“Prince Mathias is on a holy mission for the Avatheos, one that I am not at liberty to disclose.”
“As the only legitimate male Starweber heir left, the prince should be here, learning state,” Duke Hanz said, interjecting. “The Avatheos has Princess Liane. What more does he want from the Starweber line?”
“As Mathias is third in line, I don’t see why that would be necessary. My heir is beside me.” Mother gestured to Aristea across the table.
“And yet she has no husband. A man is necessary to keep a strong grip on the throne,” Duke Reiner said, slamming his hand onto the table.
An uneasy shuffling of bodies filled the silence that stretched out. No one had dared to say anything even half as treasonous before. Aristea was the named and recognized heir.
Aristea’s gaze slid over to Duke Krantz. He met her gaze and arched a single brow. Was this his doing? Or was he simply trying to mock her for not siding with him? If she were stronger, she’d stare the duke down until he looked away, to show she wasn’t intimidated by him and was strong enough to be empress without a consort. She didn’t need his support or his blasphemous schemes, but her eyes slid to the tabletop first, cowed by her own inadequacy.
A few dukes nodded in agreement with Duke Reiner. She noticed not all of them had been Heinrich’s allies, as she might have assumed, but were dukes who’d fought and helped Mother become empress. A knot was forming in the pit of her stomach.
“Thank you, Duke Reiner, but we have no plans of changing the order of succession,” Mother said, trying to steer the conversation away.
But Duke Reiner’s words had emboldened dissenting voices.
“Even if Princess Aristea were to inherit, who would be her successor? Even if she were to marry and fall pregnant, she’s past her prime to bear children. What if she died in the childbed?” Duke Beutler said.
Aristea’s cheeks flamed, and she resisted the urge to duck her head. Instead, she balled her hands into fists until her nails embedded in her flesh.
“I am still healthy and young, as is my daughter, who isn’t the withered husk you’d make her out to be. Are you so quick to replace me and her when my son-in-law is not even three months dead?” Mother said coldly.
Duke Reiner and the other dukes who’d spoken out lowered their heads, chastised. Even though she was a woman, Mother had command over the men. Because they thought of her as the goddess’ chosen; the Golden Blade she had drawn marked her as such. That same devotion didn’t transfer to Aristea. She knew this wouldn’t be the last discussion around succession, and while Mathias’ power was growing, Aristea could feel hers slipping.
The meeting ended, and the dukes filed out of the meeting room. They were still bickering over details of the fall equinox celebration amongst themselves as they exited. Mother sat at the head of the table; her eyes looked tired as she stared off into the middle distance. Aristea sat across from her quietly, waiting for her mother to acknowledge her presence.
“Am I a terrible mother for fearing my own son?” Mother asked.
Aristea felt a knot of guilt twist in her stomach because she felt the same. Had she done the right thing, letting him escape that night, or had she orchestrated her own demise? He was her brother, after all. She wanted to believe he wouldn’t hurt her, but with the elves involved, she couldn’t be certain.
“I’m worried too. But I equally fear the unrest that has simmered in the palace since Heinrich died,” Aristea confessed.
Mother pinched her brow as she sighed. “Do you resent me for the burden I’ve laid upon you by naming you heir?”
“Never!” Aristea said. She crossed the room to sit beside Mother and reached out to squeeze her hand. “I was born first to continue your legacy, and I will do anything to keep hold of it.”
Mother cupped Aristea’s cheek, searching her face. “I wish I could have been more mother than empress for all three of you. It isn’t fair what I’ve asked of you and will continue to ask of you...”
“I can only try to understand the burden you bear, and I share it with you willingly,” Aristea assured her.
Mother gave her that look, the one when she didn’t believe her but didn’t want to argue.
“Duke Reiner’s outburst today won’t be the last,” Mother said. “This kingdom is no stranger to civil war, and I fear we need to strengthen our position. We don’t know what influence has taken over Mathias, and while I want to hope he can be saved, we must consider alternative paths...”
Her stomach churned. “You mean Duke Mattison,” Aristea said flatly.
“He’s shown interest in you, and it would be a beneficial match. But ultimately, the choice is yours.”
Mother liked to paint it as a choice, but there was no choice at all. Sundland would bring a navy and a new realm positioned near Mathias’ allies, should it come to war. Even if she were to entertain Jonathan and Duke Krantz’s proposal, this was the superior match.
“I’ll consider it,” Aristea said diplomatically.
“This isn’t the choice I’d have you make. Not after...”
Mother didn’t like speaking Heinrich’s name. And with good reason. He was a bad omen that hung over them. A sacrifice she’d endured for the family. And Duke Mattison, no matter how kind, would be another sacrifice she must bear for the empire.
“I know my place,” Aristea said.
