Hannah’s face turned the same shade as her dress.“My mother would be appalled at what I’ve just said to you.”
“I prefer a woman who speaks her mind.And—” the king’s smile turned wicked “—that is a fetching gown, I must say.”
For the ceremony, Michael had ordered thirty guards to surround them, with more men disguised as townspeople to infiltrate the crowds for the greatest protection.
“We don’t need an army,” Hannah protested, taking his hand in hers.“It’s only a ceremony and a blessing.The king will acknowledge you as his son, and there will be a ball tonight.You’re behaving as though we’re about to go to war.”
“I’m going to keep you safe.”Michael studied every angle of the men, ensuring that each one was in his place.Stealing a glance toward Hannah, he added, “As beautiful as you look tonight, I wouldn’t be surprised if someone else tried to take you away from me.And I’d rather not murder a man in the midst of the ceremony, all things considered.”
“I’m so glad you decided to take your place as prince.”Hannah leaned in and pressed a kiss upon his cheek.The diamond-and-aquamarine ring sparkled upon her hand.Though the queen had tried to get her to wear an heirloom betrothal ring that belonged to one of his great-grandmothers, Hannah had refused.
“I don’t have a choice,” Michael admitted, “but it’s the right thing to do.”
Though he had not been raised to a life of privilege, he could use his past experience to help the people.He could be a better prince, precisely because he understood their hardships and could relate to them.The guardsmen, in particular, had already begun treating him as their ruler.Word had spread about how he had led them against Lady Brentford’s men and saved their lives.
“You should consider Karl as one of your advisers,” Hannah suggested, with a smile.“I’ve never met a man so devoted to his country.”
“I don’t entirely trust him.”Michael still felt a lingering resentment that Karl had found Hannah first.And despite her claims that the Fürst had been honorable, Michael couldn’t believe the man’s motives were selfless.
“I hope you don’t mind, but I asked a guardsman to check on Lady Brentford,” Hannah said.“Even though the king sent away the viscount and his daughter, I have a bad feeling about her imprisonment.”
“There were three men guarding her,” Michael insisted.What he didn’t tell her was that he, too, had gone to ensure Lady Brentford remained imprisoned.The viscountess had laughed at him again, swearing that he would never become king.
“Nothing will happen,” Michael promised.
“I hope not.”
They could not engage in further conversation, because it was time to join the king and queen on the dais.Hours of political speeches preceded the king’s formal announcement.Though König Sweyn had to lean upon his servants to stand before the people, his proclamation was clear and undeniable.Michael was his true son and would inherit the throne.
Michael hardly heard a word of the king’s speech.His gaze studied each and every member of the crowd, for fear of someone threatening Hannah.But when the archbishop approached to give the blessing, Michael had no choice but to leave her side.
A flicker of motion caught his attention.He saw Karl, standing amid the crowd, only a few feet away.There was a look of determination in the former Prince’s eyes, just as he raised his revolver.
Michael threw himself toward Hannah and the gun exploded.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Aservantwho’dbeenstandingbehind Michael dropped forward upon the dais, a knife clenched in his hands.Blood pooled from his chest, and Hannah recognized him as one of Von Reischor’s footmen.He’d been sent to assassinate Michael.
She covered her mouth with her hands, while Michael pulled her tightly to him.Her hands were shaking, and she couldn’t let go.
Chaos erupted below them in the crowd, guards surrounding Karl.But Hannah couldn’t dwell upon it, for her mind was centered on the danger.Michael could have been killed just now, and she couldn’t bear the thought of losing him.
“Are you all right?”she asked, gripping him tightly.
Michael shook his head.“Stay here with the guards.I need to speak with Karl.”
“He saved your life, Michael,” she reminded him.Though the shot had been risky, if Karl hadn’t taken it just now, Michael would be dead.Hannah shuddered to think of it.
He touched her cheek.“I won’t let him be harmed.”
Michael walked back on the dais, shielded by the king’s men.Karl held his ground, meeting Michael’s gaze with a steadfast look of his own.It was the look of a man satisfied with the outcome.
The crowd studied the two men, both sons of the King.Murmurs of the Changeling legend were whispered.Every last citizen of Vermisten stared at the pair, shocked and fascinated by the mirrored faces.
Karl attempted a bow, but Michael stopped him.Instead, he crossed forward and offered his hand to his half-brother.In doing so, he acknowledged Karl as an equal, granting him the highest honor.
“It seems I owe you my thanks a second time,” Michael said, his voice loud enough for all to hear.“Brother.”
