmare, I do notfuckingcare! I just want her out of my court and sight as soon as possible. She is your problem now, Cedric.” His eyes narrowed at my governess. “Vega, help her prepare for her journey and tomorrow, you will leave to Aeretha Abbey to await new employment.”
My body surged in protest. There had to be something that could be done. Something I could say. I would marry whoever the king ordered me to, but I couldn’t lose Vega. I could not bear the thought of being far from her. I’d slept with her close, if not in my bed, my entire life. I needed her. She was all I had.
“Please, don’t do thi—”
“All of you out!” the king yelled.
