“It really isn’t that big of a deal,” I say.
Ida’s eyes narrow on my face. “I don’t know what you are talking about, Stellan. It doesn’t matter.” She clears her throat, looking me in the eye. “Your father has had an accident.”
That news, completely unexpected, comes out of nowhere and hits me like a freight train.
“What?” I blink repeatedly.
“He is fine. He just walked off the middle of a stage yesterday. But I asked him what happened… and he admitted that he felt confused right before it happened.”
My eyebrows lift. “What?”
Ida makes a conciliatory expression. “I’ve been telling you to be ready for this, Stellan. And now it’s here.”
“Wait.” I shake my head, trying to understand. “Is my father hurt?”
She exhales, picking at a loose thread on her skirt. “Just some bruises and scrapes. But after talking to your fatherand several doctors, it has been decided that Gorän needs to step down.”
I have to lean back, letting that sink in. My father has always been so big and so strong. To think of him as… a confused man who fell off a stage…
“Stellan.” My grandmother crosses her ankles, looking concerned. “You realize what I’m saying, do you not? Your father has to give up the crown. And you will have to step up and take it from him.”
My eyes widen. “I’m sorry?”
“You are going to be coronated. And I’m afraid it will be soon.” A wrinkle appears on her forehead. “Your father is ill. I’m sorry to put this so bluntly, but it’s time to dispense with your little girlfriend and bring your focus back where it ought to be. On your country, my dear. Your life is about to become extremely complicated and I don’t think you will have time for any… distractions.”
I hear Margot gasp from behind me. I whirl, finding her in the doorway. She looks prim and proper in an expensive ivory silk dress, but her face has lost all its color.
“Is the king okay?” she asks, neatly ignoring her part in my grandmother’s wishes. She looks at me, imploring.
My heart flip flops. I reach out my hand and Margot instantly picks up her dress and runs to sit down beside me, taking my hand. She looks at my grandmother.
“Please tell me he’s going to be okay,” she says again.
Ida clears her throat and narrows her gaze on where Margot touches me. “My son will be fine, thank you. It’s my grandson I have to worry about, it seems.”
Twining my fingers with Margot’s, I pull her hand into my lap. “Tell me what you need,Momse. I will do what I can.”
Her look of displeasure is cold as ice. “Very well.” She lifts her head. “After I leave here, you will never be withoutprotection again. Your guard will be right outside your door for the rest of your life.”
I swallow. When I speak, it sounds as nervous as I feel. This is just a lot to take in. First my father, then the loss of my last little bit of freedom.
“Okay.” I pause a beat. “What else?”
My grandmother looks at Margot, then purses her lips. “You’re the heir to the throne, Stellan. You can’t be dating. You can’t let everyone see how vulnerable you are, especially not right now.” She smiles coolly. “You have to either declare your intentions publicly or stop seeing one another.”
I tighten my grip on Margot’s hand. “Let me worry about dealing with my relationship, Momse.”
Ida arches a brow and gives me a chilling look. “Fine.” She stands up. “There are a thousand different documents for you to sign before you ascend to the throne. There’s a ceremony to be planned out. You’ll have to meet with all the lords and ladies that support us, and parliament besides. You’ll have to decide who’s going to be in your cabinet, who stays, who goes.”
“I’ll do what is needed,” I promise her.
She levels a glare at Margot. “And you might want to see your father, because I’m sure that he will have thoughts on…” She waves her hand at me and Margot. “Whatever is going on here.”
I rise, bringing myself to my full height and peering down at my grandmother. “That’s enough. I’ve heard you.”
Ida looks back at me, nothing on her face but sincerity. “I really hope you have, Stellan. The time for playing at being king has come and gone. Now you must show the entire world who you really are. I can only hope I’ve prepared you for the role.”
She reaches out for me, touching my face briefly. Then she spins and heads out of the room, her head held high. I stare after her, trying desperately to take all the things she said in.
