Ivan and his selected men took a position at my back. And that's when I noticed the bodies. Most of the fallen were getting up or at least showing some signs of life as their immortality kicked in and healed them. But some remained unmoving. One such body was smaller than the rest. And in its hand was a dagger.
I started for the stairs, but Kon stopped me.
“You need to address your people as their new king.
“That can wait,” I snapped. “I need tohelpmy people first. Where are our doctors?! I want every available physician and assistant out here now! We've got injured who are not recovering!”
The Kaplan Commander smirked and nodded at Kon as I ran off the platform. At the bottom of the stairs, I found Valeriya ducking out from beneath the edge of the platform with her family and Olga. Ivan must have freed them of their nooses before the lever was pulled, and they'd been hiding below, unable to help, what with their hands bound in those damn magic-repressing shackles. Assured of their wellbeing, I only nodded as I raced by them, heading for one, unmoving boy.
“Gleb!” I dropped to my knees beside his body. “Someone help me!” I checked for a pulse but couldn't find one.
“Medic!” Konstantin, suddenly beside me, roared.
“Come on, Gleb.” My hands went to the wound in his chest. Dear Goddess, if his heart had been damaged badly, there would be no saving him. “You're not alone. I'm with you. You're not alone, Gleb.”
“Allow me, Your Majesty,” one of the physicians set his kit down beside Gleb and opened it.
“I'm here with you,” I said again and took Gleb's hand.
Around me, people started to gather, watching their new king kneel beside a wine boy. I didn't care. Fuck nobility. This kid had run into the fray for me with only a dagger and the stones to use it.
The hand I held twitched.
“Gleb?” I searched his face.
“He's coming around, Your Majesty,” the doctor said. “The blow missed his heart. He'll be okay.”
“Thank the Gods.”
“Mikhail?” Gleb whispered. “Am I dead?”
“No, you're still here with us, Gleb.” I laughed as the crowd cheered. “You and your giant set of balls.”
Chapter Forty-Four
I stepped back onto the platform over an hour later in a fresh set of clothes, including my fur coat. Konstantin had followed me around the courtyard as I'd checked on everyone's recovery (even Timur), urging me to at least put some boots on, until he finally picked me up and carried me into the castle to change out of that stupid robe and get properly dressed.
Now, Konstantin stood beside me, Sir Ivan with my small but brave King's Guard behind us while Commander Anatoly stood with some of his soldiers to our right. The courtyard was full and cold despite all the body heat, but I wanted to get this done as soon as possible.
“Bring the prisoners forward,” I said.
It shocked me how easily I had stepped into the role of King. I had watched Nikolay do it for years, but that only taught me hownotto rule. No, this came from somewhere else. I prayed it was a remnant of my father—his wisdom passed down to me, or even a combination of my parents' love guiding me. Whatever it was, I wanted to do well for them. To honor their memory by finally taking my place on the Larch throne.
And I didn't need a coronation. I just wanted to get right to it.
The knights and the members of the court who had supported Nikolay were herded forward to stand before the platform. Most of them didn't look at me and those who did, did so resentfully. But these were still my people. I had known them for most of my life.
“I will not start my reign with more bloodshed,” I said. “If you are concerned for your lives, do not be.”
That got their attention. Every last one of them looked up.
“Instead, I offer you a choice. You may stay here and pledge your fealty to me or you may leave and seek a new life outside of my kingdom. If you stay, you will be forgiven completely. I will not punish you for being loyal to a man who you believed was your rightful king. For many of you, he was. Instead of holding that against you, I will give you a chance to transfer that loyalty to me.”
The prisoners shuffled and exchanged wary glances.
“Just know this; if you stay and betray me, I will not pinion you. I will fucking cut your heart out myself and cast it to the wolves!”
The free Larchs cheered as those in chains cringed, and the Kaplans smirked. Konstantin just chuckled softly.
