Genevieve
The prosecution looks at me like a dog who’s taken a firm scolding when I insist that Kieran be freed. He’s still trying to come up with a plan to carry out my mother’s wishes.
“It doesn’t matter if he’s not guilty of spreading the rot or the murder. He’s still guilty of kidnapping the crown princess.”
I scoff. The ridiculous charges can’t stand when I’m the one who was allegedly kidnapped.
“I am ready to stand as a witness for the defense.”
The judge shakes his head. “That isn’t necessary. I see now that this case was a cover-up for the queen’s own guilt. We have much bigger issues to face than whether you left willingly with your lover or not, and from your word, Your Highness, I have no doubt the kidnapping charges were the one thing the queen could use to arrest Mr. Greenbluff. As far as I’m concerned, he’s free to go.”
My heart leaps, and I can’t help turning back to Kieran and smiling at him. The dread he’s been holding melts from his face as I mouth, “You’re free!”
“Thank you, Your Honor.” I start to leave, but he calls me back, a deep frown creasing his face.
“If what Princess Marielle says is true, she will have to be tried for murder and misuse of helachite. Queen Penelope will also face trial. This is unprecedented. We haven’t had a monarch face trial since the War of the Blood. The council needs to be informed.”
“It’s already been done. My siblings and I met privately with the council this morning, laying out the misuse of Queen Penelope’s power and the crimes committed against the people of Naseria. The queen is currently being convinced of her need to abdicate. As for Princess Marielle, she’s committed a crime, but she’s also been heavily influenced by my mother. Justice must be served, but it’s my hope that her punishment reflects her status as a victim as well.”
“Very well, Your Highness. I must say, if this is an example of your forward-thinking leadership, I believe Naseria will be in good hands.”
He bows, and I give him a small curtsy before turning toward Kieran. It takes all my self-control not to run to him. I don’t run. I walk, head held high, back straight, like the queen I am.
But when I reach him, I drop every pretense of royalty, throwing my arms around him as he wraps me close. “You’re free!” I cry, his embrace everything I’ve hoped for.
Kieran’s hands shake as he cups my face, his eyes brimming with tears. “You amazing, brilliant woman. You did it.”
Then his lips press to mine in a bone-melting kiss that is anything but proper. I don’t care. I open myself to him, his tongue meeting mine in an eager greeting. He’s free and safe and mine—forever mine.
We pull back only when I realize people are clapping and cheering for us. “He’s free!” I shout, and the room bursts into applause. A hand grazes my back, and I turn to see Leland smirking.
“I should still be angry with you, Morris—Kieran, I mean—but I can’t seem to stay mad at you. I wish you both the best.” Then he slips away through the crowd.
“There’s someone you need to speak to,” I tell Kieran, taking his hand and leading him toward Mari, who sits deep in conversation with several men I don’t recognize.
“Excuse us, please,” I say. The men bow and step aside, leaving the three of us alone.
“You know how to clear a room, Princess,” Kieran quips. I could cry at the sound of him teasing me again, knowing how desperate we both were last night.
“Mari, how are you doing?” I ask.
She closes her eyes, her hands trembling slightly in her lap. When she finally opens them, she replies, “I feel good that my word got Mr. Blackwell—Kieran—free. But those men were from the court. They’re saying my testimony will be used against me in a trial. Genny, I never wanted to harm anyone! Everything has been so uncontrollable since my gift manifested. I shouldn’t be trusted with anyone.”
I squeeze her shoulder, feeling the tension there. “Don’t be frightened. I’ll protect you. I have a plan.”
She looks at me with earnest green eyes. “I trust you, Genny.”
“Thank you, Princess Marielle, for everything you’ve done for me today. Your bravery saved my life.”
Mari takes Kieran’s hands in her gloved ones. “I could never let my mother harm another person the way she’s harmed me. And I know you both deservea chance to be together.”
“Should we get out of here?” I ask, and Mari gives a quick, wary nod.
“Shouldn’t I be arrested by now?” she says.
“It will be more complicated than that to arrest a member of the royal family, whether that’s just or not. You’re safe, Mari. If anyone should be concerned, it’s Mother.”
Kieran takes my hand as I lace my other with Mari’s, and together we head toward a side exit. We slip out unnoticed.
